Lecture: 'I Can!'

Often the phrase “What will people say?” becomes defining in our lives. These people will probably say “you can’t”: you can’t experience certain emotions; you can’t do those kinds of things; you can’t dress the way you want; don’t think about your figure; have sex after 50; and so on. You can’t be yourself. It’s as if we are wrapped in a shell made of these prohibitions and we lose connection with ourselves. Our favorite things stop bringing joy, and anxiety, resentment, irritation, and fatigue replace them. How do you get out of this “case”? In the lecture, psychologist Elena Novoselova will tell you how to learn to express yourself and get back the joy of life.

We’ll discuss:
– when and why we lose connection with ourselves;
– what we can allow ourselves and whether there are limits to “allowed”;
– whether “not caring” and self-esteem help on this path;
– how to stop living for someone else’s approval.

Our emotions, actions, and even shortcomings make us unique. Imagine how boring the world would be if it contained only perfect, “approved” people. Luckily, no one is perfect! What we consider shortcomings can seem to other people like outstanding traits that make us memorable and loved. You can learn this only by expressing your feelings and desires. Let’s do it—now it’s allowed,” says Elena Novoselova.

Elena Novoselova is an experienced psychologist, consultant, and a popular expert on family relationships. She is the author of books and the host of her own projects on television and radio. She is a member of the Russian Psychotherapeutic League and a regular author of “Direct Speech.”