I recently read an essay about the benefits of sharing oneself with others. As a therapist, I spend a lot of time listening to clients and guiding, providing, and educating them on their own self-discoveries. But on my time... I read a lot, I am always trying to learn and improve more. I study religion and use prayer and meditation to find calm in the midst of my hardships. I play with my family; one of our favorite games is Yahtzee, but for some reason I never win! I take continuing education credits to maintain my professional skills, gain encouragement, and expand my knowledge.  I garden; more specifically, I water Hibiscus plants, which are my fave! I take a walk with the dogs, feel the crisp air against my face, laugh, and simply breathe.

At the end of September, I underwent a hysterectomy, which was a huge surgery that pulled me away from everything I enjoy doing most. Tomorrow marks three weeks, and I'm slowly feeling more like myself and enjoying my days more. It was quite tough to lie in bed, suffer with the discomfort, and not assist my family and others. I regularly found myself in tears, unsure if I was sad or in pain. What I was is blah! I began to reflect on my clients and what I would teach them during a trial like this. As I continued to apply these same strategies, I began to feel better and heal faster.

I as a counselor face trials very similar to my clients every day. I hurt, I cry, I laugh, I pray, and I continually move forward to overcome difficulty's both of the world and inside myself.

Sincerely,

Felica Jo