Gaining perspective in work as in life

Not long ago, a shift occurred in my professional journey.  I welcomed it and looked forward to the opportunity and change.  I’ve been fortunate to experience variety throughout my career.  It has allowed me to see and do many things while challenging me to grow personally as well as professionally.

While I anticipated bumps in the road, I must admit, I wasn’t prepared for the most recent one I encountered.  In preparing for this new venture, a trusted person in my life had ironically cautioned me with the very thing I now faced.  Still, I didn’t see it coming.  And…I have not handled it in the best way.  I have broken the very rule I teach others on a daily basis.  That being…”you can’t control others, it is not good use of your energy.  Control your responses to the situation.”  Let’s just say, I’ve wasted a lot of energy these last few weeks.

It might be stating the obvious when I say throughout life we face things/people that disrupt or perhaps even block our path.  But, like it or not, those are not the issue.  Too often, they become the issue and we blame them when in fact it is how we respond to them that is the real problem.  That is the one thing for which we are in control.  That is where the responsibility lies.

I left work recently feeling frustrated, angry, betrayed and unsupported.  But, that’s all on me.  It was my reaction to the situation.  Whatever may have occurred, I am responsible for how I react to the circumstances.  I knew better and I can do better.  One thing is for sure.  In my attempt to do this job perfectly, I realized I am perfect at one thing;  being flawed!!

I am a person who believes in being mindful, in thought and in prayer.  I am grateful for this focus these last few days.  It has been key in getting that perspective that I had temporarily lost and was so desperate to find. I’m a realist.  There’s a real chance it will slip away again.  But, God willing, I will remember these last days and how it felt and what I learned.

In my hindsight, I have learned:

1.      I cannot control others.  (and I don’t want to)

2.      Let go of the past.  Whether good or bad, if it impacts your current situation in a negative way, file it!!

3.      Get out of my own way!  No one trips me up more than I do.

4.      Never forget who I am, what I know and my commitment.  Since the day I chose to be a Social Worker/Therapist, I commited to assisting others to the best of my ability.

5.      Own my truth.  Just as another person’s truth may not be mine…my truth may not be theirs.

6.      Avoid drama at all costs, in work and in life. It is exhausting!!!

7.      Have grace for others, always being aware that they have their own journey.

8.      Priorities are important.  Do not lose sight.  I am working to live, not living to work.

9.      When I question who I can trust, I trust God in all things, all ways, at all times.

10.  Connecting back to number one, I am responsible, I am responsible, I am responsible….in every circumstance for my reactions.

Recently, I ran across this and it fits my situation perfectly,

“I can choose to let it define me, confine me, refine me or I can choose to move on and leave it behind me”. ~anonymous~

Have a Blessed Week,

Tammy