It’s easy for mental health clinicians to get overwhelmed these days.  There is never, ever a shortage of work to be done, clients to see; at least, not when you work for no pay as an intern in community mental health.  People are happy to give you more to do and, at first, you are happy to be doing it, excited for the responsibility.  And then, one day, you dread going to work because you know that you have taken on too much and you have to let someone know.  That was my day today. 

It’s a good thing to learn you have limits; to know how to set boundaries; and to know when to say no.  I’m usually pretty good at doing this.  Sometimes you make mistakes and think you can do more than you really can do, though.  And then, you have to admit that you, too, are human.  And there’s many reasons why that’s hard.  You don’t want to let people down and you don’t want to let yourself down.  You wanted to do that extra project, but there is just no time left in the week to do it all.   But, lesson learned….it’s not the end of the world to say, “I can’t, right now.” 

I am passionate about the work I do.  There is nothing better than wtinessing and being a part of the growth process of another human being; watching someone unfold to become more of who they want to be.  It’s exciting work.  And it’s challenging work.  Many times you never do get to see the progress directly, and much of the time the process is painful.  The best part is, at the end of the day, knowing that I’m doing the work that I am meant to do. 

I get to come home fulfilled and ready to be involved in my own life with my daughter. I’m about to go and get her from daycamp, where she got to spend the whole day playing at the beach.  More stories to listen to and more love to share.  Life is good.