The Constant of Change: A Farewell to My Therapist

“This too shall pass.”

It’s a phrase we’ve all heard, but it carries so much more weight when you’ve lived through enough seasons of life to know its truth. Change is inevitable, and the only constant we can count on is that nothing stays the same forever.

Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time with my psychologist, Dr. Perez. She has helped me navigate some of life’s toughest challenges—pain, loss, transitions, and everything in between. But now, I find myself facing another change: she’s retiring. It’s one of those bittersweet moments where I feel so happy for her, yet I know I’m going to miss her presence in my life. And soon, I’ll have to start over with someone new.

It’s a familiar story, isn’t it? We go through life forming deep connections with teachers, mentors, and guides who help shape us. We might have loved our kindergarten teacher or a coach who inspired us, but eventually, we grow, we learn, and we move forward. And in that process, we also let go. We give them space to live their own lives, just as they helped us build ours. That, in itself, is love—the ability to appreciate someone’s presence, learn from them, and then send them off with gratitude as they move into their next chapter.

There’s a saying from my time in the military: Learn it, do it, and then teach it. It’s a reminder that life is constantly evolving. At one point, I was the one learning. Then I started doing. And now, because of Dr. Perez, I’m in a place where I can teach others. The lessons she’s given me—how to journal, how to meditate, how to process emotions and navigate change—are things I now pass on to others. And in that way, her impact continues, even as she steps away from her practice.

We sometimes like to think that we’re the only ones who matter, that our mentors and teachers exist solely for us. But the truth is, in a world of over eight billion people, there are countless others who need to meet someone like Dr. Perez. She’s made me a better person, and I know she’ll continue to touch lives in whatever she chooses to do next.

Change isn’t always easy. Losing people, losing abilities, facing the unknown—it can be overwhelming. But as Dr. Perez has taught me, it’s all part of the journey. And just as life happens to us, it happens to those who have helped us along the way.

So, thank you, Dr. Perez, for everything. I hope you enjoy your retirement, your family, your friends, and whatever new adventures await you. You have given me the tools to handle life’s changes, and for that, I am forever grateful.

And to anyone reading this—if you’re struggling with change, if you’re facing a transition that feels daunting, know that you are not alone. We learn, we grow, and we carry forward the lessons given to us. And in time, we pass them on. That’s the rhythm of life. That’s the beauty of change.