Introspection!

I find myself here again. Laptop on lap, fingers revisiting the same keyboard they did yesterday & with each key stroke I am off loading my thoughts & performing an active analysis of the day that was!

The content of what we learned today had me questioning many things about myself. I found myself doubting whether I was doing the absolute best that I could do for my clients. I shared this concern with a lecturer when seeking advice & clarification about a situation about a client.

He assured me that the simple fact that I had identified a problem, identified the need for change, had analysed my thoughts, had attempted to facilitate change (although it was unsuccessful) & sought out advice... indicated to him that I was in fact very good at my job. That I had all the attributes that make a good support worker.

Reflecting upon what he said I realised that what he was saying was right & was grateful for his comment.

I love my job.... actually I refer to it more as a calling.

There are many things I could do to earn money but none of those would fill my heart to overflowing like this job does.

It is by no means a glamorous job, an easy job & is not a job that is recognised as a profession with true merit by many people in society. In my mind I see the misjudgment of such people as being naivity. That lack of exposure, lack of education & previously learned misconceptions confuses people with a negative & inaccurate image of the people we support.

We really do need to actively grab onto opportunities to teach others, whom seemingly don't know better. We need to help them to see these special people through the same eyes that we do. We see them just as we see ourselves. They are individuals, with personalities, interests, likes, dislikes, wants, needs, feelings!

We need to be welcoming these special people with open arms into our communities. They need to feel valued & accepted. We need to create a culture that accepts & embraces difference and one that encourages the coexistence of ALL people...regardless of ability, disability & appearances.