Dear Social Workers,
Have you ever heard the quote, “you reap what you sow”? What do you plan to plant during this holiday season? What would you like to reap?
As social workers, our hearts and minds are often committed to pouring into the lives of others. This is certainly appreciated. However, how about you? What would you like to sow into your life?
Are you uncertain what you would like to sow and reap? If so, here is a plan that may help you focus in on what you would like to do.
Let’s begin by responding to a few questions. Take out a piece of paper, your favorite journal, or even your iPad or cell phone and let’s get started!
What gives you joy? What do you absolutely enjoy doing?
Thinking over your life, what are you most happy about achieving? If you could, what accomplishments would you frame and hang on your wall?
If you had the opportunity, the chance, and the money, and could have or do anything you wanted, what would it be?
If there was a 100% chance you would be successful, what would you do? How soon would you do it?
If you had exceedingly abundant resources, what would you do?
What or who is your guiding light or inspiration? What is it about that person, etc., that is motivational?
Next, look over everything you have written and underline the themes. In other words, are there words, phrases, or ideas that keep repeating themselves throughout your responses? Underline those themes.
A few of my themes were:
Creating. Writing. Faith. Stepping away. Ministering. Freedom. Greatly exceeds. Live. Enjoy. Transition. Migrate. Legacy and scholarship.
Next, put your plan together to move toward living out your themes. In other words, write out ways to increase these in your life. Here is a little example for my “writing” theme:
Set a time to write each day.
Take myself on a writing retreat 1-2 times per month.
The “legacy and scholarship” theme:
Study how to develop a scholarship.
Determine what type of scholarship (e.g., education, a cause, etc.).
The last step is to do it! Put what you wrote into action. Make it real and live it. Increase these themes in your life.
Remember, you are a masterpiece. Wonderfully made. Allow yourself to flourish. Start sowing and reaping.