Independence.

What is normal?
This week in the therapy group, we are reflecting on what is considered ‘normal.’ Where does ‘normal’ come from?
One of the aspects involves norms and values: within the family, in the household, and in the country and culture in which you were raised. Values determine how we make choices, how we respond, and what we do.
When you understand the values you hold, you also comprehend why you say or do certain things, allowing you to explain this to others. You will also understand that another person may make different choices than you. This presents a beautiful opportunity for conversation.

Today, we looked at the values you have and their order of importance. From here, a project will be created with the title: Me and My Values.

“The greatest values I arrived at are safety and independence.”

“I have represented safety as solid ground; it does not move, it does not change, it is as hard as it can be. And on that, I stand with my spaceship.”

“Independence means that I must be able to manage on my own in various areas. Wherever I fly to, I want to be able to take care of myself and stay on my feet.”
She adds:
“However, that does not mean that I do not want people around me. It is very nice to have my family and friends close by and to receive support and warmth from them. But in all those situations, I stand on my own two feet.”

During the time she has lived in this country, her world has completely changed. Nothing is as it once was. In a certain way, she has lost herself. She was in the midst of life, emotionally bouncing back and forth significantly. It reached a point where her husband said to her, “How can there be such enormous differences in you as a single person?”
In her new country, she has become more of a spectator in her own life and has learned to be the stable factor—for herself and for her family.
What the future holds is uncertain and unclear. But she is ready to stand on her own two feet, wherever she may be.