Taking Our Place

Location: Melbourne, FL

Studying: Pediatrics (still them kiddos)

How I am Becoming: Quiet in what I bring

How you can pray: stillness to listen to the opportunities around me

The Details: 

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! I am (slowly) learning to embrace change and find my way in this working world. The past few weeks have been busy with traveling, learning and celebrating. Yet, God has been good to provide small moments to rest during this time. 

Recently, I went to Disney with some friends (gotta use that seasonal pass before summer blackout days hit). Over Christmas I got a new camera and all I have wanted to do is take pictures! So when asked which park I wanted to go to, is it surprising I said Animal Kingdom?! Where else can you take photos of animals from all over while eating a delicious Mickey Ice-Cream Bar?

We walked through their aviary and nature walks, snapping shots along the way. And while there were many photos I am a little proud of, I love this picture, mainly because if you look too quickly you might miss the beauty of it.

There is a bird, sitting on a rock amidst trees and plants larger than that bird could ever dream to be. And yet there is a quiet confidence about him proclaiming his presence while taking his place in the vast hustle around him.

I was assigned to follow a therapist two weeks ago and am starting to see the same kiddos continually. It is amazing watching their personalities bloom more each week.  

One toddler is slowly stealing the show. At first, she entered treatment sessions timid, constantly needing to run back to mom for reassurance. Any changes, new toys, sounds or people, threw her off instantly reverting her back to being shy, timid and withdrawn. 

As I walked down the hall this week to bring the family back for session, she meet me in the hallway...by herself. She then proceeded to guide me to the treatment room as mom followed behind us (both of us making the "Who is this kid?" face to each other). This little miss then took us to the gym where other kids were playing a game. She marched her cute little self to the middle of that game and babbled. Babbled as if she had the most important things to say. And despite her words being only sounds, everyone was focused on what she was saying. Not her sounds, but her presence. She commanded the attention and none of us minded. In fact, we needed that moment together to stand in awe of little one who just learned the power of her presence.

In OT, we have this concept called therapeutic use of self. What it boils down to is that we can use the latest technologies and the most researched ideas into treatment, but the only thing we are guaranteed to be bringing in is ourselves, the therapist. What are you bringing in? What needs to be left out? And how are you allowing who you are to make an effect on therapy?

I am finding that often, our presence in treatment can become therapeutic when we embrace what the person needs in that moment. Amazing how the most important thing we bring is ourselves!

And when we know ourselves, allowing God to live through us, life begins. 

So, I have a question: what do you bring to your work, family, home or life that only you can bring? Are you taking your place or shying away?