Candice Coughenour LMFT.....................................Issue #1

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More Than One Thing Can Be True at a Time

Hi Reader,

Do you ever feel torn between yes and no, rest and productivity, calm and chaos…like wanting to set a boundary but also feeling guilty, or loving your work while wishing for more free time?

You’re not alone. One of the most freeing shifts for people-pleasing perfectionists is realizing that more than one thing can be true at a time.

Many of us fall into “all or nothing” thinking:

Either I’m productive or I’m lazy.
Either I’m kind or I’m selfish.
Either I’m doing great or I’m falling apart.

But most of life lives in the in-between or the grey area.

You can…
✨ Feel proud of your accomplishments and still crave rest.
✨ Care deeply for others and put yourself first.
✨ Feel grief and relief at the same time.

Holding multiple truths doesn’t make you indecisive or inconsistent…it makes you human.
When you let go of the pressure to “pick a side,” you create room for curiosity, compassion, and clarity.

Allowing complexity helps soften overthinking, ease guilt, and deepen your understanding of what you truly need. Some choices are clear, but many are layered and that’s not a mistake. That’s growth.

This week, try this gentle reflection:

Notice a moment where you feel conflicted.
​Write down what you know to be true about the situation.
​Reflect: What thoughts, feelings, or actions can coexist here?
​Observe what shifts when you stop forcing yourself to choose just one.

Growth Opportunities

Mindfulness: Sit quietly for one minute and name two truths about your day. Let both exist without judgment.
​Boundary Reminder: Saying “yes” to yourself doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you balanced.
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P.S Have you had a moment recently where two truths coexisted? Maybe joy and sadness, confidence and fear? Hit reply and share, I’d love to hear your experience.

Remember: life isn’t about choosing sides. Freedom comes from letting your full truth unfold — messy, complex, and beautifully human.

With warmth and understanding,
​Candice
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Licensed Therapist | Recovering People-Pleaser | Fellow Overthinker
The Congruent Soul
Email: candice@thecongruentsoul.com

Socials @candice_lmft

Website: thecongruentsoul.com (coming soon)
Helping people-pleasing perfectionists set boundaries, reduce burnout, and rediscover joy.

See you next week!