17 Feb Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed
Posted at 16:04h
in
blog
by Emily Lorin
So yesterday I had my first day of training with Oasis Counseling! Now I know that sitting in a white room filled with a bunch of cream colored chairs isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun, but I loved it! I think…well I know, I am just excited about starting this job! You could tell though that I am the new kiddo because…well first of all I was a good twenty years younger than everyone in the room, but also because I just sat there, smiled, and listened the whole time. It was new and exciting for me! (Hence my “bright-eyed and bushy-tailedness”) What was everyone else doing? …Complaining about the changes in the organizations, not receiving emails, receiving too many emails, not knowing what was going on…voicing their frustrations with the system! Do I have any of those yet? Nope. 
So I listened…and boy were some of those stories interesting! It was a nice little glimpse at what I am to look forward to…some good, some bad. Not really anything surprising at this point, so that was nice! This training was for Crisis Intervention/De-escalation…it was great information. Honestly, I think the entire world would be an exponentially greater place if everyone had to go through training in things like this, communication, relationships, how to relate to people…if people knew how to communicate and truly understand, we could all grow immensely. Anyways, I have my official orientation tomorrow and then the ball should start rolling! I am really excited and looking forward to seeing where this takes me! It is just such a huge blessing, I am still kind of in shock that it is happening! Thank you, God! I pray that I am effective and relatable (Word? Yes? That little red squiggly line is saying no, but I’m going with it) as I continue on this journey…and I pray that I never lose my “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed”ness! Yes. I think these are good goals.
Speaking of communication I was reading through the book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” the other day and one of the ‘habits’ was to ‘seek first to understand, then to be understood.’ It goes something like this…you’re listening to someone tell you their story, what’s going on in their life, and all the while you are thinking “I went through that and I would never have done that.” or “Why does that even matter?” “Well what I did was…” …you are filtering their story through your life and your life experiences, which doesn’t exactly make sense because everyone is not you and does not think or live like you. So instead of completely listening you filter what they’re saying through your point of view-“autobiographical listening”- forming opinions, evaluating, advising, and composing questions for when it is your turn to speak! When most people listen with the intent to reply, not to understand it’s amazing we can even carry on a conversation! I, for one, am very guilty of doing this. For some reason I always thought my way of viewing the world was right and the world would be a better place if everyone could simply see that and adjust appropriately. Well…are you laughing yet? Because it is quite comical that I would be so naive. And not to mention self-centered! Wow! Why didn’t someone smack me and say “Hello??? You are but a tiny grain of sand in this huge world of an ocean! Wake up.” Well thank goodness life and God didn’t wait any longer to knock that one out of me because I am thinking my conversations have been and will continue to be much more beneficial for me and those I am conversing with! …Just think about it. (And if you have the time pick up a copy of “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey…it’s mind-altering and I haven’t even read the whole thing!!!)
In other news…things are not looking so good for GSU. Not because they don’t want me…I haven’t even had my interview yet!…but because I think I have really found “IT!” What’s “IT” you may be wondering? Well “IT” is the thing that makes me excited, that brings out the passion and fire in my heart, “IT” wakes me up in the morning ready to conquer the day, “IT” is my calling, where I ‘fit’ in this career realm of the world…”IT” is also known as the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Richmont Graduate University! Richmont is located here in Atlanta (who would’ve thunk?), it is a private, accredited, graduate university that incorporates Christian based ideas into psychology!!!!! WOAH! In case you fell asleep for a second that is a big deal!!! That is pretty much exactly what I have been screaming for for the past month and a half! Let me just say it again…WOAH! So I can go there and take my courses in MFT that will prepare me for licensure AND they have specializations in Christian sex therapy and Child and adolescent counseling and Spirituality counseling! If you’re not excited yet, then you’re crazy! This is a huge opportunity for me. I feel like God just placed a big purple box with a ginormous green bow on it in front of me and said “You’re welcome, Emily. I know you’ll enjoy.” HA! I am giddy just typing about it! So there you have it folks…answers do come to those who wait patiently…er…or not so patiently, whichever.
SO. Let the application process begin. Again. I think my biggest challenge in applying is going to be trying to get in touch with my pastor…who just so happens to be Andy Stanley. Der. I know he receives emails, I just have know idea by what address or portal he receives them. If you hold the magic key, or know someone who does. Please feel free to let me know! Thank you!
xxxoo – impractical dreaming.
ps. I looove dreaming impractically. I’d say it well pays off.
rootedinlove
Posted at 18:30h, 17 FebruaryWOW, awesome news!!! Such an answer to prayer! And I am with you on holding on to your "bright eyed and bushy-tailed-ness".. That is exactly how I feel at work too. I think they just don't have the personality, attitude and Jesus JOY that we have.
T.Gray
Posted at 20:29h, 17 FebruaryOf course God would give you a PURPLE box with a GREEN bow on it…He knows you so well =) I love you and am so excited to see you so excited!!! I wish you the best of luck in the application process and will be praying that God will keep revealing to you His wonderful and perfect plans.
Impractical Dreaming
Posted at 15:08h, 19 FebruaryI know Chels, I think that truly makes all the difference! Yay! …And yes, turns out, God does know me better than I know myself! But the green and the purple I think was just showing off! đŸ˜‰ Thank you so much for the prayers! I am really excited to see where God takes me through this! What a journey!!? And prayers to you both…for staying excited (C) and getting excited about what's