Sanity

When I first started working in Houston, I made an agreement with my employer to work 80% (4 days a week) so I could have dedicated time to finish my dissertation. Once I finished my dissertation, I considered increasing my hours to full time. But another opportunity opened up in late spring. In May of last year I started working at The Grief Resource Center (TGRC) one day a week. That job has seriously helped me maintain my sanity here in Texas.

Ceramic hearts made by our participants and volunteers.

There are so many reasons that my one-day-a-week job is awesome. It is my first true opportunity to work with other counselors and helping professionals, which I missed more than I can describe. It has really helped me develop more of a community here so I don't feel as isolated. And the people - the people I work with are fabulous. It is such an affirming, positive place which is so good for my soul. Because of those people, it has also been a really supportive place for me when I've needed it. The final bit is that the work and the growth of the organization are challenging in new and fun ways.

One of the new challenges associated with TGRC is that we're trying to increase our business security and viability. We are currently in the process of starting a counseling program where before we were only providing support groups. As part of that process, I am going to transition over the next couple of months to full time at TGRC. I cannot describe how excited I am about this.

An image from our Silent Lights Remembrance Service this past winter.

Sometimes it's amazing how the timing of things seems to happen right when you most need it.