Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and continue moving forward. We work with people who are facing some of the most difficult challenges of their lives. Our goal is to help our clients navigate this. Yet, we need the same resilience for ourselves when facing personal and professional challenges.
My theme and word for 2023 is RESILIENCE.
You might ask why resilience?
Last year, I made the difficult decision to quit my job after three months. A job that I moved states for, left clients that I loved, and a team that valued me. I felt ashamed about this choice. But the truth is, quitting my job was not a sign of weakness - it was a sign of strength. It showed that I was not afraid to make difficult decisions and that we are willing to put myself first. It showed that I am resilient.
It has been a year since I made that decision and I do not have one single regret! In that year span, I have accomplished so much and had opportunities I would have never imagined!
Opportunities such as partnering with a local audiologist directly, working on the marketing team of one of my favorite companies, being an invited presenter at ASHA, being a co-investigator on a research grant, and most importantly treating clients in a way that I feel is ethical and most beneficial to them.
Would this have happened if I just stayed put?
Maybe, maybe not. I know I would not have the same level of freedom to evaluate and make these decisions freely.
How to move on from the negative feelings?
The key is to focus on the things that we have gained from the experience. We've gained valuable experience and skills that we can take with us. I've also gained a better understanding of what I wanted and needed in a job or in life, which will help me to make better decisions in the future. And perhaps most importantly, I've gained the courage to take control of my own life and career.
“Turn your wounds into wisdom.”― Oprah Winfrey
If you are in a similar situation that I was, I want you to be proud of your resilience, it's one of the traits that makes you a great speech-language pathologist. And remember, if quitting a job is the best decision for you, it doesn't mean you're a quitter, it means you're a champion of your own life.
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