I have worked as a therapist in a beautiful coastal town in Cornwall, UK for sixteen years. Living in such beautiful surroundings you would expect the local population to be relaxed and peaceful. Indeed many are choosing this as the place to enjoy a happy retirement. However, when it comes to matters of the heart, some things are a constant challenge, no matter how idyllic the setting. So many clients come to visit me in my therapy room seeking help with their relationships.  This is often not confined to young people, but is a problem across all age groups. Our aging population is healthier and more active than ever before, so why shouldn’t we also enjoy loving relationships well into old age? Challenges arise within family relationships, friendships and love affairs at any age and often a helping hand is needed to ease these interactions back onto a smooth path.  Many are stuck living with past hurts. They are unable to enjoy the here and now or plan for the future. These past events are being kept fresh in their minds and still hurt as much today as they did many years ago. If not careful these thinking patterns can become habitual or addictive making them hard to break. It can be possible to be stuck in one of the stages of healing like depression or anger.  During these sessions clients are encouraged to have faith in the power of forgiveness.  This may be the last thing on their mind as we live with a culture of blame. By taking responsibility for the lesson you chose to learn, it is easier to let go of anger. Never take anything said or done to you personally. We are all here to learn and make progress as spiritual beings living within a human body.  Remember these difficult emotions are part of the learning process and are meant to be worked through, not rejected and passed on to someone else. To accept a lesson takes a huge amount of faith and love; self-love and the love of others. With unconditional love comes forgiveness and that in turn provides peace of mind and a healthier body. Self-love comes first and takes practice, acceptance, honesty and truth.  Have faith and patience with the process of learning.  If healing takes its own time, so be it.  Learn from every aspect of your lesson. It has a valuable message within all the pain and suffering if you can confront it with a positive attitude. To quote the healer Barbara Ann Brennan from her book Hands of Light:

“I care for your well-being in any way I can. I honour your soul and respect your light. I support and trust your integrity and light as a fellow traveler along the way of life. You begin to learn that giving is receiving, is giving, is receiving.”

As February is the month dedicated to love and romance, make a positive choice to love and heal old relationship wounds. Love your friends, family and partners. Love the memories of people who have passed into spirit. Above all, love and forgive yourself. Views:]]>