02/03/2026
DISCERNING OUR HEART'S INTENTION MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
On the surface, actions or behaviors may look identical when, in fact, they may not be.
Becoming aware of our honest intentions and motivations may be difficult and painful but doing so is essential. One will lead us to healing and growth while the other will keep us stuck in patterns that sabotage our efforts.
Furthermore, we often have mixed motivations operating in our hearts, some of them more conscious and others may be hidden.
Becoming healthy is no easy task. We need to be patient and kind to ourselves. Growth and healing take time and committment and a lot of grace.
Ponder the wisdom offered by the clinician below to go the direction you want to travel.
A NEW PERSPECTIVE
These pairs often get confused because they can look identical from the outside - and sometimes even feel similar in the moment.
The key isn’t waiting to see how you feel after. It’s getting clear on what outcome you’re actually working toward.
⭐️Accountability vs. Shame: Do you want to learn from this mistake and do better next time? Or are you just beating yourself up on repeat? Accountability is future-focused. Shame keeps you stuck in the past.
⭐️Processing vs. Ruminating: Are you working through the emotion to reach understanding? Or are you replaying the same thoughts without resolution? Processing has movement. Ruminating is a closed loop.
⭐️ Boundaries vs. Walls: Do you want to protect yourself while staying open to connection? Or are you shutting people out completely? Boundaries are selective. Walls are total.
⭐️ Assertiveness vs. Aggression: Are you standing up for your needs while respecting the other person? Or are you bulldozing over them to get your way? Assertiveness honors both people. Aggression only honors one.
➡️ The distinguishing question: What am I trying to create here?
When you’re clear on the outcome you actually want - growth, resolution, safety with connection, mutual respect - it becomes easier to recognize which path gets you there.