Proud to Be One!

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

 

As we celebrate National Social Work Month, I thought it would be fitting to share some words...  There was a period in my life when my direction was far from having a career as a social worker.  In retrospect, it was so fitting that I had to be empowered along the way, moving towards self-determination in order to find my way, helping others change for the better!  I can say with my whole heart that I am proud to be a social worker, and I welcome every opportunity that presents itself to share, expose, and advocate for the profession that has given me so many wonderful lessons and experiences.

I can give you many examples of why social workers are

important, but what I would really like to share is how this profession not only helps those in need, but supports those who serve.  I have always maintained that there is no greater feeling than when you see "change for the better" happen right in front of you.  That moment when the person you are striving to support gets it, and thus the door towards opportunity has been opened.  To be part of this outcome is empowering, and the mutual process that transpires for both parties is truly rewarding to be of witness...  Yes, of course there are tremendous challenges, obstacles, and barriers involved with this work, as it is a profession that asks one to find balance between challenge and reward.  However, recognizing this balance in of itself is just another opportunity to utilize your skill sets, training, experience and that learned wisdom to help you grow and further develop. 

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that you cannot sincerely try to help another without helping yourself."             - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I love being a social worker, while having the opportunity to continue to evolve and work on my craft.  As I strive to improve both my personal and professional self (in order to better serve those in need) I am inspired.  Being in a position to facilitate "change for the better," an outcome that can transform for years, on to others, and within communities and organizations is quite powerful.  This profession is not for all as we know, but for those that it is, may these words find you available to listen to what I mean as I am proud to be one!  Until we meet again be well to yourself out there, because when you are, you will better serve the needs of others!



 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 ⇢

Where Are We Going?

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

Where Are We Going?  As I reach and teach I am always presented with an opportunity to empower and support.  One might ask, how do you know you are making this kind of impact?  My response would go like this, when the eyes of those I am trying to teach reach mine, their focus shares all I need to know...  My writing this week is inspired by the work I am doing with MSW students and the mutual process that unfolds.  As my students find themselves transitioning into a new semester, there is another opportunity to add to their own works toward progress, and the learning is in place. 

Where Are We Going?  It is as much about the uncertain as it applies to what one has been able to add to their toolbox.  You see, often when we are immersed into our goals and tasks at hand, we can lose sight of the awareness needed to recognize what opportunities we have gained.  Today was about identifying competency as much as it was about striving towards progress that is yet to be achieved.  I challenge my student's to pause along the way, not losing sight of all the learning that surrounds them as they often just want to check off the next item on the list.  I want them to be mindful and in tune with the practice opportunities that will never be on the syllabi, but can impact their development in a manner that will effectively add to their skill set and ability to reach those in need.

Where Are We  Going?  It is a process, and if you trust it, you will be presented with openings that you never imagined would be possible...  It is in this space and place that one is empowered and motivated to embrace challenge and difficulty, not as a chore, but rather as a choice.  Can You Hear Me?  If you can then perhaps you are following my lead here.  It's a straight path towards insight, observation and the objectivity that a helping professional would need, not only to help those in need, but to support themselves in the process.  Today was a good day...  It signified to me that those I was striving to reach were available and present, and when this is in place, then there is no question as to Where Are We Going?

Once again, when one teaches two learn!  I am continually inspired by the opportunity that I have been given, one that I do not take for granted.  You see, I am in a position to not only impact the future of social work as it applies to the students I support, but what they take into the field as a result has the opportunity to transcend...  This is where I am going, and I hold no reservations as to what is possible, an opportunity for a level of change that can impact all parties involved.  As I reflect on just that I am empowered, and provided with another moment to breathe a little easier with my head up and heart open...

"It's not what you look at that matters, 

it's what you see." 

~Henry David Thoreau

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 ⇢  

Not Everyone Will Understand...

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

"Life is a journey with problems to solve, lessons to learn, 

but most of all, experiences to enjoy."

Not everyone will understand...  It's yours to decide, how you see it and what it truly means that is.  We all have a story and a path that has taken us on our own individual journey.  This life learning process is where my writing takes me this week, inspired from a post I recently shared on one of my other support platforms.  There is a certain type of order that goes into how I decide and select my outreach.  I look for value, meaning that others can identify with and thus learn from.  My goal is to empower and support and my outreach reflects this.  Therefore, when I noticed that this recent post reached the hundreds, I embraced the idea that someone out there was listening and an opportunity to further empower and support was available!

Not everyone will understand...  That's OK they don't have to, but what they can receive is an opportunity to learn through your eyes in manner that will transform and inspire.  On that note I have decided to write a letter to my fellow travelers.  My own opportunity to share my thoughts on the process of this journey, one that has allowed me to learn from yesterday, so that I can live, give and receive with each new day!


Dear Fellow Traveler,

Do you remember those moments when you were a young kid and you dreamed about what your future would look like?  Where you would live, who you would love, what you would do for work, how you would get there...  Then one day you did get there and it seemed like a different dream, one that didn't look anything like what you had envisioned.  You weren't disappointed though because you had the awareness and insight to understand the value within the process that it took to move you here, it was part of the journey...

Our journey, one that not everyone will understand has endless opportunity.  However, if you are unable to see the growth, learning and wisdom that come as a result of overcoming challenge, change, and choice then you may be looking for a destination and not...  There is a reason why the path that you have been on for sometime now has lead you left, right, forwards and backwards.  You see, without the uncertain and unknown you would have completed the trek.  The only thing though is that there is no finish line, you have to embrace the journey to understand the process.  Not everyone will understand, but that's OK because what you have received is the ultimate reward.  In fact what you have accomplished thus far on your journey may have allowed you that opportunity to love, live and work in manner that you never imagined.  Guess what?  The journey is not over, not by a long shot!

Not everyone will understand, but if you can choose and allow yourself to recognize what you have versus what you just don't need, than your journey will continue to move you forward and towards... The process is exactly that, one that you must trust, be patient with, strive to learn from, give to and you will receive as you deserve.  I wish you nothing but the best as you continue on with yours, may you keep on breathing well with your head up and heart open.  Oh, one more thing and please don't forget this, life is the journey!

Respectfully,
Daniel




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 ⇢

Overcome...

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

It's not what you've accomplished that you remember, it's what you overcome.  It's been a little over four years to this day that I walked away with my head up, set to embark into the unknown and uncertain; At the Crossroads.  The journey actually began to unfold several months prior and the challenges that I was exposed to and have learned from once again reinforce my ability to overcome.  It is fair to say that everything can happen due to reason, usually on its own schedule and when we are not ready or expecting. This is exactly what I was about to learn...
 
When the idea (and inspiration) for this week's post came to me I was immersed into one of my usual self-care practices, reading and writing in my process journal.  As it happens I had a moment where I was able to pause and reflect on all that has transpired in a rather short period of time.  I thought back to February 2009 when I had to be hospitalized because I was unable to take care of my self.  My thought process took me thorough the challenging moments leading to, the experiences during, and the work and commitment that have transpired ever since. What happened to me was going to happen at some point in time. Did I see it coming?  NO!  Should I have recognized what was impacting my mental and physical well-being?  YES!  You see, the man behind the passion and influence of this platform was in a place and space that could not see the eventual outcome that was surely waiting...
 
It turns out that I was living in the moment of survival and that functional behavior that one leads when they just cannot see an opportunity out.  I was suppressing and repressing while being immersed into the powerful affects and effects of burnout.  Turns out that burnout wasn't my only companion at the time as there were continual triggers from my past that were telling me something, I just wasn't ready or available to listen.  When the break happened I was thrust into the most intense ride of emotion that I had ever experienced.  It was so driven that for six days it kept me running away from sleep and well-being. It was a roller coaster of the life that I had lived and all that had impacted my history.  I was releasing what I had kept stored away, internalized in a manner that all I can say, it was like a boiling teapot ready to burst.  I was being given an experiential lesson that had two outcomes waiting; resist and you will suffer for quite some time, or accept, work and commit and you will change for the better in ways that you never imagined.
 
I chose the second option and the journey has been amazingly powerful.  The work that I was self-determined to embrace has opened a door that has truly impacted my personal self and professional practice in such a positive manner.  What I have been able to overcome has showed me the way towards opportunity that I wasn't available to see in the past.  What I have been given is a level of change that has allowed my process (from childhood to adolescence, young adulthood to the present) to breathe and release itself in order for me to live life the only way it should be.  You see, prior to this intense experience I wasn't living.  I was going through the motions of keeping it all together, not allowing myself to embrace my own vulnerability in a manner that would accept my authentic self.  I was able to overcome with much effort, and for this I am well, I am strong, I am empowered. There is much more to the journey, and though I consider myself to be an open book, I leave out facts and particulars not due to discomfort, but because I choose to promote awareness, reflection and the process that leads one to help themselves!
 
May this weeks sharing allow yourself to be available to all that is possible.  It is not a matter of if but when, 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 ⇢ 

Opportunity: Where is Yours?

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

*As this was a short week I have decided to bring back a post that I originally shared earlier in the year.  The message (and meaning within my words) is relevant as the holiday brings us our own opportunity to...  Happy 4th of July to all those that Can Hear Me!

If you have been following my community of support you will have noticed that opportunity is something that I often speak to.  There are various definitions of this term, translated through language, culture and experience.  The interpretation is represented by words such as: chance, circumstance, outcome, commitment and even risk.  Opportunity is thus a viable asset in a world that presents it on an often basis...  

As with everything that I share, there is thought and meaning within its context, and as long as you are available to see it, my hope is that you will receive your own opportunity.  So think of my words as a way to slow you down, having you focus on the opposite of what you may be spending too much time (and energy) avoiding and resisting.  It is in this space that the greatest of opportunity resides, Can You Hear Me?

My writing usually begins as I reflect on the week that has transpired.  As I process what I have been witness to and the learning that it has produced, my ideas start to appear and the sharing is put into motion.  What I avoid if possible are just a bunch of facts that fill space, or the kind of content that leaves the reader with no clear understanding as it relates to their own path.  My writing strives to have you in thought, giving pause to digest, reflect and embrace.  You see, in the reality of the world we live in there is just too much to possibly digest, and thus we become selective as to what we choose to hear.  Furthermore, if you are unavailable because you just can not take any more information in, you won't and I'm not trying to put anything out that does not reach you.  So, as my fingers hit the keys I find myself tapping into where my fellow helping professionals in need may be...  The one's who spend the majority of their time giving opportunity to those in need that they often have very little left to give to their own...

This past week was a very productive one for Can You Hear Me? as I was able to collaborate, connect and support in a positive manner.  By doing such, my circumstances found me engaged, inspired and motivated.  My mission was intact while reinforcing that my Tao is exactly where it should be.  The lesson here is that I am no where to be found if I am unable to do the work (not the 9 to 5 kind!), trust the process and be patient with it all.  Therefore, the opportunity only becomes a tangible outcome when you are in that place and space that has you well and available to hear...

As you move forward and toward in this week ahead, striving to reach and teach please be mindful of your own needs, while paying close attention to what matters most.  When your focus is here the opportunity for you to have more will increase, and you won't have to expend too much extra effort asking yourself, "opportunity, where is mine?"  There is learning in all we do and the door will most likely remain open if you are available to see it, what you choose to do from here will be up to...  Until we meet again may this find you well 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 ⇢

All About Resilience!

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

All About Resilience! It is fair to say that as helping professionals we are in a great position to be that agent of change, helping others move in directions that they often view as impossible to achieve.  We all have our uniquely different approach that is influenced by such common sources as education, training and experience... What I want to speak to today is how resilience, with its many influences can shape and develop our abilities to become that source of hope.  When I look at my own practice, the story that I have lived and continue to add to, I know that resilience has been such a strong influence and motivating force.  The way I look at it, resilience is the ability to handle adverse situations with persistence and hope; wisdom, character, and strength often emerge in the process.  Therefore, how can this influence not impact our ability to reach others, it's all about resilience!

As many of us (helping professionals) know, often we are trained to keep self-disclosure to a minimum, as it's all about the client and their needs, not so much about our own story.  With that being said our actions, availability, presence and wellness are as much a part of our resilient being as the story that we hold close to our hearts.  Therefore, we as helping professionals can utilize the traits of wisdom gained from our own critical life experiences in order to add to our ability to help others help themselves.  The insight that we are given through resilience allows for the courage to recognize the suffering of the heart, and our own story (and experience) can be the catalyst of this process.  It's all about resilience, and we are afforded the opportunity to model it on an often basis as long as there is availability to connect with it, a belief in it, and the intention to deliver it!

As I write, I reflect on the ever present challenges (in life and practice) that I see as amazing opportunities to learn from that only add (not subtract) to our personal self and professional practice.  When you are able to look at obstacles not as problems, but as a resource towards a solution, than your mindset is all about resilience.  Our role in this profession can always be impacted by various influences that we can not control.  We can either let it define us, or we can embrace these setbacks as guides, not brakes.  If you can allow yourself to see the significance that your own resilience can play on those you strive to reach, then you will empower.  If you can allow yourself to embrace the importance that resilience can play on your self-care and well-being, then you will empower.  I'm the doorman here, I'm holding it open for you and if you are available to see it, there is something inside waiting for you.

My hope this week is that my words have reached you in a manner that can empower, support and instruct.  I can say wholeheartedly that this week's post was influenced by my own recent challenge, one that brought me some disappointment.  It would of have been real easy to succumb to the negative influences that were ready and available to take hold of.  However, I practice what I speak to and choose to be in the arena.  I fully understand that it is part of the process that I trust, it's all about resilience!  May this find you breathing well out there, don't lose sight of what you have the capability of achieving...




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 ⇢

Being A Big...

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

Proud I am...  Being a Big (that's the term we use as big brothers or sisters who have the opportunity to positively impact a child for the better!) is by far one of the greatest decisions I've made http://www.bbbs.org.  Being a Big has rewarded me in so many wonderful ways, one of which transpired yesterday as I witnessed my little brother graduate from middle school, on his way to high school and beyond. So, today I am inspired to write and share a little bit more about my experience being a Big!

I met my little brother almost four years ago; I remember our first meeting quite well in that downtown Los Angeles office building, a grown man and young boy coming together for different reasons, but ultimately the same outcome. My little brother to be could barely look me in the eye, his body language clearly indicated that he had suffered before, let down and disappointed along the way, and his ability to trust had been fractured.  At this moment in time there was no doubt that I was exactly where I needed to be, wanted to be, and truly believed that in time my little brother would be able to lift his head up, look me in the eye, and show me his true self.

Over time and our visits together I was able to witness the kind, sensitive, and thoughtful young man I was beginning to understand and get to know. This in itself is not usually behavior that is rewarded when you are immersed into an at-risk environment, one that does not always recognize doing the right thing without thinking, even if it is coming from a young boy. Therefore, I was pleased to hear when his mother shared with me that the family was moving to a new neighborhood many miles away, an opportunity that would end up serving him well.  My little brother was now in a position to grow and develop in ways that would see him thrive, leaps and bounds.

His academic performance (and behavior) changed for the better, demonstrated by the grades he was now getting that far exceed his previous school years.  His participation in youth football (his passion is that game!) gave him a positive outlet while showcasing his athletic ability.  Sports has provided my little brother with a support system that lets him know that he is right where he needs to be, while giving him a great opportunity to be a positive role model to the many teammates that look up to him. His passion (and interest) raising and caring for his birds has helped him develop several positive attributes (i.e. responsibility, work ethic, compassion) that have served him well as he moves into adolescence. He always lends a hand to help his mother when asked upon, doing his best to model to his younger brother what it means to be respectful and responsible. The boy I met some time ago has become a young man, and it has been wonderful to watch his dreams and goals develop!

In life you are given opportunity, what you do with this opportunity will always be dependent on the choices one makes. I am truly happy that I made the choice to be involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and in turn my little brothers life. I have received much from this relationship, and I only hope that I have given back in return, as I will always strive to give him the support and guidance that he deserves. Being a Big always puts a smile on my face and strength in my heart.  I hope my sharing this week reaches you in that place and space that has you well, as you strive to help yourself while helping others in the process!

 

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 ⇢