Here I am again: this is me...the Pot calling out the Kettle. Last week I wrote about loving yourself; accepting yourself; making time for the things that bring you joy. I write those things because self-care is such an important concept for those in the helping profession. Without it, we crash and burn. We leave … Continue reading The Hypocrite
Dangerous Opportunity
When written in Chinese, the word "crisis" is composed of two characters. One represents danger, and the other represents opportunity. John F. Kennedy. We all face crisis: in our career, in our personal life, in relationships. Crisis can seem debilitating at times. And for some, it is. In the throngs of crisis, we experience those … Continue reading Dangerous Opportunity
One More Minute
After my heart surgery, I committed, with the obvious wake-up call, to changing my unhealthy lifestyle. I didnt drink or smoke and I did ocassionally exercise prior to the event. But, according to the doctors, the two biggest contributors to the problem were the stress in my life from my career and the fact that … Continue reading One More Minute
A Slice of Humble Pie
As a young, ambitious social worker, I worked hard to grow professionally while achieving goals. After a year of focusing, learning and experience, my statistics were good, client satisfaction was high and my small county rated highly in state ranks in child welfare. To be sure, I was fortunate to be part of a great … Continue reading A Slice of Humble Pie
Taking on the Giant
If you grew up going to Sunday School, you know the story of David and Goliath. If you didn't; the story summary is thus. In a battle between warring factions, one side had recruited a Giant. Each morning this massive warrior would lumber to the front lines, taunting the other side with jeers and accusations … Continue reading Taking on the Giant
Trial by Fire
When I was a very young girl, I had my first experience with Fire. And my family has never let me live it down. While visiting family in New Orleans, my brothers and I had spent the night with my step-grandmother and my two aunts. Interestingly, my two aunts were the same age as my … Continue reading Trial by Fire
Packing Light
As a social worker, I attend several conferences a year. Bowing to an underlying fear of not having the right outfit, I used to grossly over-pack.. For example, if I were attending a two day conference, my suitcase would likely contain: Dresses for 2 days; Pants for 2 days in case It rained or was … Continue reading Packing Light
When it all Comes Crashing In
What an exciting day you've had! It has been one of those days that kept you running from crisis to crisis. Your adrenaline valve wide open, you're operating on a combination of energy drinks and determination to save the world! Each averted crisis fuels you on to the next until the waves of urgency subside … Continue reading When it all Comes Crashing In
The Sins of the Father
Why do people hurt the ones they love? After 31 years in the Human Services field, I am no closer to the answer than I was when I started. The speculation differs from person to person based on the narrative in their head. From working in both Mississippi and Alabama, I have heard all of … Continue reading The Sins of the Father
Forming a Tribe
A lesson I learned over 30 years ago still rings true today. We need to belong. We need a tribe. We need others to help us get through the hard things in life. We were not meant to struggle alone. High School is hard. Belonging to a tribe helps us to navigate through, not only … Continue reading Forming a Tribe
Water for Camels 