In my previous social work/counseling "lives" (5/9) that I have done over the past 14+ years including internships, I have found what environments I become small in and which ones I thrive through. I have recognized the "seasoned" workers who seek excellence in all they do and continue to evolve and grow and I have recognized the "tenure" workers who have settled into mantras of comfort and avoidance of rocking any boats.
The tenure workers see change coming and simply sit back because "they've seen it all before" and although they share their feedback...business continues as usual. They settle. They remain in their corners with their heads ducked to the side so as not to be seen because it's a "job". They await their next vacation or time off. As much as I respect their stability, I deeply mourn their lack of tenacity and passion.
In each environment...(marriage and family therapy, counseling, private agency, community home health, hospital: rural and urban; psychiatric and various units), I have sensed the need for improvement in how to help healers to heal while they are helping others. Mental health professionals and healthcare professionals are healers even if they also have to be paper pushers, insurance negotiators and policy puppets (no disrespect intended). We need healthier outlets, time for reflection and an acknowledgement that healing work is hard, complicated and complex.
So in order to NOT LOSE YOUR MIND...____________ (i.e. healers) need:
A Supportive Community :: what the world needs = you to come alive
We are made for community. We need people behind us, in front of us and beside us. We co-create our perspectives.
A Simple Path :: there is a path and you're already on it
We fear we don't have what it takes, or that we are wasting our time. We must continue and not
think too much but have a plan. Growth can come through recognition.
Share yourself: it's not about self-promotion :: self-promoting is gross but helping is kind.
Share your work with joy and creativity. Be yourself as you are. "There you are...how can I help?"
I want to invite you into considering how your gift can impact others in your community, neighborhood, or trained profession.
There you are caregivers...there you are healers...how can I help you? How can I encourage you? How can I offer soul space for you to also receive healing and remain thriving? How can I help you replenish your body, mind and spirit so you can then continue to help others?
This is where I am, this is what I think about and this is where I have been stuck for two years after resigning from work. Wondering, wondering how God would use me again. Wondering how I need to risk.
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