This week, I was reminded—again—that progress isn’t always linear. As a counsellor, I say that often to clients. I believe it. But living it? That’s a different story. I have two young adults and one teenager, each navigating their own unique ups and downs. Some days they’re thriving, full of insight and independence; other days, they’re discouraged, questioning everything. I see how healing and growth don’t happen in a straight line for them—and I’m learning to meet them where they are, not where I expected them to be, which is easier said than done.
The truth is, it’s not just them. I see it in my clients, and I feel it in myself. When clients walk into a session feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or doubting themselves, I recognize those states—because I’ve been there too. I don’t need to adapt to their experience; I understand it. I live it in my own way. And because of that, I respect them even more for showing up and doing the work to understand their journey. Life constantly shifts, and between supporting my family—my husband, my kids—and trying to create space for my own growth, I often find myself stretched. Some days I feel aligned, and others I feel like I’m just staying afloat. That, too, is part of the process.
Progress, healing, connection—all of it moves in loops and spirals, not clean lines. There are breakthroughs and setbacks, days of clarity and days of complete messiness. What matters most is staying engaged with the process, even when it’s imperfect. This week reminded me that we don’t have to move forward every single day to be growing. Sometimes, just holding space for ourselves and the people we love is a form of quiet progress, too. I have to remember that!
Marie-Chantal Couture