from the Couch

As this month of reflection comes to a close, I’m naming something that often goes unnoticed—especially during the holidays. Not all growth is visible. Not all wins are loud. Sometimes the most meaningful progress happens quietly, internally, and without recognition. This reflection is an invitation to slow down, release comparison, and acknowledge the small wins that still count—especially in years that asked more than expected.

This week digs into the hard-to-admit truths we tend to avoid — the patterns we didn’t break, the places we stayed small, and the shame that grows when we keep things hidden. Honest reflection can sting… but it’s also the doorway to real change.

December tends to spotlight every empty checklist and abandoned goal — but reflection doesn’t have to turn into self-criticism. This week’s Notes from the Couch invites you to look back on your year with honesty, compassion, and a gentler understanding of your humanity.