Pursuit 365 Day 92: Alyson Jones

Alyson Jones is a therapist, educator, writer, speaker, and business owner.

“You cannot be both perfect and fabulous – so I always chose fabulous!”
Alyson Jones

I am Alyson Jones, and I am fabulous! I am also thrilled to be a part of Pursuit 365. I am a therapist, educator, writer, speaker and business owner. I am President and Clinical Director of Alyson Jones & Associates which is a large counselling centre where several exceptional counsellors are reframing mental health services to be more accessible, practical and resource based. I am also a mother, wife, daughter, sister, colleague, and friend.

I am passionate about leading honest conversations around mental health, family relationships and how to get the most out of your life. I have a no-nonsense approach to my life, my career, and my business. I have always wanted MORE in my life. I remember being a young girl curious about what else was out there in the world. I wanted to know more and experience more – so despite feelings of anxiety I pushed myself out of my conform zone and into the learning zone.

I developed the MORE philosophy for living in which I celebrate exceptionalism, not perfectionism. This philosophy has benefited my clients, my associates, my family, and myself. Basically, we are talking about a methodology I developed for living in the moment. I use this in my own life and to guide my clients.

No matter what situation is in front of me, I run through my list of core words, “Movement, Opportunity, Reality, and Exception.” First, I look for circumstances or challenges that need to move; second, I assess the opportunities in front of me; third, I observe the reality of the situation; and fourth, I commit to a path where the first three factors converge, and this leads to something exceptional.

“Go forward, embrace you inner exceptionalist and be fabulous.”
Alyson Jones

An exceptional life is a choice we make. It is important to understand that an exceptional life has nothing to do with perfecting your life. An exceptional life can be highly imperfect. In fact, it must be imperfect. We must choose to be imperfect and allow the learning that imperfection brings. To accomplish an exceptional life, we need to let go of perfectionism. Why? Because it is getting in your way, and if you take a perfectionistic path, you will never become fabulous! The two cannot exist together.

Perfectionism is the arch enemy of an exceptional life. Perfectionism can never be accomplished, as perfect does not exist. Perfectionism makes us feel small and inadequate. Unlike the frustrating path of perfectionism, the path of “exceptionalism” is achievable and real. Being fabulous is all about MORE and it leaves room for us to celebrate our quirks, learn from our mistakes, unleash our creativity, experience joy, and find meaning while being present in our exceptional lives.

Enjoy your fabulous journey!

About Alyson

Alyson Jones is a professional therapist and mental health educator as well as the president of a large private counselling clinic, Alyson Jones & Associates. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and has practiced for over twenty-five years, working with all age groups. Alyson is prominent in the psychological community and is often invited by the media to share her extensive knowledge on mental health, parenting, children, and families. She is a regular on CTV Morning Live and a contributing writer to Slica.ca and Huffington Post.