With the flip of the calendar, we
entered into a new year. What will 2017 hold for you? I know that 2017 means
not only a new year, but also some uncertainties as we also enter into a new
political atmosphere. There are many unknowns, as well as some things that have
been presented by the incoming leader, which may not be in everyone’s best
interest. I also have a few health issues such as fibromyalgia, IBS, diverticular
disease, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disorder, and small fiber
neuropathy to name a few.
Some days, my symptoms make it hard to do much of
anything, including wearing clothes due to allodynia which is a symptom that is
associated with fibromyalgia. I am just glad that I get to work from home,
where there is no dress code. Other days, I am able to push through any
discomfort present and take the dogs on long walks (between 5-7 miles).
However, it is frustrating at times, because on the days where I do not feel
capable of moving due to pain and/or fatigue, the dogs still want to have their
outings and I know that movement is essential to my mental and physical health.
With all of these unknowns as we
enter into the New Year, it is important to identify the areas that you have
control over in your own life. For me, this reminder can help to gain
perspective and alleviate some of the anxiety that sometimes arises in times of
uncertainty. One area of my life that is within my control is my educational
pursuits. My newest course opened up today, with the course officially starting
on Monday. I have been attending graduate school since 2012 and currently have
a 3.828 GPA and have three courses left until I graduate with my MS in Clinical
Psychology with a specialty in Applied Research.
I could have graduated a lot
earlier, but after completing all of my coursework and residencies that were a
part of my previous academic program, I transitioned over from mental health
counseling to clinical psychology since my heart and passion truly come alive
in the research realm. This term I am taking Multicultural Perspectives in
Human Behavior, which is a 10-week course and will require me to complete
weekly discussion posts and three assignments, with the final project
consisting of a project that spans between 24-30 pages on diversity and
multicultural considerations within my specialty of applied research as it
applies to clinical psychology.
I see this as my opportunity to delve deeper
into understanding the challenges faced by minorities within the military
population. This may include racial, gender, and sexual orientation aspects as
they apply to members of the military. I am sure that I will be able to fill
all 30 pages by pursuing this topic, while at the same time becoming more aware
of the challenges that may exist when providing clinical psychology services
and conducting research on this very important population within society.
Although I have said it in the past,
this time I will work on the discussion posts before they are due, which will
mean carving out part of my time to work ahead, ensuring that no matter how I
feel, I will be able to have all of my initial discussion posts ready to post
ahead of time. This will also help to ensure that I am not rushed or pressed
for time, which is always a possibility when it comes to my life, as I wear many
hats: mom to five rescue dogs, housekeeper, freelance writer, graduate student,
spoonie , library resource assistant, and an all-around get shit done type of
person. There is also a new venture that has presented itself, which is an
extension on a project I had worked on in the past. All very exciting stuff and
easy to become overwhelmed. Fingers crossed that I am able to pull it all off!
