In a world that prizes "closure" and "completion," it can feel like a failure to leave a chapter of your life hanging open. We are often told that to move forward, we must tie up every loose end and resolve every conflict. But the truth of human growth is far more organic than that.
At Schaefer Counselling Services, a core philosophy is that you don’t have to close every chapter to move forward. Some things remain unfinished because they are still unfolding.
The Myth of Measurable Growth
We often try to measure our healing in miles or milestones, but emotional growth isn't always linear or clear. You might feel like you’re standing still, yet beneath the surface, a vital process is doing its work.
Growth is less like checking a box and more like the tree in the Schaefer Counselling logo—it is a series of seasons, some focused on shedding old leaves and others on the quiet, invisible work of strengthening roots.
Creating Space for the "In-Between"
If you are currently in a season where things feel messy, unresolved, or "in-progress," try to offer yourself a bit of self-compassion.
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Healing requires patience: Some wounds undergo a gradual softening over time rather than a sudden "finish line."
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Unfolding is an active process: Just because a chapter isn't closed doesn't mean you aren't growing.
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Space is essential: Sometimes the best thing we can do for our mental health is to stop forcing a conclusion and simply allow the story to breathe.
In today's blog image above, a jet stream cuts through a still, wintry St. Albert sky. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the healing process: while the landscape around us may feel frozen or "stuck" in a specific chapter, we can still be in motion. Moving forward doesn't always mean the scenery changes immediately; sometimes, it simply means we are staying our course while the rest of our story is still catching up.
Support for Your Journey
Since opening in St. Albert in October 2024, my goal has been to provide a safe container for these unfinished stories. You don’t need to have all the answers or a finished narrative to reach out for support. Whether your story is just beginning or you are deep in the "in-between," there is space for you here.
Which part of your story is still unfolding today?
If you feel like you could use some support along the way, I invite you to explore current availability. You can find more information and book a session through the website.
I look forward to connecting with you.
—Annika
Annika Schaefer
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