a year later

when i first started this blog, it was about transitions. we were in the process of moving from KS to CO, and upon getting settled, i wrote a lot about my job search. luckily, in late january '09, the search became "found". i was offered a position as a Functional Family Therapist with a non-profit here in fort collins. now, i could bore you with the details of what it is i actually do, but i won't. i'd rather talk about what this job has meant in my life thus far.

upon taking this job, i was a fairly new therapist. i still am, relatively. however, in the last year, i've come to have some confidence in my abilities. i used to be really ambivalent about work (i think we all know that). in retrospect, i think my ambivalence came mostly from a lack of confidence, from not believing in myself to get the job done. in the last year however, i've noticed some changes. i'm starting to dread "tough" sessions or "tough" families a lot less...instead feeling confident about what i can accomplish with them, feeling more confident in my knowledge base, not allowing myself to get thrown off track too much. i think as professionals new in our fields, or when we take a new job, we all struggle with that. deep down we wonder, "can i really do this?" i just tend to be a lot harder on myself than most...which my co-workers politely point out and tell me to 'knock it off'. speaking of which...

i have some really great co-workers. they're not just co-workers, they've come to be friends. this job has been such a great fit in that way. i found a position where my co-workers are in similar stages of life, and also within their first 5 years of doing therapy. we work really well together, we challenge each other and support each other. i've learned from them and grown as a therapist, wife, friend, person. they each have qualities that i draw from, and aspire to. these ladies inspire me everyday, and i am so grateful to them for that. before i started this job, i hardly knew anyone here in Fo Co. i'm still working on that, but what an awesome way to start.

most of all this job has helped me find my "place" in this town. it's hard moving to a new place and figuring out where you fit. this has helped tremendously. not only working with my co-workers, but so many others in the community whom i collaborate with, has helped me feel like i have a role here.

i'm happy to say that we're no longer in a period of transition. we've been in Fo Co for almost 2 years, and although i still have trouble remembering where some things are in town....we're at a place where we're settled and enjoying what this beautiful state has to offer. and for the time being, that sounds pretty good.