Blog for
Chris Lauzon - Therapist, LICSW

Open your spice rack. Notice what’s there. Not just the garlic powder and sea salt, but the jars tied to chapters of your life. The cumin from the relationship where you learned to cook for two. The chili flakes from the season of intensity. The specialty blend you bought because they liked it. Some of those spices are years old. If you unscrew the lid, the aroma is faint. The color is dull. The potency is gone, yet we keep them.

Throw Out The Spices

Open your spice rack. Notice what’s there. Not just the garlic powder and sea salt, but the jars tied to chapters of your life. The cumin from the relationship where you learned to cook for two. The chili flakes from the season of intensity. The specialty blend you bought because they liked it. Some of those spices are years old. If you unscrew the lid, the aroma is faint. The color is dull. The potency is gone, yet we keep them.

Chris Lauzon, LICSW

3 min read

We are often encouraged to “take the wheel,” to lead, to be independent, to trust no one but ourselves. There is wisdom in that message, especially if your history includes trauma and loss, disappointment, betrayal, or the painful realization that not everyone who offered directions had your destination in mind. But, there is another truth that deserves equal space, it is sometimes OK to be a passenger.

Its OK To Be A Passenger

We are often encouraged to “take the wheel,” to lead, to be independent, to trust no one but ourselves. There is wisdom in that message, especially if your history includes trauma and loss, disappointment, betrayal, or the painful realization that not everyone who offered directions had your destination in mind. But, there is another truth that deserves equal space, it is sometimes OK to be a passenger.

Chris Lauzon, LICSW

4 min read

There are moments in life when change doesn’t arrive as an invitation, it arrives as a directive. Sometimes it’s subtle. A conversation with a supervisor that includes phrases like “performance concerns” or “improvement plan.” Sometimes it’s deeply personal. A partner saying they’re not sure they can continue the relationship as things are. Sometimes it carries authority. A medical professional recommending significant lifestyle adjustments, a court order mandating participation, or workplace requirements that leave little room for negotiation. These moments can feel urgent, heavy, and even frightening. They often come with a clear message: something needs to change. For the sake of discussion, I often refer to this catalyst as Motivation “A.”

Motivation “A”: Don’t Miss The Rest

Motivation “A” might involve adjusting a sleep schedule, working toward weight loss, reevaluating substance use (cannabis, caffeine, alcohol), improving diet, reconsidering social circles, or intentionally engaging in activities that promote connection rather than isolation. The specifics vary, but the origin is similar: an external pressure, expectation, or consequence prompting movement.

Chris Lauzon, LICSW

3 min read