I work in a place that encourages me to share my ideas and point of view.
I work in a place where I am recognized for my hard work.
I work in a place in which I can tell that management is invested in me.
I work in a place that pushes me to grow.
I work in a place that permits me a healthy work-life balance.
I work in a place that MAKES ME HAPPY.
Those are six statements that I can say without hesitation in my job. Those are six statements that I couldn't have said before. I am so glad that I dove off my cliff a year ago and made a change for me. So often in this profession we stick with things or say yes to things because of what it will do for others or for the good of the group. It's not often that we take a step back and do something for ourselves.
This past year I have grown so much because I was willing to do something for me. I have presented at a conference, developed a new process within the department I work in, and have actually earned a hospital wide award for service excellence. None of that would have happened had I stayed stuck where I was. The field of child life, while small, is still abounding with opportunity. When I first started I had planned on staying at my first job until I gained enough experience to apply to positions closer to home. I had expected that I would stay in that first position for about two years. In actuality I didn't even stay for 12months! I could see that I was going to stop growing and just maintain, I didn't want that for myself.
Things are coming up roses for me right now. I am in an extreme season of growth and have all the encouragement from my supervisors and teammates to keep growing. As I contemplate and think back on this past year of change I am overwhelmed with excitement and happiness with the choices I made. If this is only year one after starting to focus on me, I can't wait to see what can happen down the road.
What things are you doing that are solely for yourself? If it's not much, maybe consider making a change.
-K
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