Can You Hear Me?

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

A Social Worker for the Helping Professionals!

Can You Hear Me?  As I reflect on this past year, like many I am reminded of some challenges, as well as some opportunities.  I am able to see that I have learned and grown with both, and for that I am thankful that I was available to receive.  Isn't that what a large part of our days should include; the ability and opportunity to learn as we go, so that we can move one step closer towards adding to that work towards progress?  We can always over think the process and really get ourselves into a state, but even that may be necessary so that we can once again realize that often we hold the answers to our most challenged questions...  Can You Hear Me?

When I started this community of support I was empowered to do so as a result of overcoming a very intense physical and emotional break.  It was just the beginning, and as the days, weeks, months (and now years) have followed I am witness to a healthier self, and a much more evolved practice.  I reflect on this often, recognizing that choice, change, and unlimited opportunity are as available as I am!  I use this message frequently, not to fill space, but to plant that seed while sending it to those in need.  I imagine that for some, this time of year is nothing more than shutting down, numbing the pain, just trying to survive.  I get that... I've lived that...  Can You Hear Me?

If you're new to my story, may you know that what I choose to share comes with compassion, empathy, and the kind of support that can only be inspired by passion.   What I can do for you is nothing more than a opportunity to help you help yourself.  What you can choose to do for yourself has the potential to be life changing...  I have learned many valuable (and needed) lessons over time, ones that I honestly thought I had down.  It turns out that I had to take some classes over because I lost sight of some things.  To know others is smart.  To know yourself is wise.  The classroom is always open, whether or not you will be a student is yours to decide, Can You Hear Me?

I wish all of those that can hear me a healthy and joyful new year to come.  May this new beginning allow you to learn from today so that you can live in tomorrow.  May you be kind to yourself and others, embracing the idea that we are more similar than different.  No matter how many reasons you come up with that tell you not to, you only need one to begin.  As I end this process may you find yours, while embracing the vulnerability that you will need to confront in order to achieve that change you truly deserve.  I am the outcome that is possible, and if my words have not reached you...  They will always be where you can find them, when you are available to receive...  Can You Hear Me?



About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC.  Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work).  He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process as he continues to work towards progress!  More about the man behind the mission⇢

As They Inspire...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

As They Inspire...  So nice to be back in a familiar and supported space as I am available to share.  The month of December has moved quickly as I have been immersed into completing another year of supporting and instructing MSW students.  It is a  endeavor that truly has been rewarding to my personal self as well as my professional practice.  The students that I have been fortunate enough to cross paths with have provided me with a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow and further develop As They Inspire...
 
In the field of helping others help themselves we are given ample opportunities to learn through the eyes of those we serve.  Now imagine having the opportunity to continue supporting this process, while being able to contribute to the development and growth (of those who are learning how to facilitate their own process)...  I am in a position to guide, support, and effectively represent my role as a teacher, mentor, role model and gatekeeper in the field and profession of Social Work!  As a result of this I am handed continual openings to share my passion, compassion and wisdom As They Inspire...

It is fair to say that some out there may buy into that unfortunate ignorance as they speak without awareness, "those who teach can't do..." I would share this, those that can do (the one's who choose to continue to develop, evolve and grow as social workers) have a very powerful opportunity to support and instruct in a manner that equates to promoting competent and effective social workers, serving communities and supporting clients the right way!  This outcome can be transformative, and it is exactly what motivates my efforts as I strive to facilitate, and As They Inspire...

As I begin the process of slowing down and closing this chapter, I am once again empowered by the opportunity that has showed its way.  To all of my students who have chosen a field that has so much to offer, thank you for giving to me as much as I hopefully have provided for you.  May you know "When one teaches, two learn."  I have learned, yes I have as I fully embrace my work towards progress.  The lessons are as available as you want them to be, and with a growth mindset by your side you will receive!  May these thoughts find you well with your own opportunity, one that provides you with purpose, intention and value.  Can You Hear Me?



  About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC.  Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work).  He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process as he continues to work towards progress!  More about the man behind the mission⇢

Coming Soon...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

  
As I find myself immersed into a busy time of the year, the opportunity to share seems to be on pause.  The good news here is that I am aware of the need to write, and I will make a determined effort to do so in the nearest future.  Until then, may this find all of those that can hear me breathing well!




  About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC.  Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work).  He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process as he continues to work towards progress!  More about the man behind the mission⇢

Thank You More Please!

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

Thank You More Please!  I learned this phrase sometime ago, passed on by one of my most loyal supporters.  It's interpretation is rooted in the awareness that needs to be present when we are once again reminded that there is always something to be thankful for.   As we approach this time of the year with an opportunity to slow down, I thought it was fitting to share my thoughts with all of those that can hear me...  Thank You More Please!

I am reminded at this time of year that is very easy to get caught up with the idea of running towards time off.  You know how it goes "I can't wait till...  No work, time to..."  Yes, having the opportunity to break away from the rigors and responsibilities that we must oblige to is welcomed.  However, my thoughts move me towards that space and place that allows us to slow down this process, while moving into an awareness that clearly helps us help ourselves.   

As I reflect on what I have in my life... I can see it, feel it, and truly recognize that my life is so much better because I have made a choice, one that does not always come with comfort. What I have been able to gain is wellness and perspective.  What I now know is that when you commit and persist while trusting the process you eventually get there.  It is here where change becomes transformative, and where life just opens up the door to endless possibility and opportunity...
Thank You More Please!  

So, as you move towards this day of thanks, may you find your own opening as your hand reaches for the door.  What lies on the other side will be entirely dependent on how you interpret your choice+change+opportunity+commitment.  What I will continue to share through my experiential lens is the life that you strive to have is not possible if you refuse to confront what you need to, it can't and won't happen.  Furthermore, when you get to that place that needs no explanation, the outcome far exceeds what your original expectation once presented.  Thank You More Please! 

May this time of year with family, friends or just the company of yourself find you breathing well.  As you are reminded that there is always, always, always something to be thankful for!

  About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC.  Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work).  He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process as he continues to work towards progress!  More about the man behind the mission⇢

Vicariously Speaking...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

Joshua Tree National Park 

 

Nice to be back with intention and purpose as my emotion to share is Vicariously Speaking...  I was able to get away for a few this past weekend as another opportunity to disconnect and breathe as I should.  It served me well as I found my pace slow down, allowing for that clarity and awareness that only comes with being in the "now" while being far removed from consumption and distraction.  It was self-care in its fullest effect and I was embracing it as I found my process to be immersed into available reflection, Vicariously Speaking...

  

My writing over the course of time has allowed me to model my process as it pertains to the work I have put forward to overcome, learn, grow and strive towards progress.  This has been a powerful opportunity as it has afforded a mutual process; support for myself and those who can hear me.  It's more than sharing what I've done or where I've been.  No, it's about choice, change, effort, and the learning that only comes with challenge and resilience.  It's about a social worker who has been exposed to suffering and pain (personally and professionally) who endured and prevailed, while continuing to learn and grow within his process.  

 

My writing, and the lens that has developed through this journey has afforded me with an opportunity to support and instruct.  The Can You Hear Me? model has its goal: To provide "YOU" with a vicarious experience that will empower and support, while helping you help yourself in the process!  So, when I was able to get away this past weekend I was once again given an opening to add to my work towards progress, while supporting my resilient being.  I was able to hold on to all that I have been challenged with, learned from, and now I find myself in a space and place that has me wholeheartedly walking with my head up and heart open.  I am well because of effort, choice and the change that comes with want, belief, and a level of commitment that resembles the opposite of a chore, Vicariously Speaking...

 

If you were able to observe from afar you might see one who is fully immersed into his process.  My fingers hit the keys as my heart and mind support another, and my emotion is in touch with the influence that I know can lift and inspire.  As I write I imagine for opportunity to reach and teach, while allowing for a moment where I might be that catalyst to help another pause, step back, and make a choice to better their circumstance.  I'm fully aware that it may require risk and uncertainty, but without that move, you will never experience the possibility of a better opportunity.  One that I know can move you closer towards the quality of life that you want...

 

So, as I close down my thoughts for the week, I project on to you my experience, one that has allowed me to embrace my own vulnerability in manner that has given me the flexibility and availability to live it and love it (life that is).  It is so much better and it's as possible for you as it was for myself.  Trust it, be a part of it and you will see, Vicariously Speaking...  Until the next time my words connect with your availability, may this find you breathing well!

 About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC.  Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work).  He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process as he continues to work towards progress!  More about the man behind the mission⇢

The Flame Within Us...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

The Flame Within Us...  Our flame may extinguish from time to time, but there will always be an opportunity to reignite it with some gratitude by our side.  I pass this lesson on to you as another opportunity to help you help yourself.  May this find you well out there, keep doing that self work that will always support you as you strive to support those in need!

About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process. More about the man behind the mission⇢

Empathy Is...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

Empathy Is...  The lessons we are provided can either reach us or leave us.  It would be fair to say that one's availability will determine such, and this is where my writing takes me...  It is always empowering to write about something that I feel so well, a part of me, my practice and how I see it unfold right before my eyes.  Like many, I was formally introduced to the concept of empathy in the early stages of my social work education and training.  It didn't take me long to realize though that I knew this concept way before this time in my life, I just didn't know it had a name.  Empathy Is...

I would say that my ability to see, listen, and feel through the eyes of another was born out of my own struggle and the tremendous learning (and awareness) that it has provided me over the years.  Empathy is something that I continue to cultivate and as an instructor I am fortunate to have ample opportunity to support and guide students within their own empathic development.  It is a process, one that I believe evolves as you do, grows as you choose to, and is available as long as you are.  Empathy Is...

There are so many wonderful opportunities to work on and learn from empathy.  Whether it is by choice or awareness, the lessons are always available as long as you are.  If you find yourself consumed with distraction or worry, you wouldn't be able to see it, let alone feel it.  Furthermore, if you think that your level of empathy is brought to you as a result of writing a paper or reading an article, you may be a little off.  Yes, there is ample learning to support your development and growth here, but the true depth of your ability to empathize lies within you.  As I mentioned previously (perhaps it didn't register with you at the time) we all have the ability and opportunity to cultivate it as we add to our personal self and professional practice.  Empathy Is...

My writing today was inspired by choice and chance, having another opportunity to empower and support is the outcome I strive towards.  The words may not find you immediately, but hopefully they will as you find yourself supporting another who is need.  Particularly when you are in that space and place that has you stuck in your head, challenged by what you can't control, rooted in the energy that will only project the opposite of who you want to be.  Empathy Is...

As I come to a close here I am leaving you with a great opportunity (and example) of the learning we can gain through the eyes of another, you get to decide how it finds you, Empathy Is...  It is always a pleasure connecting with those that can hear me, may this find you breathing well out there with your head up and heart open!




 About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process. More about the man behind the mission⇢

Learning Through Your Eyes Series...

As I have featured many times in this forum, learning through the eyes of another is such a great vehicle to empower and support.  It teaches us in a manner that allows us to inspire and reach, educate and teach, and tap into that space and place that has intention, purpose, and action.

I am pleased and excited to offer this great opportunity to any and all that can hear me.  It's time we hear your story, the one that led you into the field of helping others change for the better.  Can You Hear Me? wants to provide a forum for you to share your passion, as you reflect and remember how you got started, the influences, challenges and obstacles that have shaped your lens.  Everyone has crossed paths with those that have inspired, mentored, and supported you along the way.  The goal here with this opportunity is for you to be able to share a part of yourself that most don't see or understand.  The story that has greatly impacted your practice, the one that comes from that place within and is carried out as you strive to provide to those in need.  If this sounds like an opportunity that you have been waiting for, or one that has peaked your interest, I would be honored to help you help yourself!

So, now the specifics...  There will be two ways to share, through the written word or by video, the choice will be yours.  If you choose to share your story by writing it out I ask you to keep it between 500-600 words.  You can include your name and any website or link that showcases your efforts as you strive to help others in need. Or you can be anonymous.  I want to support you in this opportunity, while allowing you to work within your own level of comfort.  So, if you want to include a picture, please do so, if you don't that's okay.  The second option to share is by video, I ask that you to keep your visual piece to a maximum of 7 minutes.  I will post your story on this blog, while promoting it on all of the Can You Hear Me? social media platforms.  Your story will allow the reader or viewer the opportunity to learn through your eyes, a process that can empower, support, inspire and transform!

Please send your stories (written or video) to: info@canyouhearme.org and I will post according to your request to be named or not.  This series will be continually updated and adjusted accordingly as it grows and develops.

Any questions or need for further clarification please feel free to reach out by using the comment section below, included email, or contact me directly on the Can You Hear Me? website →

May this find you well!      

Respectfully,
Daniel Jacob (Founder of Can You Hear Me?)


 About Author
 

Daniel Jacob, MSW  Email

Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern  California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process. 

More about the man behind the mission ⇢

I'm Walking Through...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

I'm Walking Through...  As I reflect into my words I am immersed into the history that has shaped me, while looking through that hopeful lens.  This week I am touched by the possibility of an opportunity that I surely never thought would become a potential reality .  You see, the expectation changes as you do, and the learning as a result can be empowering.  As I write I am holding on to just that as I'm Walking Through... 

Like many of you who can hear me I have those selected few in my corner who advise me as needed.  You know the one's I'm talking about as they mentor, guide, support and show the learning that you cannot always see on your own.  One trusted individual in particular shared with me (sometime ago) a valuable lesson that applies well to where I am at today.  As my fingers tap out my emotion I am inspired, and so I choose to pass it on and along.  It goes like this: our expectation is just that and when the outcome presents, it often far exceeds what we may have originally imagined.  The most recent chapter in my journey (the one that not everyone will understand) has truly supported this lesson, I can see it so clearly as I'm Walking Through...

As I contemplate my future and what awaits, my words (and the intention within) once again serve as an opportunity to connect my voice and story with your possibility.  No matter where you find yourself on the road we call life, may you see the hope that is hand in hand with your expectation.  Continue to trust the process that you must be a part of, because without such you do not move forward.  Wherever you end up may you recognize what you have gained, as you embrace and accept that it was always meant to be.

Until the next time my words meet your availability may you walk with you head up and heart open, as you continue to be well to yourself and those in need.  I'm Walking Through... 

     

About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process. More about the man behind the mission⇢