It is with clasped hands together in prayer and with much gratitude that I greet you…
I’m home…or what I refer to as my second home. Next to the Gulf of Mexico, the Adirondack region is one where I could easily make a life. It’s been almost two years since I’ve made the short trip up North. Excuses have been many.
Last week I left my job as the Director of Social Work at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. This was a job which I desperately needed to leave. I spent the last 11 months and two weeks, but who’s counting. I have allowed this position to drain every ounce of energy and desire from me.
I’ve spoken with individuals who know me and have been emotionally supportive of me and they knew I could have persevered and hung on. One friend saying, “I know you can do it. But how much longer do you want to do it?” I didn’t want to do it anymore. The stress accompanying the position started to damage my health; physically and emotionally. My blood pressure rose, I added weight and despite the relatively mild winter, I found myself running only a handful of times during the first two months of the year. My desire to run was strong, but my desire to rise at 4:00 AM to do so was lacking. An afternoon runner I never was.
Somewhere along the way, I lost myself. I forgot what I stood for and simply rose each day going through the motions. I ran on autopilot. Anyone knows, if you run on autopilot too long without monitoring the traffic around you, you’ll eventually crash. I left just before the crash.
I decided to take a week off from my practice and take time for me. Some me time. When I have taken time off previously, unless I have left the area I still met with patients in my practice. My wife was surprised to know I had nothing of importance to anyone but me scheduled for the week.
As Henry David once said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.” I will go now confidently in the direction of my dreams. Identify your dreams and go after them.
Namaste
The Stoic Social Worker 
Wish I could be so brave.
JoJo…I have watched your postings of your art and am constantly impressed and amazed by your talent. Don’t wait too long before taking a leap of faith. Let those contractors of your talent leave your life. This move is the first step in firming your bravery which you may not believe, but it is already there.
Dear Chris,
It sounds like your job was pretty stressful! I know that you made the right choice in quitting and I’m sure that you will find a new path, one more suited to who you really are. Enjoy your time off! Best wishes to you.
Iris Waters
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Thank you Iris. it is very important to ensure we take care of ourselves. This is not a concept which we want to find out too late in our life for we are not promised but a finite number of days and not of us is aware of our expiration date.