“Seeing with new eyes.”

My wife, Leanne, and I were on a beach walk. Another beautiful (but Covid) morning. As we got close to the pier we could see a crowd of people in a large circle on the wet sand near the water’s edge. As we got closer, Leanne asked me what kind of dog it was. By the way, did I mention that Leanne had cataracts in both eyes and that she’d been thinking about having surgery for them. I responded, “Hey Sweetie, that’s actually a swan.” Admittedly, swans on the beach are unexpected but her guess missed by a lot. She decided, I think, right there, that it was time to have that cataract surgery she had been putting off.

Leanne could have opted for new glasses instead of surgery but all that would have done is magnify the poor vision she was experiencing. She had already made a decision to not drive at night. And the type on her Kindle was expanded to headline size to help her keep up with current events. All these steps were useful, but the source of the problem was still in place (and apparently getting worse).

Well, she had the surgery. She was amazed at how bright the world was now. She now had clear vision; more than she had had for years. Driving at night was possible again. And she could see the difference between a dog and a swan!

Sometimes we try to do work-arounds to a problem. Rather than work toward a solution. We may think the solution lies outside of us rather than within. In a sense, we choose to go to “new lands” rather than first adjusting our vision. I worry about how we get to “new lands” with cloudy vision, old maps and an inability to see the stars by which we are guided in our journey.

I put a statement on the top page of my new website. I’ve come to think of it as a motto for much of the work I do.

The Real Journey of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.”

I have this idea in mind when I respond to clients looking for clarity and solutions to the struggles that bring them to therapy. I offer myself as a collaborator who will join them in their desire to transcend their struggles.

I am here and will be available when you are ready to begin your journey to see with new eyes your work, your relationships and how you see yourself. Easiest way to make contact is through new my webpage:

paulgillane.com
Looking forward to making contact.

Paul Gillane LMFT (949) 370-1777