I think we underestimate how difficult change is. A change in circumstance is hard enough, but a change in your being? Its going to take all that you've got.
With the youth I work with, often their parents get frustrated with their lack of follow through but I often want to ask them if they've tried to make any changes lately - lose weight, change your diet, go to bed on time, stop being late - its hard enough as adults to make these changes, try to being a teenager trying to stop using an addictive substance!
I have the ability to pursue an opportunity for change at my job. There are warring instincts within me as I consider this chance... one part that is still a student and gets antsy every four months wishing for a change in semesters and another that fears change and questions my worth and ability in the face of every challenge, one part is ambitious and looking towards my future, the other enjoys the comfort and safety of what is known.
The url for this blog is couragelove, when I was doing my practicum placement I had the saying "Courage my Love" posted on my wall and in my agenda to remind me to be brave and to be kind to myself. Perhaps I need to start reminding myself again...
