Life is about choices. The small ones, medium ones and big ones. The decisions you made today can impact tomorrow in numerous ways. Errors of youth lead to lifetime consequences. Some of the major decisions you make in your life include who you marry, what you’ll do for a living, and who you will procreate with. Life includes suffering but oftentimes give you the opportunity to choose your hell. Making the wrong choice for you in any of these areas can be devastating. We see stories of people making quick decisions and regretting it later. The smaller decisions grow into bigger ones and have a compound effect on the trajectory of one’s life
Having worked in Higher Education for the last 7 years and some change, I’ve had students who didn’t know what they wanted to do as a career. School offers a lot of opportunities but in order to make the most out of your education, you have to pick the right one. Getting a bachelors degree in anything that ends in an “-ology” pretty much means that you’ll need more education to get a high paying job. Of course there are exceptions but for the most part, it’s true. Sociology, biology, physiology, psychology, and anthropology are interesting to learn about, but just know that you’ll probably need more degrees after that. There are way too many people picking a major because it sounds cool instead of seeing it as a way to sustain themselves. I remember working in a hospital and one of the technicians had a masters degree — in poetry. He could not find a job within his field (Poetry) and due to the fact that he was an adult with bills, he was now leading check in groups and trying to reason with patients who were hallucinating. School is hard enough but coming out without any prospects for a decent paying salary? Not the greatest choice of hell.
Marriage was never initially supposed to be about love. It was about connection and alliances. It was a way to preserve wealth and ensure peace as people would arrange marriages across certain societal lines. These days, people still get married for many reasons but the one most people cite is the fact that they love each other. The sad reality is that we all are not meant to love the same person we build a life with. Love is great but it’s better when paired with logic, shared goals, and similar outlooks. You can love someone dearly but if they don’t want kids, they have an enmeshed family, or they struggle with being honest, you’ll be miserably in love with them. It’s not a dynamic that is sustainable long term and chances are that your kids will adversely be affected in some way from that relationship.
Having a kid with a wrong person is a different type of hell because there’s no going back. The kid is here. The choice has been made and you’re left to pick up the pieces. Trying to work with someone who doesn’t want to work with you and raising a child while not neglecting your own mental health is hard. It’s hard and difficult and can also qualify as suffering. Being in and out of court and fighting for your child to be supported financially by the other parent is a lot. Navigating family holidays with two people and potential significant others is a dynamic that is never envied. Maybe it’s not a great choice of hell.
I’ve worked in the field of mental health for a long time. Or at least it feels like a long time. In reality, it’s been 13 years since I first started and ten years since I got my first independent clinical license. Through the years I’ve had at least 20 jobs (conservative guess). Some good, some not so good, and some that were off the chain. However, the job that was probably the wildest was working in the admissions department at a psychiatric hospital (technically a behavioral health hospital). It was my first job out of grad school and I wanted to do a good job. I was adjusting to what it was like to provide assistance to people who fit the diagnostic criteria for a mental health. Not just those who saw a video on social media and decided that they needed a cool new label.
eeded a cool new label.
The great thing about working in admissions (also known as intake) was that there was always something going on. People came in for mental health assessments and were also transferred to our hospital from some of the other hospitals in the state for mental health stabilization. We accepted adults and children as young as five. The nice thing was that the hospital never closed so there were constant opportunities to work. The tough thing was that the hospital never closed so things could get busy without any advanced warning. Kinda like a hospital emergency room. It was a job where you had to answer the phone, call insurance companies, admit patients, conduct assessments, and answer the emergency calls from the units.
Other than a discount on the cafeteria food, the job didn’t come with a lot of perks. One of the occasional downsides was getting physically assaulted by patients experiencing a mental health crisis or psychotic episode. When we would accept patients from other hospitals one of my tasks was to read the paperwork and determine if the individual was appropriate for an inpatient level of care. It usually didn’t take a long time to make a decision but the assessments were always eye opening to read. While we could never share the details of said assessments due to privacy, we created a scrapbook called “The Book that Doesn’t Exist.” In the book we would write down or share excerpts of the assessments we received that crossed the line on normal human behaviors and take out the identifiable details.
One notable story that comes to mind was that of a poor soul who was having a rough time. He was struggling and made the decision that he wanted to experience the afterlife — or whatever came afterwards. However, he didn’t have the means or access to anything that would make his heart stop beating. So, this individual went into the woods of a state park known for black bears and covered himself from head to toe in deli meat in the hopes that a bear would see him as a source for food and his sacrifice would not be in vain. However, the implementation of his plan failed as no animals ventured near him as he sat in the woods covered in bologna. He was found by fellow hikers who became concerned and alerted local authorities who determined he was in need of mental health stabilization.
Stories like this were the ones that made it into the book. It was a reminder that the work we did was important and that everyone has a bad day sometimes. I don’t know if something like this exists in other hospitals but I am appreciative of those who still work in these settings providing care and intervening in times where someone just needs a reset and support. We don’t thank them enough. After all, who else has stories they can’t tell in a book that they can’t talk about?
There’s nothing like a good series and Black Cake definitely fit the bill. I had heard good things about the show but I decided to wait until the hype and spoilers went down a bit. I was hooked from the first episode. First off, I didn’t read the book so I didn’t have any reference point for the plot. I came to it completely unaware of what exactly to expect and I was in for a treat. I won’t share too much, but if you don’t want any spoilers, this may not be the right place for you.
It’s rare to see shows that follow a person through their entire life. However, the show begins at the end of a woman’s life and then goes backwards. But it all begins with a secret that begins to take a life of its own as the series continues. It’s a story of resiliency and also regret because hindsight is 20/20. We follow a young girl through a series of unfortunate events and relocation to another country. She has to create a new life and eventually reconnects to a part of her past that integrates with her new identity.
One underlying theme in the series is the importance of family and also friends who become family. Eleanor’s children are quickly thrust into the reality of the fact that their mother is different from who they’ve known her to be. They hear in her own words the story of her past as they deal with complicated grief and the arrival of a relative they didn’t know existed. The theme of the show is that secrets can do more harm than good. Shielding someone from the truth is only beneficial in specific situations.
The show was unpredictable and it held my attention. The storyline was unique and I thought the acting was good. The best thing about the series as a whole was that there was a happy ending. It’s one of those things that you don’t know you need until you have it. The series finale was satisfying and provided some closure to the questions that emerged in previous episodes. So, if you’re looking for a fulfilling one season show with a nice ending, check out Black Cake.
One of my favorite pastimes is to watch televisions shows that people aren’t really talking about. And when I say people, I really just mean my timeline(s) on social media. It’s hard to get me interested in a series because it has to keep my attention over a long period of time. I like shows that are unpredictable with a lot of twists and turnes. Average Joe fit the bill.
I want to share why, but be warned there will be some slight spoiler alerts ahead.
Average Joe is a television show about a plumber who lives in the South with his wife and daughter. His daughter has just started to date and is becoming more invested in her social circle. The first episode finds Joe dealing with the death of his father and the grief that comes along with having to settle his father’s estate. Joe is a stressed out man and it’s very
apparent within all the episodes. He’s just trying to do the right thing and keep food on the table for his family. He loves his wife, but he also wants to make a change in his life. The family is solidly middle class but like most families, they have some financial stressors that make it hard to get ahead. The most notable being that a member of Joe’s immediate family has an autoimmune disease that affects her ability to get around at times and it requires expensive medications to manage symptoms.
How it begins
Joe is minding his business when a quick turn of events within an hour turns his life upside down and makes him a wanted man. The situation is quickly complicated by the arrival of his best friend and the involvement of another friend who works in law enforcement. Without giving too much away, I can honestly say that each episode left me on the edge of my seat. There wasn’t a slow build like many thrillers have. The action started in the very first episode and it stayed that way for the entire series.
As the show goes on, the intensity increases. Joe and his family have to leave their home because they fear for their lives and are trying to figure out their next moves. It’s interesting to watch Joe and his wife attempt to shield their daughter from the chaos until they discover that she has a significant role to play in finding a resolution. In many ways, the situation is a coming of age for her as she advocates for herself and tries to help her parents in the midst of a situation that seems impossible. Her parents give multiple directions and directives to her and she ignores many of them in true teenage fashion.
One thing I liked was that the supporting cast was solid
Each person had their own role to play and the power of working together was highlighted. Life rarely happens as expected and fiction mimics reality. There were so many ups and downs but I found myself rooting for Joe in each episode because his heart was in the right place. Needless to say, there are multiple storylines that make this show more intriguing. One particularly interesting one is the relationship between Joe and his best friend. We are able to see some of the nuances of relationships, the temptation of greed and how it can affect the ones closest to us.
All in all, it was a show I’d recommend watching if you like murder mysteries and being surprised. I give it an 8/10 for originality. Check it out sometime.
But I had to make a difficult decision that led me on another path. Part of responsible adulthood is making momentary sacrifices for long term gains. We get roommates, settle for jobs we hate and sometimes even work hours we don’t like in order to accomplish the feat of paying our monthly bills. I’ve been in hundreds of job interviews and the one question that annoys me is when I’m asked why I want the position. While I always give a good answer, I sometimes just want to tell the interviewer simply that I don’t want to be homeless and that’s what drew me to the job posting. But my life as a travel social worker took on an adventure of its own as I went around the country living (literally) out of two suitcases. It was a journey filled with challenges, growth, and countless rewarding moments. From bustling hospital departments to serene outpatient therapy centers, to rehabilitation centers, each assignment left an indelible mark.
The Lessons Learned
After working in hospitals for years, I enjoyed the change of pace that came with Acute Rehab. There were rarely any emergencies and the vast majority of discharges were planned. I had the chance to meet so many community partners and for the first time in my life I lived close to a beach. It was lovely. I would go sit by the waves after a long day of work or head there on a busy Saturday morning to get some fresh air before it got busy. It was a lovely small town and everyone was welcoming. There were cool local attractions to explore and Hearst Castle was just a leisurely drive away. The only reason why I decided to leave was that I didn’t want my first assignment to be my only assignment.
My journey as a travel social worker also led me into the wonderful world of outpatient psychotherapy as well as case management. But that’s another story for another day. Of course, this journey wasn’t without its challenges. The constant upheaval of moving from one assignment to the next, the emotional toll of hearing tough things on a constant basis, and the lack of predictability made it challenging. Yet, amidst the challenges, there have been countless triumphs — the smile of a patient as they took their first steps towards recovery, the gratitude of a young adult who finally found their voice,
Though travel social work is definitely not for the weak, the rewards have far outweighed the struggles. In the midst of working in different settings and reading contracts, I’ve picked up an extra set of skills that have served me well through the years. So, if you want an adventure, try (national) travel social work.
Ok, well maybe it’s not quite a million but it’s a lot. You catch my drift. You see, I’m the kind of person who loves to save interesting articles, videos, and resources to revisit later. But there’s a catch — I almost never seem to remember to actually go back and check them out! It’s like an episode of Hoarders when the hoarder is trying to justify keeping something because they know they’ll use it at “some point.” However, upon assessing the situation, it appears that the item they want to hold on to has no use whatsoever.
Let’s face it — ADHD and digital distractions go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly.
You can’t think of one without thinking about the other. We live in a world where information overload is the norm, and staying focused can feel like trying to herd cats. There’s so many times when I start one task and I’m reminded of something totally different that needs to be attended to as well and this cycle continues on until I remember the initial task. So, bookmarking let’s me (in theory) stay on task because I can just click on the little star in the browser line and stay with the initial task in the hopes that I’ll return to the interesting video, article, or news story at a future date. It’s very ambitious of me.
On one hand, bookmarking is a lifesaver. It’s like having your own little library of knowledge at your fingertips, ready to be explored whenever you have a spare moment. It’s almost like the modern day version of a personal collection of sorts or a recent museum. But on the other hand, it can quickly turn into a digital graveyard of forgotten links, buried under the weight of new distractions and shiny objects vying for my attention. It’s not that I don’t have good intentions, but that’s just what they are. Intentions.
Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so. But fear not — I’m here to share some tips and tricks that have helped me start to reclaim control over my digital habits. I’m still a work in progress so this probably counts as an instance of a visually impaired person leading someone who lost their eyesight (the blind leading the blind).
First things first, prioritize like your life depends on it
Instead of saving every interesting link you come across, be selective. Ask yourself: Is this really worth saving? Will I actually revisit it in the future? I also like to ask myself if the link will lead to a better life and/or more money in the future. If the answer is no, then it’s probably not worth cluttering up your bookmarks with. While this isn’t a a one size fits all approach, I think it’s helpful to consider the big picture and then discard those things that don’t quite align with my goals in the future.
Next up, get organized
Create folders or categories to keep your bookmarks neat and tidy. Whether it’s by topic, urgency, or relevance, having a system in place will make it much easier to find what you’re looking for when you need it. Personally, I created an email address specifically for my ideas so that it’s easy to remind myself of tasks or things I want to read. It also gives me the ability to schedule the emails so that I receive them at times when I have a moment to open up the link and read the article(s).
Now, here’s the tricky part — actually remembering to go back and check your bookmarks
Believe me, I know how hard it can be to stay focused, especially when there’s a world of distractions just a click away. But fear not — there are tools and techniques you can use to help stay on track. Firstly, set reminders on your phone to revisit your bookmarks at designated times. Use website blockers or productivity apps to limit distractions during work or study sessions. Pay attention to your impulses and tendencies to procrastinate, and make conscious choices about how you spend your time online. Personally, I’ve found it helpful to create a 3 to 4 item to-do list when I first turn on my computer.
It keeps me focused and I start with the task that I dread the most. Getting it completed is a great feeling and I’m then more ready to keep the momentum going. So, there you have it — my journey with digital distraction, and how I’ve learned better ways to manage the bookmarking beast. It’s not always easy, but with a little bit of effort and intentionality, it’s definitely possible to take control of your digital habits and make the most of your online experience. Happy browsing!
In todays tech driven world, online dating has emerged as an avenue for meeting romantic partners. These days when you’re asking a couple how they met, the usual answer is typically that they met online in same way. And even if they didn’t meet online, there’s a good chance that the initial romantic interest was communicated through a comment or a private message on social media. However, beyond the seemingly simple act of swiping lies a complex landscape filled with hurdles and intricacies. There are unspoken rules that accompany the dating experience and the chance of rejection is quite high. But what can we do about it? People say they want love, but those same people are often the first to dip out when adversity arrives. The words sound good but the follow through leaves a lot to be desired.
One significant obstacle in online dating is the dilemma posed by having many options. With an array of dating apps and platforms, the abundance of choices can feel overwhelming. Constant swipes and clicks seem to raise the level of difficulty in finding someone who is relatively well adjusted and (dare I say it?) sane. Amidst a sea of profiles and potential matches, people often find it challenging to distinguish connections from interactions. Messages go unread for hours and days at time and initial interactions frequently are laid to rest in the DM’s. Additionally, the temptation to seek out something a click away can lead to a cycle of perpetual dissatisfaction and uncertainty. It’s almost like a gambling high of sorts. You go into a casino and you sit down at a slot machine. You play the game and as soon as you win, you want to know if you could possibly win more so you keep playing instead of cashing out. It can be an endless cycle that leads to financial ruin, or in this case, a lot of frustration and possible heartbreak. But, at the end of the day, you want to put your best foot forward and show up as attractively as possible.
Another prevalent issue in dating is the veil of anonymity it provides. People can make up fake names and personas that have nothing to do with the life that they live on a daily basis. Shielded behind screens, individuals can create constructed representations of themselves that showcases an idealized version while concealing vulnerabilities and imperfections. The idea of presenting oneself as flawless can lead to doubt and disappointment as people struggle with the contrast, between their personas and real life interactions. We can have a gut feeling when someone is immediately evasive and seems to be giving very short answers to questions that are open ended. Additionally the anonymity provided by platforms can encourage individuals to behave manipulatively making it even more challenging to establish genuine connections. We may want a long term partnership, but we also don’t want to be the subject of a reality crime show. It’s a situation that tends to lend itself to some degree of paranoia. Side note: It’s never a bad idea to video chat with someone prior to meeting them in a public place. Safety first.
In a society that values gratification and quick outcomes, online dating promotes the idea of effortless romance. You can easily get sucked into the idea that your soulmate is merely swipes away and there might be some truth to that. People rarely make the effort to introduce themselves to someone in public anymore. Gone are the days when someone asks you out on a date after seeing you randomly in a grocery store. The storybook random encounter interaction is now officially solely the plot of a Hallmark movie with no basis in reality. The ease of browsing through profiles and exchanging messages swiftly can create expectations and impatience. However, the path to discovering relationships is often filled with obstacles, setbacks and false starts.
Online dating also exposes people to the challenges of feeling rejected. The superficial nature of swipe based platforms can trigger feelings of inadequacy and self doubt as individuals are constantly judged based on their appearance and desirability. You don’t get to ask questions about why you were rejected. It’s like an unknown answer that can quickly grow from a seed of anxiety into a plant. Furthermore, behaviors like ghosting or breadcrumbing in dating norms can leave you feeling disposable and unappreciated. You feel a little bit more of your self esteem slip away with yet another person ghosting you for an unknown reason. The fear of rejection often overshadows the pursuit of connections and closeness.
Getting to know someone can be fun, but that doesn’t mean that dating is 100% fun. It’s a journey that’s filled with uncertainties, frustration, complexity, and sometimes just plain old luck. But if you win, you’ve hit it big.
Have you ever thought about pursuing a profession that merges your desire to assist others with your fondness for traveling? Envision the chance to create a difference in corners of the globe while indulging in exciting escapades at the same time. This is the path that awaits you as a travel worker.
Let me set the scene for you. Picture yourself standing on a beach feeling the touch of crystal clear waves on your toes. Inhale the salty ocean breeze. Absorb the stunning vista before you. This isn’t a getaway; it’s part of your job. As a travel worker you have an opportunity to discover new places and immerse yourself in diverse cultures all while positively impacting peoples lives. Imagine waking up each day with a sense of purpose aware that today you hold the ability to transform someones life for the better. Whether its aiding underserved communities in accessing resources or offering assistance and direction to individuals your role as a travel social worker will leave a lasting imprint on those who require help.
But what exactly is international travel social work? International travel social work is an area of work that involves delivering services and assistance to individuals and communities in various locations. For the purposes of this article, I’ll call it travel social work. Travel social workers often take on roles in settings, like hospitals, schools or nonprofit organizations. Firstly you get to embark on thrilling adventures and immerse yourself in cultures. Moreover you can make a difference in the lives of communities and enhance your professional skills and expertise. The flexible nature of travel social work also allows you to maintain a work life balance.
Travel social work presents chances, for personal and professional development. Each task brings its set of challenges allowing you to enhance your skills gain an understanding of global issues and evolve into a more versatile and empathetic social worker with the expertise to address intricate societal concerns. If you are prepared to pursue a fulfilling career that enables you to explore the world make an impact, you should contemplate a career as a travel social worker. Are you excited about this once in a lifetime adventure?
The Exciting Journey Ahead Starting a career as a travel social worker unveils an array of exhilarating experiences and unforgettable escapades. Each assignment transforms into an opportunity for a journey. As a travel social worker you can venture into parts of the world while leaving a positive mark on peoples lives. Whether it involves working with communities, aiding refugees, or supporting groups, each assignment presents distinct challenges and gratifications.
“Engaging in social work while traveling offers a chance to break out of your comfort zone and test your limits. I expanded my perspectives in ways I never imagined.”. Sarah, Social Worker
Picture yourself trekking through forests helping families, in villages or offering assistance to individuals in bustling urban areas. An extraordinary adventure awaits as you navigate surroundings interact with communities and gain firsthand understanding of global issues impacting societies. With each place you visit you’ll have the chance to savor dishes explore historic landmarks and take part in unique cultural practices. Whether it’s witnessing a sunset on a shore or exploring temples the memories forged as a social worker on the move will endure forever.
Creating a Positive Influence Within the realm of travel social work, the opportunity to genuinely impact peoples lives exists. Engaging with populations and assisting those in need brings fulfillment. It is through our expertise and abilities that we can bring about changes in communities. As a travel social worker you hold the privilege of immersing yourself in various environments and connecting with individuals from all walks of life. Whether it involves supporting communities or offering guidance, your efforts hold the potential to spark positive transformations.
“The best way to discover yourself is by dedicating yourself to serving others.”. Mahatma Gandhi
Each day presents an opportunity for you to create an impact. Whether it entails aiding families in crisis, empowering individuals to conquer obstacles, or assisting communities in recovering from calamities, your commitment and skills have the power to change lives for the better. Through your work you will witness firsthand the resilience and fortitude of individuals grappling with challenges. Your steadfast support and direction can serve as a catalyst, for their growth and empowerment. By supporting with resources you can make an impact on individuals and communities and help them thrive.
Engaging in travel social work enables you to connect with people from cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. By bridging gaps and promoting understanding you contribute to building a compassionate society.
Personal Development As a travel social worker you have the opportunity to explore social work environments fostering significant personal growth and development. Each assignment brings forth challenges exposing you to populations and cultures that enhance your skills and broaden your professional expertise. Through working in various locations, you can gain insights into social issues and systems while strengthening your knowledge in areas like child welfare, mental health advocacy. Exposure to perspectives can enrich your understanding. Empower you to tackle complex societal challenges effectively.
Moreover travel social work provides opportunities for learning and professional advancement. Attending conferences, workshops or trainings across regions allows you to acquire knowledge while refining your skills. Travel social work has not only helped me grow personally, but has also increased my expertise as a social worker.
You can experience many benefits to making this decision. These include expanding your knowledge across social work environments, gaining an understanding of diverse populations and cultures, improving your skills in addressing complex social issues and accessing ongoing education. When comparing the advantages and disadvantages of growth in travel social work there are pros to consider. These include exposure to social work settings leading to enhanced skills and expertise, a knowledge base, and better comprehension of different societal challenges. On the other hand there are cons such as adjusting to environments, and spending time getting acquainted with local resources and systems.
Cultural competence development is another benefit that comes with Travel Social Work. This includes an improved ability to work with populations, understanding of cultural factors affecting individuals. However challenges may arise in adapting to norms or overcoming language barriers. Accessing continuing education is crucial for travel workers as it provides opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, trainings in locations while staying updated on cutting edge research and best practices. Yet this may require an investment in development along with time commitment for attending trainings.
The flexibility offered by being a travel social worker allows you to tailor your career according to your preferences. By selecting assignments in locations and settings aligned with your interests and goals you can enjoy the desired flexibility, in your profession.Having this level of independence enables you to establish a balance, between your work and personal life.
Picture yourself waking up in a city interacting with communities immersing yourself in new cultures and making a meaningful contribution. Alternatively you might prefer the serenity of working in an area surrounded by nature and close communities. Travel social work empowers you to choose assignments that align with your professional goals. Aside from selecting the location and environment travel social work also includes intervals between assignments. These breaks offer opportunities to explore destinations engage in self reflection or simply rejuvenate before embarking on your journey. It’s a time to pursue your love for travel and uncover horizons.
The adaptability of travel social work allows you to shape a career that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you crave the excitement of life the tranquility of landscapes or the chance to discover various places this profession provides the versatility you seek. Embrace the liberty and boundless opportunities that accompany being a travel social worker. Revel in the satisfaction of making a difference while maintaining a work life equilibrium tailored to suit your needs.
Establishing an International Network Being a social worker who specializes in overseas work, you’ll encounter an advantage in creating a varied and extensive international network. As you work in locations you’ll have the opportunity to connect with peers and professionals, from cultural backgrounds. These connections can greatly influence your career and lead to future prospects. Through teamwork with professionals in social work environments you’ll gain perspectives and insights that can enhance your expertise. Sharing stories, obstacles and achievements with travel workers can create a support system and a feeling of unity that transcends boundaries.
Forming a network not broadens your professional relationships but also exposes you to different methods and approaches in social work. By learning from practitioners around the globe you’ll expand your knowledge of subtleties and diverse ways of addressing challenges. Developing a network as a travel social worker provides access to extensive knowledge, resources and experiences. It nurtures collaboration promotes learning and enhances sensitivity.
In Summary To sum up, embarking on a career path in travel social work offers advantages worth considering. Becoming a travel worker allows you to embark on adventures immersing yourself in diverse cultures and gaining new perspectives. In addition, to making an impact on peoples lives and communities you’ll see firsthand the effects of your efforts. This career path also offers many opportunities for professional development. As a travel social worker you have the freedom to select assignments that match your interests and aspirations enabling you to maintain a fulfilling work life balance. The range of experiences and exposure to social work environments will enrich your skills. Broaden your outlook. By embracing travel social work you can establish connections with professionals who share your passion for creating change on a global scale.
Alisha's Angle 