The Best Part

Today was a moment when I finally felt like I had a glimpse of myself, who I really am, who I want to become. I made the difficult decision to leave the job I have been at for 5 years. A job that helped me grow in a completely different way than any other job that I had previously had. I worked in an academic environment. A world where I was “preparing the future social workers”. I was good at it. Maybe even great. I went out of my way to make it better, easier, something less stressful for others. Yet, I lost myself in the process. I forgot who I was and, at times, found myself going through the motions. 

And then...then I decided to begin private practice therapy during a global pandemic. It was the only way I knew how to make a difference. I knew how hard things felt for me, and could only imagine what others were experiencing. So I jumped in, full force, while still working a full-time job and committed to making each day just a little bit easier for others.

It was then that I realized I wanted to do more. I found myself thriving on the connections I was making. Every time someone said “I tried what you suggested” or “You really do know what you are doing”, it was like I finally realized that I could deeply connect and make a difference. Not one that someone was telling me I was doing, but something I felt within myself.

So I made the decision to transition. One that I did not take lightly. It wasn’t easy to walk away from something I put so much time and energy into. Yet, I feel like I’m finally moving into me, into what I was meant to do, and into a time to grow even more than ever. The amazing thing is, so many people immediately cheered me on, expressed their excitement and support, and told me that I CAN do this. 

The best part...I actually believe them.