A Journey of Becoming 'People for Others

As a mental health professional, I understand the importance of being "people for others." It means shifting our focus, noticing others, caring about them, and taking action to support them. It's essential to recognize what this looks like from the perspective of the people we encounter daily.

Reflecting on my journey, I recall when I was in the midst of a career shift, trying to find the desired job and struggling with parenthood. During those dark and cold days, I thought and searched for what I could do to move forward. While browsing the web, I stumbled upon the concept of following one's passion, but I couldn't figure out my passion.

As I dug deeper, I realized I enjoyed talking to people, listening to them, and providing them with ideas to overcome their situations. This realization led me to enrol in a university course on counselling and psychotherapy. After sending an email, I received a response that I had been accepted, and I was ecstatic.

Reflecting on my experience, I understand that being "people for others" requires us to focus on others, listen to them, and provide support. We can positively impact those around us by recognizing our passions and aligning them with our actions. It's crucial to reflect on our thoughts and feelings, identify what drives us, and take action to support our mental and emotional well-being. Being "people for others" is a continuous process of self-discovery and improvement. It requires us to shift our focus from ourselves to others and listen to and support them. Following and aligning our passions with our actions can positively impact those around us and enhance our mental and emotional well-being.

 

As I reflect on my journey towards becoming a person for others, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to shift my focus towards others and their needs. Of course, it wasn't always easy, especially when I was caught up in the daily grind of job hunting and trying to raise my children. But, as Khalil Gibran said, "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention," I knew it was time to start putting my good intentions into action.

During those dark, cold, and short winter days, I thought and searched for my true passion. I knew there was more to life than just trying to survive each day, and I was determined to find out what that was. After browsing the web and considering various options, I realized I had always been passionate about helping others. I love talking to people, listening to them, and giving them ideas to overcome challenges. That's when I knew counselling and psychotherapy were my paths.

I was excited and motivated as I began my journey towards this new career. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to make a difference in the lives of others. As Mother Teresa said, "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." I was ready to create those ripples and positively impact the world.

The journey towards becoming a person for others is not just about taking action but also about cultivating a mindset of empathy and compassion. As the Dalai Lama said, "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." By shifting our focus towards others and their needs, we improve their lives and our own.

On a typical day, being a person for others means noticing the people around us and caring about them. It means taking the time to listen to their stories and offering a helping hand when needed. It can be as simple as a smile, a kind word, or a small act of kindness. As Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

 Becoming a person for others involves self-discovery, empathy, and compassion. It's about finding our genuine passion and using it to positively impact the world. As we shift our focus towards others, we improve their lives and our own. So, let's commit to practising compassion and kindness every day and create ripples of positive change in the world.

Taking Action to Overcome Worry: A Lesson from My Friend's Cat

We all have big or small worries; sometimes, it can be hard to shake them off. For example, one of my friends recently came to me concerned about her cat, which had been showing some mild symptoms of illness. Although the symptoms were subtle and not severe enough to warrant a trip to the vet, she couldn't help but worry.

As I listened, I realized her worry was her lack of action. She felt there was nothing she could do, so she was trapped in a cycle of worry. But I knew that this wasn't the case. So I urged her to act, even if it was just calling the vet to ask for their advice.

To my friend's surprise, the vet was able to make a good assessment of what was wrong with her cat over the phone. He recommended that she bring the cat in, and if it was what he thought it was, he could give her something to clear it up right away. This small action on my friend's part not only helped her cat but also chased away her fear and worry.

This experience taught me an important lesson: fear and action cannot coexist. When there's action, there's no fear; when there's fear, there's no action. So, the next time you worry about something, remember to take action, no matter how small. It is the thing you need to chase away your fears and worries.

Here are some tips to help you manage your worries and take action:

• Identify the source of your worry: Understand what is causing it and try to put it into perspective.
• Break it into manageable chunks: Instead of focusing on the big picture, break your worry into smaller, manageable tasks. 
• Take action: Take small, concrete steps to address your worry. 
• Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment and let go of negative thoughts.
• Seek support: Talk to a friend or family member, or seek professional help if your worries interfere with your daily life.

Remember, taking action is key to overcoming worry. Don't let fear hold you back from doing something about it. With the right approach, you can turn your worries into something manageable.