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 ⇢

I'm Jumping Back In!

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

It has been over a month since I last posted. The idea was to keep my last entry (in support of National Social Work Month 2014) front and center for the entire month as we honored this great profession!  However, as time moved forward I took note and found that I was lacking the needed inspiration and drive to write something new.  If I don't see it, my words will not tap into the passion and drive that is my catalyst behind the process.  I accepted that this was where I was at while recognizing when the time was right I would return.  The time is now and I'm Jumping Back In!

As I find my words today inspired by hope and purpose, I am thinking about my fellow helping professionals who may be in need.  I understand that you may be unable to see it yourself, and that my awareness may not be the same as those I strive to reach.  I fully accept the "why" behind this as our impacted culture, demands of the profession, and those historical factors that are still hanging in the distance have their way...  The outcome here, well they are the ample opportunities that promote disengagement, distraction and the inability to hear.  I mention this because when I write, I do so with the intention that it will find its way to those who are available to hear it when and if.  Hence the name of this forum is a message in of itself: "Don't listen to what I say.  Listen to what I mean." 

I'm Jumping Back In!  The support (i.e. promoting resiliency and advocacy) that I strive to give has to facilitate thinking, encourage risk, and support struggle.  These components are not only necessary for the process, but they are key ingredients towards one changing for the better.  I understand this because I've lived through it as I continue to trust the process.  Therefore, when you find yourself available to what I am sharing, you are more than likely wanting to change, believe you can, and are ready to commit to the necessary work.  Not so simple I get that!  However, this is truly the gateway to resiliency, and I advocate for this with every opportunity I can to the clients and community (in need of the support) that I am striving to reach with Can You Hear Me?  

I'm Jumping Back In!  If you are new to my forum I welcome you to join my efforts while learning through my eyes as I strive to support you, my fellow helping professionals in need.  Here is some further insight into my model as shared in this interview that I was a part of around this time last year.  I think it conveys my history and mission quite well, so when the time is right please feel free.  As always I am available when you are, so by all means contact me when and if!  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? External Field Instructor and Adjunct Lecturer 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⇢

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 ⇢  

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 ⇢

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 ⇢