2 posts tagged “social workers”
This month is National Social Worker appreciation month. In honor of that we had a brunch at work today and were given little certificates with this poem. I have been both on the social work side of things and on the therapist side of things, and i know that this applies to both professions and to other helping professions as well. As i read this poem, I could think of a story to go with each and every line. And i know that those of you who share my profession will be able to do the same. I know the month is almost over, but do something sweet for yourself, and remember all the people whose life you have touched and changed forever.
Being a Social Worker Means......
You will never be bored.
You will always be frustrated.
You will be surrounded by challenges.
So much to do, so little time,.
You will carry immense responsibility and very little authority
You will step into people's lives and you will make a difference.
Some will bless you.
Others will curse you.
You will see people at their worst - and at their best.
You will never cease to be amazed at peoples capacity for love, courage and endurance.
You will see life begin and end.
You will experience resounding triumphs and devastating failures.
You will cry a lot.
You will laugh a lot.
You will know what it means to be human and to be humane.
Author unknown.
I know that is often a thankless job, so I just wanted to share this and say thank you to all of those who are out there making a difference!
Lately I have been asked two questions on a frequent basis.
Q. Why Blog?
A. I like to.
Q. Why on Vox?
A. I like it.
But I started thinking (yes, I know… dangerous) there has to be more to it than that. And what do you know, there is.
My line of work involves a lot of talking to people, sorting through emotions, identifying problems, laying out goals. Wait. That’s not accurate. I should say I listen while other people do the talking. So often by the end of the day I want to get out my own emotions, problems, crazy ideas and random moments without having to actually open my mouth and speak. Solution… blogging!
Most of my friends are walking the same career path with me and while they are a great group of brilliant, wonderful and completely supportive people, when therapists & social workers get to together to discuss one’s problems, there is often a lot of this going on: What’s the fit for that behavior? How do you feel about that? Can you identify the sequence of events? Insert lots of active listening, much more clinical jargon than my overworked brain can think of at the moment and add a dash of conveying of empathy… and boom I feel like I am right back at work. The only difference typically it is frowned upon to gulp down margaritas while a client is on your “proverbial” couch. And yes I said typically; take it for what you will. (Joking… just joking) Again, sometimes I just need to say things with out psycho analyzing them out loud. And yes there are times when I have just vented to my therapist friends and they listened and said nothing. But I know when I leave; the psycho-analytical behind the back gossip will begin. And for all you therapist/counselors/social workers out there pretending to be offended and saying, “I do no such thing.” Yes you do and you know it!!! (PS. I do the same thing)
One of my friends asked if I blogged for the attention. I don’t think that’s the case. I mean its nice getting comments and added to neighborhoods and stuff. Okay, I am kidding no one…. it’s a bit more than nice, I LOVE getting comments; who doesn’t? But I don’t think post just to stack them up. In fact only about 5 of my “real life” friends even know about the existence of this blog. Initially I thought I would post a link to it on myspace. But right now it feels rather freeing to know that most people reading this don’t really know me. So, I haven’t decided if I am going to share it or not.
Okay, I have rambled on way too long and haven’t even finished what I intended to say. Two quick other things to mention as the music starts to play… I can be quite timid sometimes so blogging suits that side of me, writing makes me happy, and genuine happiness has been lacking for my life for way to long. And lastly, I just wanted a place to record my days. However exciting or mundane they should turn out. Hmm... that was more than two wasnt it?
(We will now pause for a commercial break. Assuming there are brave souls still trudging through this post.)
See,that made it worth while!!
PART II
Why Vox?
When I first mentioned to a few people that I was considering setting up a separate blog, they automatically assumed blogspot. Many of my friends host their blogs there, but, honestly something (well lots) about that site is awkward to me. I should clarify and say that i read lots of blogs there, and love them and they arent awkward. Its just that its not the right spot for me. I remember the very first vox blog I clicked on. My initial “Oh, I want one of these” quickly turned into “I MUST have one of these and right now!” I loved the layout of the site, the design options, the groups, and the simplicity of adding videos, pictures and audio. The book lover in me absolutely adored the fact that I could have little pictures of my favorite books right next to my posts. But what sealed the deal (and the poor fate of blogspot) was the warmth and genuineness of the blogs that I read. The sense of community can’t be denied nor have I felt it on any other blog site. I instantly felt connected and welcomed at vox. Not only did I want to read more, I wanted to jump in and start writing. So here I am.
Wow, my intermission was poorly planned and no where near the halfway mark of this little feature. Sorry folks.
I would be interested in hearing why you blog and why you chose vox. (Or maybe I really do blog just for the sake of the comments…kidding… sorta….no really, I am….kidding that is)
