Change is Constant, Growth is Optional...

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

Where have I been...  September 2014 seems so distant, the last time my process touched these keys as I tapped into my experiential learning, change and growth.  Change has happened as it does, and the growth that  I have been available to receive, well that is offered as a choice one will always get to make.  So, I ask all of those that can hear me?  Are you searching for that destination that may never come, or are you striving to add to your self as you embrace the journey you are immersed into?  Change is Constant, Growth is Optional...

The process has not not always been easy for myself, as I can always touch the past and the lessons that have come.  What prevents us from growth?  We can go to those automatic thoughts that we know so well, just one of many ways to rationalize the irrational possibilities that are just that, opportunities.  When you are able to receive, well than you are side by side with acceptance, and this is when growth becomes more of a reality than...  Change is Constant, Growth is Optional...

As I end the process this time around, my hope for all of those that are listening...  Allow your story to inspire and empower your way, as you choose to embrace the uncertain, while trusting the process that will always have your back. May the intention find you breathing well out there as you continue to add to what will become the best of YOU!  Change is Constant, Growth is Optional...




About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW, LCSW  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).  Through the many lessons and opportunities that Daniel has learned from and gravitated towards...  Awareness, purpose and direction have been offered as he continues to work towards progress!  More about the man behind the mission ⇢

I've Got YOU...

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

I've Got YOU...  The universe has a way of teaching all of us some truly valuable lessons as we strive to work towards progress.  As I reflect on my own process, one that includes the opportunity to share through my writing I realize that I have been gone since July...  No particular reason(s) why other than the need to be somewhere else presented itself.  I am glad to be back though in that place that supports my wellness, as I strive to reach those in need.

I've Got YOU...  The field that you have chosen to represent (through challenge and reward) requires much of your individual self, availability and the patience to adjust and adapt along the way.  The results of the work, dedication and the power that lies within your own story can be depleting at times, and I haven't even mentioned the responsibilities and commitment that are asked of you in that other role, your personal life.  There is no mystery that the impact and effect of both of these worlds can be overwhelming and difficult to manage at times.  However, that is the underlying opportunity that I present as I share through the lens of reflective experience.  You see, the universe doesn't pick and choose your opportunities, it only presents them to you while reinforcing the support that it can provide, I've Got YOU...

We can not hide from the stressors or challenges that are in place, they help us grow, develop and move forward.  When we resist the opportunity to learn from the experience then we create unnecessary stress, challenge and the complete opposite outcome of what we are trying to avoid in the first place.  I can share from my own journey that I didn't get this opportunity until I was able to accept, believe and trust the process.  If I wanted to have the quality of life that found me well, I had to commit and do the work.  Now, I don't want to repeat myself in my sharing, but the message is needed as I do believe that there are some readers out there that are continuing to resist and avoid, while still serving in the capacity of helping others.

I don't sit behind the keys asking for approval to share.  I am fully present and committed to supporting the opportunity, while respecting your own self-determination to find the quality of life that you can (and deserve to) have.  The universe will keep presenting you with choices, and no matter what you choose to do with these opportunities it won't abandon you.  As I leave the process that I am grateful to receive, I continue to learn through the lens of a participant observer.  The classroom will always be open, the door only closes when you close it.  May these words find you breathing well out there as you strive to stand up and stay up!  I've Got YOU...



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 ⇢

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 ⇢

Acceptance...

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

Acceptance...  It is hard to believe that the month of June is coming to a close.  The days just seem to be blending into one another, and so I use this forum once again to slow down my process.  It is only with understanding that I have been able to recognize what is important, and how I would be able to live the quality of life that serves me well.

Acceptance...  It really is the catalyst to changing for the better, as there is usually some form of resistance preventing one to see clear enough to begin the process.  It can be as simple as your pride getting in the way, that common refusal to confront what needs to change.  As I continue to share my own example, I know that my road to recovery would of never been obtainable without a true understanding (and awareness) of the problems and stressors that were negatively impacting my mental and physical well-being.  You see, I was unable to recognize what was transpiring (in the moment), though I was fully aware that it was only a matter of time before It would come to greet me.  Acceptance...

As I write, I reflect upon that period of time when I would soothe my thoughts with nothing more than avoidance and false promises.  Here I was, someone who chose a career to serve others in need, and I couldn't stop myself long enough to support the one person who truly needed the help.  It was so present, as I could see the road I was traveling down was not going to deliver me to a healthy destination.  I was not ready to understand, even with all the self work, training and awareness that I had cultivated along the way.  It was almost as if the lesson that was unfolding needed some more time, there was a greater purpose even if I couldn't see it.  So, as I now understand, my road to recovery could not of happened until I was willing to rebuild, refine, and open that door towards Acceptance...

Wherever you may find yourself at, let my example vicariously touch you as you move towards accepting what you can change. May you see your resilient being as you look upward, learn to forgive, express your feelings and recognize what YOU can control.  Until the next time my words meet your availability, may this find you breathing well...

 

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 ⇢

When You Give You Receive!

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

When You Give You Receive!  If you've been on this platform before, then you may have heard me speak to this opportunity I am presenting to you today...  It's so easy to get caught up in the challenges and demands that this profession can present, right?  However, with a little self-care and self-awareness by your side you will be able to cope in a manner that will allow you to see, When You Give You Receive!

As I find myself walking into a new and exciting chapter in my career, I have been moved to share because this opportunity I speak to is so clear right now, crystal!  When we are empowered by the opportunity to support another for their benefit and gain, this process is truly inspiring. If you are having trouble following my lead, you may be in that space and place that has your availability on empty.  Our profession (helping others help themselves) asks us to balance two different outcomes of our efforts (reward and challenge).  However, sometimes one can get stuck in the effects of that challenge, and the impact that this can create will not support one's wellness...

If I have you thinking about just that, there is good news awaiting you...  This state (stuck in challenge) is as permanent as you choose for it to be.  The point here is that your suffering can either be temporary or long term, you get the opportunity to choose.  If you don't see it that way, then there is some work to be done.  We are provided with so much opportunity to give to ourselves as we enact the process of service and support, but it has to be of value to you, a choice, belief, and ultimately a commitment to the necessary work.  If you are able to get to this place, then you are more likely to receive when you give!

Recently, we lost one of the wisest pair of eyes that I have been fortunate to learn through, Ms. Maya Angelou.  I leave you with her gift to all of us, as her words, lessons and wisdom will live on... 

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

~Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

  

 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.  More about the man behind the mission ⇢

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⇢

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⇢

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⇢

It's A Process...

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

It's A Process... Indeed it is as this is where I am at.  Like many of those that can hear me, I can find myself immersed into my own thoughts and reflection as it applies to my future.  I took note recently as I found myself thinking about this more than perhaps was needed.  As a result I found my sleep being impacted with the problem solving in full effect.  I can honestly say that it has been quite some time since I've visited this place and space.  However, as I have come to understand, I am accepting of where I am at, while continuing to be a part of it, after all It's A Process...

I write this week from a place of intention and purpose.  My intention speaks to any and all who may be facing similar times.  My purpose is to model in a manner that showcases my ability to cope, manage and recover from the thoughts that come, and usually on their own schedule.  The future is not really the issue here, this will come as it should.  The root lies in what I just can not control, and thus it takes a level of awareness to understand this, accept it, and let it go.  How am I able to do this?  I trust the process, one that I am a wholeheartedly a part of.  For example, if my sleep is impacted, I have to own it while continuing to do my work.  The effort therefore lies in my continual trust that I am doing the right thing, without thinking.  This is the course that fully supports my wellbeing, as demonstrated by the healthy coping mechanisms and selfcare practices that are in place.  It's A Process...

Now you may be thinking no more or less about what I shared, as if there is no mystery here.  Well, If I can further share that in the past my self-medication and unhealthy coping would of been the only choice, then perhaps I now have your attention.  Having this experiential understanding of an unhealthy way versus a process serves its purpose, one that has led me towards transformative change...  I am exactly where I need to be.  I share this with all those that can hear me because I know some out there are caught in between that vulnerable world of being functional and unhealthy.  I get it, as I have been there with you, superman by my side.  I was immersed into that mode of survival that ultimately met a force that it could not withstand...

If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you.  Words to live by that have fundamentally supported my process.  The one that I trust because I am a part of.  So, when the thoughts come and the sleep suffers as a result, I know I am going to be OK.  I will because I have developed and maintained the skills, support, want, belief and commitment that will always help me find my way.  As I leave you with this message, may you move closer towards finding your own way, and may you never, never lose sight of the reality that It's A Process, Change Takes Time!




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⇢

Running With The Homeboys!

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

Homeboy 5K 2013

Running With The Homeboys! Today was a good day as I embraced an opportunity, a cause, and the well-being that I have wholeheartedly committed to!  Today I was a part of a community that provides hope, training, and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women, allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of our community. 

Today I was Running With The Homeboys!  As I reflect into my writing I am taken to a place that shows me the parallel.  You see, the life that is presented to each one of us comes with its own unique plan.  The journey that not everyone will understand is both different and similar for us all.  The opportunity (and choice) to learn from the obstacles that come, will always allow for that chance to overcome so we can walk with our head up and heart open.  Running With The Homeboys was more than just supporting the cause, one that I truly hold close to my heart, interest and practice. No, today I was reminded once again how far one can come, and how you do not arrive here with out the work and community of support. The parallel is just that, none of us can ever change for the better with out the effort, commitment, and the support system that helps us get there... 

Today I was reminded of just that process, while looking through my lens of hope, choice and opportunity. As Father Greg (the founder and foundation of Homeboy Industries) says so well, "our support and services are not for those that need them, but for those that want them." This is it... My example, the homeboys example, and what can be your example is based on that "want." If you choose for that change, while being self determined then you will be moving in the right direction... It doesn't mean you won't face the challenges or stressors that are part of the journey, you will. What it means is that you will have some needed skills, and a toolbox ready to access with the support intact.  Running With The Homeboys is just that, an example that parallels the essence of how one changes for the better. 

As I leave you with some thought, and the process that moves you towards your own opportunity, my hope is that you have received the message. The one that is sent to you vicariously through my own experience, in addition to the passion I have serving and supporting those in need. Today was a good day, I was Running With The Homeboys!


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⇢