If You Can Change Within Yourself...

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


If you can change within yourself, then you can help others...  You may have heard this before.  You may have used this experience as an opportunity to empower another.  You may be struggling to find this change within yourself.  My writing today is inspired by another opportunity to facilitate insight, what happens as result of this process will be entirely up to your own availability to receive.  If you can change within yourself, then you can help others...

As I reflect on my own journey (the one that not everyone will understand) I am reminded of all of the lessons and learning that I have been afforded.  I am also reminded that none of those opportunities would have (or could have) become a possibility unless I was able to receive them.  It did not always come with ease, as resistance and avoidance will always show up when the message is not being met.  I lived many years doing it my way, and although I was not entirely off course I was going with the stream, when I should of been going against this flow.  If you can change within yourself, then you can help others...

The door towards my change within really opened for me through higher education.  This may sound like that kind of endorsement that many others have sold through time.  However, for myself the education that I was exposed to changed the quality of my life that I never expected going in to this endeavor.  I chose education at the age of 25 because I wasn't satisfied with the way my life was playing itself out.  There was no dream of a certain career when I began.  All I knew at that moment was the idea that If I changed the quality of my life in a positive manner, I may just find my way.  Well, I did as the key fit the lock and the doors (that for many years remained closed) finally began to turn the other direction.  

As my lens changed and I was given the ability to make better choices, I was moving forward.  Although the path would not save me from challenges and difficulty, slowly and surely I was changing within myself.  When I moved into (and through) my MSW program I met awareness in a manner that I had not quite experienced before.  The mirror was right in front of me, and I was a willing participant.  The road towards acceptance and forgiveness allowed me to grasp the truest gift that I could receive.  The change within had found its way in a manner that would effectively and competently allow me to help others help themselves...

Growth and learning will always be an available opportunity to us all.  I have been very fortunate to receive many positive outcomes as a result of this empowering possibility.  However, none of this is possible with out the want, belief and commitment.  It's a road that will not be smooth, as those bumps along the way remind us that there is still plenty more to learn.  Until the next time, may my words find you well out there, with choice and opportunity by your side... 




About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW  Email 

Founder of Can You Hear Me?  Adjunct Lecturer and External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work | VAC.  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 ⇢

Hope...

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


Hope...  You may have heard it before as it is the message that we hold on to in times of need.  It is surrounded by feelings, expectation, and often that desired outcome we convince ourselves we must have.  As I recognize another opportunity to share, I am filled with inspiration as I choose to model it forward.  Hope...

As we move into February, we are moving...  Whether it is in the direction of choice, we always have a say in the matter.  Yes, at times difficulty will arrive as when we just can't shake that "something" that seems to have a hold on us.  It is exactly this example of challenge that has my thoughts processing today with Hope...  

As helping professionals we often have the insight and a level of awareness as it applies to behavior, psychosocial stressors, risk factors and all those intangible forces that impact and effect one's well-being.  We are not protected from feeling (and taking on) these certain factors just because we are the helpers.  Therefore, it will always be important to recognize that we can be as exposed and vulnerable to these forces just like those we strive to reach and support.  Hope...

Imagine one of those moments when you just can not seem to remove that worry of what is yet to happen.  Whether it's a client's current status that is weighing you down, a pending meeting that revolves around uncertainty, or a personal challenge that you just can't seem to breakthrough...  If you are not well, meaning YOU are in that place of heightened worry and stress and you are not taking action/practice to facilitate change for the better, you will most definitely be suffering.  Now imagine you are taking healthy/positive measures to manage and cope with these areas of challenge, and you are still not feeling right...  What are you going to do?  Would you stop taking care of your needs?  Are you going to turn to unhealthy and negative coping mechanisms?

Now that I have you in thought there is a message waiting for you... The process of being well will need you to be patient with some Hope by your side.  You see, just because your practicing self-care and doing the necessary work, you are by no means removed from feeling stressed, anxious, frustrated and the gamut of emotions that are available for us all.  What it does mean though is that with practice in place you will be able to manage, cope and recover in a much more healthy and supportive manner.  You've heard me say it before "trust the process, change takes time."  If you are a non-believer, please feel free to experiment with this model.  The next time you find yourself consumed (and in the place and space that does not have you well) don't take care of yourself, do the opposite as you numb and suppress... At this point ask yourself, how am I feeling right here right now?

May my words today find you with some perspective, and another opportunity to help you help yourself (or someone in your circle who is in need).  Remember, hope is friends with resilience, but neither of them show up without effort and trust.  I am confident that what I've shared today is "truth" and "valid" as I have lived the example, and it only took a breakdown to produce a breakthrough.  Hope...



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⇢

Wisdom...

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

Wisdom...  My writing this week is inspired by the words to the left, and my thoughts as a result have allowed for further process.  *Contrary to popular beliefs, wisdom is not the gift of "knowing everything," but rather possessing an open mind to further increase knowledge.  A wise person always thinks before they speak, talk about subjects they know about, and ask questions about the ones he/she are not familiar with.  People who possess wisdom tend to be humble and do not show off, Wisdom...

It is fair to say that I have been provided some life experiences that have allowed for necessary insight and reflection.  In addition, my academic training and work experiences have only enhanced my understanding and awareness, Wisdom...  However, what resonates with me today is that connection between listening and speaking, and how my roots have shaped and influenced my wise ways. Growing up the youngest in a house with strong presence, separation, challenge, distance and many other factors impacted my inability to have a voice...  These early influences shaped my identity, but they also opened up a door towards opportunity.  As I moved through this space and place I was able to further develop by observing, listening and learning from my surroundings.  This foundation in of itself shaped my development and my ability to see what most pass by, Wisdom...

Although there have been many times in my life when I would of rather spoken, I have been afforded a true gift because I did not.  One that has allowed me to see through the eyes of others, and give in a manner that can truly change the quality of life.  What once began by challenge has moved me through that thing we call growth...  It ultimately turned into an ability to effectively help (and support) and I have been rewarded, Wisdom...

As I leave you with your own thoughts, may you move towards a level of understanding that once again will allow you to see what you have, and not what you just do not need.  Listening when you would have preferred to talk, Wisdom... 

* "Characteristics of Wisdom." Reference.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.  

 

 About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSWEmail
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 Had A Moment...

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

How are we doing this week?  My hope is that you've found yourself learning from yesterday so that you can live well today.  As I write today's post my inspiration is within me and thus I am ready to share to all of those that can hear me!  This morning I had a moment that allowed me to time travel back to a familiar place that I use to visit when I was a child.  It happened as I was immersed into one of my usual morning selfcare practices, and before I knew it I was passing by a childhood memory that brought me back.  I had a moment, one that provided me with an opportunity to reflect, and by doing so I once again was able to breathe a little easier...

Nearly four decades later this physical space that I was looking upon was still intact.  It looked the same as I had remembered, though much has transpired for myself since those early years as a kid.  As a young boy when I was told we were going there I often found my emotions mixed with excitement and fear.  I was excited to have the opportunity to go, but somewhat anxious for what I knew I could not control.  However, we always went back, and sure enough after I was finished with this experience everything was OK.
Life has been much of the same, walking through it with moments of excitement and fear.  I've always found myself coming back, and the process has taught me much...  I had a moment and once again I am empowered by the lessons I've learned, the one's that continue to find me years later.  No matter what challenges have been presented, or the pain that has found its way as a result, the healing has provided opportunity.  Where I am today has only allowed me to embrace these moments as I continue to add to my work towards progress.  This is it, the classroom is right there ready to be entered, as long as you are available to see it.

May you embrace your own moments as they are part of the process.  They will always be necessary in order to move forward and towards that space that has opportunity waiting for you.  Own it, learn from it, and may you find yourself being able to accept it!  They are brought to you by reason because you are that resilient being, and these moments are just another opening to show you the way.  Until we connect again as always 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. More about the man behind the mission ⇢  

Helping Professionals with Gratitude!

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


Helping Professionals with Gratitude!  I'm pleased to be back and as my fingers glide across the keys, I'm connected to my internal drive to help others change for the better.  This week I'm inspired by the gratitude I embrace as it pertains to my model of support, helping those that help others in need.  Helping Professionals are either working for, training in, or learning from organizations whose mission is to help others change for the better.  The support that I have chosen to provide gives me purpose.  As I move through opportunity I'm  investing myself into the emotional states that motivate, inspire and empower me to accomplish my said goals.  It is through challenge and the process of overcoming such that I have been given choices.   As with all moments that cause us pain we can choose to understand it and accept it.  I honestly feel that we are all capable of embracing our own suffering in a manner that can educate us, inspire us and ultimately motivate our will and ability to change for the better.  Helping Professionals with Gratitude affords me this opportunity, one that not only empowers others, but also provides me with much opportunity as well!

In the field of helping others change for the better one may become solely focused on the person/population you are trying to reach.  Yes, this is the nature of your work but what goes into this work is so greatly influenced by your availability, sense of self and what you are able to give to the process.  So I ask, what about that helping professional?  What about their well being?  What about their working environment/system, support network, etc.?  What about their capability and ability to effectively provide positive support and services to those in need?  Many in the field of helping others choose to suppress their pain and suffering as it pertains to their role as and career of.  Think about it...  You are a trained and educated professional in the business of helping others change for the better,  the expectation is not to show your own vulnerability.  So, how do many cope with this?  Many will suppress, avoid and resist, moving closer into that "survival mode" and a way that just gets one through the day...  They will lose sight of (or just not have the energy for) positive self-care and well-being support.  They will increasingly break down while venting to their co-workers, friends, spouses, etc. in a manner that only demonstrates their frustration, anger, apathy, and complacency within a situation that feels as though no solution is in sight.

Helping Professionals with Gratitude is where my support services come in to action as I strive to empower, educate and support these professionals.  To be able to inspire others through my own plight, my own challenges (in and out of the career), while promoting one's ability to stay available and present is a truly rewarding opportunity.  It is through this mutual process that I am able to help my fellow professionals identify, understand, and thus address the challenges they are facing in the field of helping others change for the better!  I don’t always get the opportunity for feedback, so when I share it is always an opportunity to reflect, process and embrace that I am exactly where I need to be.  What I do know is that it is my true desire to support Helping Professionals so that they can move closer to helping others change for the better.  If I can accomplish this I am able to impact two different populations; the helping professional as well as the clients they serve, both of which are in need of support! 

This in itself is what I see every day with intention, purpose and action!  If you are a helping professional and you are suffering, you can not be available and present for those in need in a positive, effective and sustainable manner.  It is a reality within an already difficult field that usually begins with immediate challenge.  So, I ask you, why create more challenge if you can choose not to?  It begins when you start, while committing to the necessary work so that you can change the outcome, one that will be a truly transformative process...

I'm just gonna keep putting it out there to the universe, and if my efforts open the door towards change for the better I am Helping Professionals with Gratitude!  Until the next time my words meet your availability you breathe well out there!



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 ⇢

Another Opportunity...

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

Another opportunity to help you help yourself!  I was contacted recently to write an article about Compassion Fatigue, the ever present phenomenon that helping professionals are exposed to, and vulnerable of by the nature of the work we do to help others in need.  My hope by writing this piece was to give the audience a clear and concise understanding of how your own capacity for compassion can impact your well-being, while becoming informed and aware of the how, what and why behind that fatigue that holds on to your compassion in ways that you are not always able to let go of... Continue Reading >>

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 ⇢

Who Is Superman?

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?
 
 
The question came my way the other day, Who is Superman? The context came as a result of walking a path of invincibility, the only problem is that the outcome one usually wants to avoid was being reinforced in the process. Many of us are guilty of  striving (whether it's conscious or not) to get everything and anything on our plate done, checked off the list, completed, without realizing that we really need to slow down while being mindful of what is taking place. The root and cause of this mindset can come from various sources (historical, personality and perceived identity to name a few) that although we may be aware of as it is happening, can still hang around like a bad cold!

So, I ask you Who is Superman? At the cost of our own well-being, invincibility does not help us move forward in a healthy and productive manner. You may be thinking, this internal motivator does get things done so I guess it's not that bad. Yeah, I hear that but the constant energy can be consuming and draining and if anything its affect and effects are causing us to move into an area that will not support our best interests. So, I'll put it out there to any and all that can hear me, everything is going be OK, it always gets done in one way or another. What this means is that you usually meet the objective, and if not, it will still be waiting for you the next time you press power!  Therefore, you don't have to think about what you need to get done (or what you may think has to get done) from the time you awake until the time you lay your head to rest, all you have to do is ask yourself Who is Superman?  You have a choice here, one that at times can be difficult and challenging, but within this there is always an opportunity to do the right thing without...

It is fair to say that when one is in a career (and position) that requires supporting and managing others needs, you are more susceptible to being that superhero, and you may not always see it any other way.  Furthermore, if this representation has been reinforced and ingrained for some time there will be some work ahead in order to break the madness, a place and space that can ultimately impact your well-being, which in turn will impact your professional practice. Who is Superman? is independently different for each of us because we are all uniquely special. However, the opportunity to change a behavior or mindset is something that we all have the ability to achieve, as long as we see it as something that needs to change. The lessons that we advocate for while supporting those in need are right there in front of us for ourselves as well, what we choose to do with them can either empower us to move forward, or we can just decide to keep on reinforcing the cycle of... So, I ask you, do you really have to be Superman?

Until the next time my words and your availability cross paths don't forget to check in with yourself when in need. It can be as simple as we see it, or as difficult as we choose to make it be...

"Seeing yourself as you want to be is the key 

to personal growth.”    

~ Anonymous

  

 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 ⇢