Occupational Hazards

I've been increasingly realizing lately that my occupation is creating some real problems for me. Probably the biggest is that it is very draining because of the long hours, but lots of people can say that, so I won't focus on that one.

A more specific occupational hazard that I really don't like is that, because as a psychologist I have to really listen to people throughout most of my day everyday, my desire to listen is dwindling. I know how to listen and reflect. I know how to hear things people are saying but not saying. I know how to hear hidden questions. But you get kinda drained by it after a while. And you get lazy. You kind of half listen, because you are good enough at it that you can still get by on 50% or less.

I have been accepting this as OK and understandable, but really this is not good at all. I mean, one of the ways we can really touch people, get to know people, and bring people to a greater understanding of life and faith is through listening to them. What are they stuggling with? What are they wondering about? How have they been misled or hurt by faith-based or religious experiences in the past?

I can't really touch people where they are if I am tuned out. And I really can't do it if the volume on my own struggles and life pursuits is turned up too loud like it has been. There needs to be more balance, but balance has never been my strong point.

I need to find a way to use the skills God has given me not only at work but in life. I believe it is part of what I was created to do. Ultimately it is about letting God fill me the way He wants to so I can use my gifts more fully without finding myself on empty. Otherwise, I will just stay stuck in my occupational hazard.

So, what are your occupational hazards?

Too Busy To Write

I'm too busy these days to put two thoughts together in writing, so I am pathetically updating my blog with serial survey posts. This one was interesting to me:

Your Hidden Talent

You are a great communicator. You have a real way with words. You're never at a loss to explain what you mean or how you feel. People find it easy to empathize with you, no matter what your situation. When you're up, you make everyone happy. But when you're down, everyone suffers.

What's Your Hidden Talent?

My LOOOOVE Style

Your Candy Heart Says "Hug Me"

A total sweetheart, you always have a lot of love to give out.Your heart is open to where ever love takes you! Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a surprise romantic evening that you've planned out Your flirting style: lots of listening and talking What turns you off: fighting and conflict Why you're hot: you're fearless about falling in love

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

What?!

OK, so today was destined to suck. I don’t usually start days thinking this, but this one just was. And it still is. Too many mistakes to correct, too many technology snafoos to sidestep, and just plain too much to do. So I am taking this, my coveted 15 minute lunch break, to share something hilarious that helped keep me going today.

I was interviewing a mother this morning who is what we in the business call "hypomanic" – in laymen’s terms, very high energy and hard to contain. There I am, innocently and professionally trying to work around this and get the information I need, but she continues to interrupt me to share additional information of variable relevance. Anyway, at one point, she interrupts me and says, “What the f*** should I call you anyway? Marsha? Doctor? Queen?” I said Queen would be fine.

So I manage to get through that without laughing, but then she comes at me with another one. I was trying to schedule her next appointment but mentioned to her that I couldn’t get on [my gestures and the context of the situation clearly implied that I meant I couldn’t get onto our computer scheduling system]. So she says, “Well, I sure hope you can get off.” I will just clarify that she was absolutely not referring to the computer.

What?! Talk about poor filter activation. You would think some of my more recent friendships would have prepared me against saying something that sets me up for a perverted retort like this one, but I guess my guard was down.

Hilarious day…

Lost and Found

Lost: One fairly independent, purpose-driven, and self-assured woman who never had it all figured out but was willing to let God take her step by step down this path called Life. Taken captive by natural feelings that have become distorted by fear, impatience, and self-focus. Hoping with all hope to be found again. Please forward any leads to her whereabouts forthwith.

Found: A vast desert without apparent end. Oases not yet discovered. Mirages plentiful. Long stays are not recommended for the faint of heart.

Lost: One trusting and hopeful heart. Last seen drowning in an ocean of confusion after becoming disoriented in its search for truth. Handle with care if found.

Found: Directions to difficult self-discovery. For your copy, visit www.nopainnogain.com.