Be they Christmas, Chanukah or Kwanzaa, may your holidays be filled with love and joy.
During this time of year, as 2022 comes to an end, I like to consider my blessings. I’m grateful that I can share my 45 years of experience as a clinical psychologist with you, my readers. I’ve learned so much from my patients, my colleagues and my teachers over the years. My goal for this column has been to inspire you to become the person that you want to be. I hope that this column has helped you in some small ways.
I’m also grateful to The Everett Clinic, part of Optum Washington. I started our Behavioral Health department in 1993 and was its director until 2018, when I retired from that job and continued in my current role as a clinical psychologist. Next year I will have worked at the Clinic for 30 years! It’s been a privilege to work with so many excellent physicians, providers and staff. It’s an honor to continue to work with my patients, some of whom I saw as children and who are now parents.
I’m fortunate that my oldest daughter moved back to the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. They live 15 minutes from my house. I get to help my daughter and her family by taking care of my 3-year-old grandson and my 6-year-old granddaughter several days a week. They give me much joy. I was lucky to have a grandmother who lived with our family when I was growing up. I know how important grandparents can be.
This month I celebrated my 45th wedding anniversary with the love of my life, Diane. She has always shown up for me, supported me through hard times and shared with me the joy and challenges of raising two children.
I appreciate my two adult children, Maya and Naomi, who have meaningful careers, supportive spouses and lovely children. Despite all my missteps as a father, they turned out to be admirable young women. Who can ask for anything more?
I’ve had several mentors who have helped me become the person I hoped to be. Over the course of many years, I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor many young therapists who worked in our department.
During this holiday season, take time to count your blessings. Despite whatever challenges you faced this year, you can still find things to appreciate. At your holiday gatherings, share your gratitude with loved ones.
That’s a priceless gift.
Paul Schoenfeld is a clinical psychologist at The Everett Clinic. His Family Talk blog can be found at www. everettclinic.com/ healthwellness-library.html.
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