Can You Hear Me?: January 2014

January 24, 2014

Support X 2

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

Nice to be back in a familiar place with another opportunity to engage in some Support x 2. What does this mean, you may be thinking to yourself? It is no more, and no less than the parallel process that happens as a result of the support I extend to all of those that can hear me. My platform is not traveling down a one way street. It is by far a two way interaction, as when I give I am receiving in the process. However, this would not be possible if I was not a work towards progress, choosing to be open and available to opportunities that better the quality of my life. By following this approach I am continually adding to my personal self and professional practice as I embrace the Support x 2!

As a result of this platform (and the process that is transpiring) I am humbled and grateful for the many opportunities that I have been given to meet some truly inspiring helping professionals along this journey. One in particular, Relando Thompkins, MSW,LLMSW (Servant Leader, Teacher, Learner, Social Change Agent: Writer of Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian (N.A.H.) has been a friend and supporter of CYHM? for sometime now. Although we live on opposite sides of the country, and our platforms and target market are different, we are united as passionate helping professionals who strive to do the right thing without thinking! Relando recently extended another Support x 2 opportunity my way, as he presented me with several questions related to the story behind this platform. When you have an available moment, please do check out Relando's efforts as you will truly learn through his eyes!

Relando Thompkins, MSW, LLMSWI was recently given another opportunity to share some insights into how this blog/platform began, and what the lies beneath the lens of my passion and inspiration. I humbled and grateful for t

1. What inspired you to start blogging?

My inspiration to start blogging was really born out of my Breaking Open experience, and the recovery from it. I had something to share as you could imagine what happens as a result of overcoming such an intense experience... It truly opened up a door, and the efforts as a result have strengthened my resilience in a manner that allows me to embrace my own vulnerability, while sharing my story and support. As I strive to inspire, empower and help my fellow professionals in need, I am being served as well!

2. Is there a special story or meaning behind your blog’s title?

Can You Hear Me? was chosen because I recognize that when others are available to listen and digest, they are more likely to receive what is being given. Therefore, the title is about the person on the other end and their availability, choice, awareness, and the opportunity that is right here ready to help you help yourself. The title does not mean "listen to me because of what I have to say" but rather, "listen to what I mean." My passion, empathy and compassion to help those in need is just that, there are no other motives involved in this platform: Words with a voice, a story, and an opportunity to inspire others to change for the better!

3. Who/what inspires you?

I gravitate towards inspiration in thought, practice, and within the story that resides in all of us. I am inspired and enlightened by the many learning experiences I have gained through the eyes of others, in the literal sense and through reading. My sociology and social work roots/interests have provided me with so many resources, guides and valuable tools that will always serve me well as sources of inspiration. I am also inspired by my own story, one that has shown me the true depth of resilience, overcoming and healing. The reality of these outcomes ignite my inspiration and move me forward as I strive to inspire others!

4. What do you hope to achieve with your blog?

My hope is to provide those in the field of helping professionals an opportunity to be supported, and heard. My experiences (both personally and professionally) have afforded me some valuable insight and awareness that I am choosing to share with only one goal in mind, to help those in need help themselves. My blog allows me to share in a manner that supports the unsupported, while creating a safe and trusted space. We are helpers that need to be helped from time to time, and that's OK because when you commit to (while trusting) the process, you will transform and the opportunities as a result of, by far change for the better.

5. Do you have any advice for anyone who would want to start a blog of their own?

It's definitely a work in progress endeavor. For myself (and like many others out there) I am self taught as it applies to format, social media, marketing, etc. With that being said you don't have to have everything figured out when you start a blog. You are not on your own as there are many sources of support available out there through the various modes of electronic sharing. If the passion and desire are intact, and you have something of value to share, the rest will work itself out.

I will say that we (those who blog) all have different goals and aspirations when it comes to sharing, and so the outcome you are looking for is an expectation that you get to create. I share my experience, support and vulnerability, while providing resources and instruction. Therefore, my model is much different than one who shares third party and/or other content, without any exposure to their own thoughts, emotion and struggle. Allow your passion to shine while daring greatly, it can be a very rewarding process!

As always it has been my honor to be given this opportunity to share and support. I hope that after reading this post you have been provided further learning about my community of support. A platform that continues to grow and evolve, while being available to help you help yourself. Until the next time may you be well to yourself as you deserve!

10 Questions for Nominees to Answer, Should They Accept
1. What inspired you to start blogging?
2. Is there a special story or meaning behind your blog’s title? If so, please share it.
3. How would you explain your basic life philosophy?
4. Who/what inspires you?
5. Which of your blog posts is your favorite and why?
6.Other than your own, what are some of your favorite blogs?
7. Do you have any advice for anyone who would want to start a blog of their own?
8. Where do you get your inspiration for blogging?
9. What do you hope to achieve with your blog?
10. Share the link to one of your blog posts that you think deserves more attention.
- See more at: http://www.relandothompkins.com/2014/01/07/notes-from-an-aspiring-humanitarian-recieves-the-liebster-award/#sthash.1iJWnUyN.dpuf

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⇢

January 10, 2014

Who Do YOU Want To Be?

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

Who Do YOU Want To Be? Here we are 2014! First, let me wish all of those that can hear me a very Happy New Year! I know for some, the transition back from having time off may have been a little rough. I get that as I found myself ill just when I found the time to breathe... However, as I/We approach the end of the week we are reminded once again of the power of our resilient being, as it moves us forward. My writing this week is inspired by my own process, and the actions we all have the opportunity to enact. I would imagine that this first week back into your reality may have provided some moments where you felt as though "I just can't or I don't want to..." So I ask, Who Do YOU Want To Be?

It's a pretty straight forward question, one that can be addressed as long as you are a willing participant? For example, at the beginning of the week I found myself unmotivated, disengaged and in a place and space that was not going to support any type of availability for others. Who I was and who I wanted to be were truly far apart. I found myself being tough on the one person who held the power to change his state, with a little acceptance in order I asked the question, Who Do YOU Want To Be? I knew the answer, and so I began the process with action, choice and my resilient being by my side...

I went to that place that has supported me well during these challenging moments (when you are struggling to find the door). You see, it's okay to feel this way, the importance lies within what you do with these feelings. If you choose to reinforce negative behavior and actions (i.e. unhealthy coping mechanisms) then your outcome will be nothing more of the same, and it will likely have you moving further away from where you really need (and deserve) to be heading. I have worked extremely hard to implement practices that support my self-care and well-being, so there was no question in my mind that I was going to get there. I had to work through it though, and because I recognize the learning and growth within this space I knew I was going to be alright!

As I bring my thoughts to a close, my hope is that I have left you with some further support that ultimately allows you opportunity. No matter where you find yourself at in the world you are living in, YOU have a choice. One that can be continually addressed, while accepting of the lessons that will always be available for you. We can not help others change for the better if WE are unable to help ourselves. Being on auto-pilot in practice is as transparent as it gets and so I ask,
Who Do YOU Want To Be?

Until the next time my words meet your availability, may the weekend 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⇢

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Words To Live By!

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has over come.

Booker T. Washington

It is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life. And it is very difficult to have a meaningful life without meaningful work.

Jim Collins

Fear is the soul's signal for rallying.

Henry Ward Beecher

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

Frederick Douglass

The time is always right to do what is right.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

Unknown

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.

Jimi Hendrix

In these times you have to be an optimist to open your eyes when you awake in the morning.

Carl Sandburg

When you get give, when you learn teach.

Maya Angelou

Go on. Move on. Do what needs to be done. Care for those who require care. Spread love wherever you walk. Spread love whenever you talk.

Cornel West

If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

John Wooden

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.

Muhammad Ali

Adversity introduces a man to himself.

Pat Riley

There is a solution to every problem as long as you don't fear the path to the solution.

Alonzo Mourning

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding , mistrust and hostility to evaporate.

Albert Schweitzer

If your initial reaction to something is to say "no" say "let me think about it" instead.

Unknown

When there are no obvious paths to achieve your dreams, make up your own.

Tavis Smiley

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.

Anonymous

The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Make your work play, and your play work.

Phil Jackson

Your greatness is not what you have, it's what you give.

Unknown

Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself, and yourself alone this question. Does this path have a good heart? If it does, the path is good. If it doesn't, it is of no use.

Carlos Castaneda

When you look at a life changing situation, it's your second opportunity to live. You should do things differently than before.

Alonzo Mourning

What is the delivery system for resilience? In part, it's the loving, caring adult who pays attention. It's the community of unconditional love, representing the very "no matter whatness" of God.

Father Greg Boyle (G-Dog)

You can be more successful in two months by becoming really interested in other people's success, than you can in two years trying to get other people interested in your own success.

Dale Carnegie

Determination, Dedication, and Discipline.

Anonymous

Work and Love- these are the basics, waking life is a dream controlled.

George Santayana

Hope is like a path in the countryside: originally there was no path yet, as people are walking all the time in the same spot, a way appears.

Lu Xun

When you are in tune with the unknown, the known is peaceful.

Unknown

How sublime a thing it is to suffer and be strong.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

A loving heart is the truest wisdom.

Charles Dickens

I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.

Frederick Douglass

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, the hardest victory is the victory over self.

Aristotle

Things do not change; we change.

Henry David Thoreau

Love doesn't make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The more one judges, the less one loves.

Honore de Balzac

If we are strong, our strength will speak for itself. If we are weak, words will be no help.

JFK

Inspiring others towards happiness brings you happiness.

Unknown

We are what we believe we are.

C. S. Lewis

Every calling is great when greatly pursued.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

From error to error one discovers the entire truth.

Sigmund Freud

The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.

Aristotle

Wisdom becomes knowledge when it is personal experience.

Unknown

Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it.

Irving Berlin

Don't let the difficult times determine all the times. There will be hard and happy moments. Let the happy times carry you through the hard ones, not the other way around.

Unknown

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

Albert Einstein

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.

Henry Ford

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.

Johann Von Goethe

Life is not complex. We are complex. Life is simple, and the simple thing is the right thing.

Oscar Wilde

What a man thinks of himself, that is what determines, or rather indicates, his fate.

Henry David Thoreau

The happiness of one's own heart alone cannot satisfy the soul. One must try to include, as necessary to one's own happiness, the happiness of others.

Paramahansa Yogananda

To be satisfied with what one has, that is wealth. As long as one sorely needs a certain additional amount, that man isn't rich.

Mark Twain

Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.

Morihei Ueshiba

A wise man will desire no more than what he may get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and leave contently.

Benjamin Franklin

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... It's about learning how to dance in the rain!

Vivian Greene

The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.

Bertrand Russell

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.

Anais Nin

Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?

MLK

Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

John Wooden

Our greatest disability is fear, our greatest strength is courage.

Naomi Levy

Challenges are gifts, opportunities to learn.

Andy Andrews

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

John Wooden

No choice is also a choice.

Yiddish Proverb

We have to put effort into being honest, truthful & compassionate towards others.

Dalai Lama

Success without fulfillment is failure.

Anthony Robbins

You are a product of your environment. So choose the environment that will best develop you toward your objective. Analyze your life in terms of its environment. Are the things around you helping you towards success- or are they holding you back?

Clement Stone

To learn, read, To know, write. To master, teach.

Unknown

We need to interpret setbacks as guides, and not as brakes.

The Influencer

Change happens with a choice, instead of I should, you say I must.

Anthony Robbins

To think is easy. To act is difficult. To act as one thinks is the most difficult of all.

Johann von Goethe

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.

Benjamin Disraeli

To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.

Bertrand Russell

We have forty million reasons for failure, but not a single excuse.

Rudyard Kipling

Be not afraid of growing slowly. be afraid of standing still.

Chinese Proverb

When you know better you do better.

Maya Angelou

Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.

Arthur Ashe

Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove yourself from the unacceptable.

Denis Waitley

Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.

C. S. Lewis

Life is not how fast you run or how high you climb but how well you bounce.

Vivian Komori

Good people are good because they've come to wisdom through failure.

William Saroyan

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

An invisible thread connects those that are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break.

Ancient Chinese Proverb

A person does not have to be behind bars to be a prisoner. People can be prisoners of their own concepts and ideas.

Maharaji

Luck is just another word for hard work.

Craig Robinson

Knowledge acquired can never be taken away.

Marian Robinson

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

If you worry about what other people think of you, then you will have more confidence in their opinion then you have in your own.

Andy Andrews

There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you.

Paramahansa Yogananda

To feel compassion for all beings, to give of one self, and to pass on knowledge to all beings like the Buddha.

Anonymous