November 2016
The beginning of October, I accepted a new position with my employer. So, for the past 3+ weeks, I have had a foot in two different jobs. I am excited and looking forward to the change. I will be working with a prison diversion program with people with chronic substance abuse problems. I have been a counselor for people with substance abuse problems for 16 ½ years. I talk to people on a daily basis about making changes in their lives. I believe I am empathetic, understanding of challenges and supportive of my clients. But these last few weeks have got me thinking differently about change.
I am making a change willingly, with my eyes open, with a good understanding of the job expectations and a belief in my capability of doing the work. And I am stressed! I have moments of feeling overwhelmed, feeling unsupported and misunderstood. Now mind you, I like my boss and we get along well. So why am I feeling this way? I’ve been thinking a lot about that.
I am finishing up one job – catching up on paperwork, going through my desk and file cabinet (I get to move to a new office – joy, joy – not!), and telling some clients I have worked with for several months or over a year, that I can no longer be their counselor. At the same time, I am shadowing the person I am replacing and learning the tasks of the job and people I will be working with. Additionally, I have had a couple situations in my personal life that have caused a bit of stress. I am feeling not completely in control. Things are a bit more chaotic than usual. My time management skills, while not outstanding in the best of times, are truly challenged. I am learning something new. Yep, it seems my feelings are valid.
I definitely have a new perspective and empathy for my clients. I am asking them to make significant lifestyle changes in a relatively short period of time. This involves their friends, leisure activities, family, mental health, sometimes job and housing. Granted they have created a difficult situation through their substance use. But change is change. It is challenging, disorienting at times, stressful and frequently we are navigating unknown territory. Added to that, my clients are not always sure they need to change.
Think about the last time you asked someone to change something for you. The way a coworker acts toward you or talks to you. Asking our children to be more responsible or to stop a behavior. Discussing an irksome habit with a spouse or friend. Or maybe you are trying to change something about yourself. Exercise more, better time management, less junk food, better communication yourself. It is okay to acknowledge that this change is uncomfortable, maybe is not going smoothly, motivation may be in question. I am not suggesting never try to change anything about ourselves or our lives. But enter the process with our eyes open, knowing there will be challenges. There will be times you question reason, motive and sanity. Take small steps. Talk about the challenges. And definitely reward your successes!
Shalom,
Nancy
President