Looking ahead to 2014, a new chapter

2014 holds big change and lots of promise for bringing some balance and renewal in ways I am very excited for. One major change will be with work. As that change is rapidly approaching I find myself reflective of it in different ways. All change brings loss, so swirling with excitement, is the other side of that coin that comes with closing a chapter and starting a new one.

After returning to work since having Rhett I started to feel a pull to make a change. It was such a strange thought for me at first that started small but after prayer and much thought it became clear to me of what I needed to do. I have been with the same place for almost 9 years. It was my first job out of graduate school, I love the place and I love the people, they have been so very good to me there. My first dream has always been this family, being a wife and mom but I love that another dream developed along the way in my work. I remember how very excited I was each day to go to work that first year, I know that may sound strange but it was such a great place to start into this field with people that believed in me and mentored me and invested in me in ways that I will always be grateful for. I like to say I grew up there as a clinician. I had wonderful years of working along side best friends and so many cherished friendships were born there that carry on to this day. Something else happened along the way too, I started getting to do the mentoring and the training and that I found was most fulfilling part of the entire journey. Community Mental Health work is very challenging and can be very consuming. I've watched many of colleagues and staff come and go over the years. I had to work through my own balancing act with the emotional, mental and physical demands of the job through different seasons. After having Ava I was supported in working in part time capacity while I still advanced in leadership. It worked really well during that time and was so wonderful to balance both at the same time in way that didn't feel like I had to sacrifice either one. With adding baby #2 to the mix my heart is feeling even more pulled homeward. In working with my work on an exit plan for my current management position I was provided a great opportunity to stay on board in a much reduced capacity helping with several of the areas I am passionate about. I am looking forward to trying it out to see if its the right fit for right now.

So tomorrow's my last work day running a program that is so near and dear to me. I am so grateful for options, for work I am passionate about both inside and outside my home, I know taking this time with these precious years while I have opportunity to do so will be something I will never regret. The next chapter is here, excited to celebrate what was but also looking forward to what will be.