Ever since I was young, I had dreams and not sleeping dreams (well I probably had those too but anyway). I remember playing teacher with my cousin and wanting to do that when I grew up. Multiple times while swimming with my cousin, we would pretend we were mermaids and I thought that might be pretty cool. That dream burst pretty quick. When I was younger I decided that someday I was going to be a missionary in Africa. Then in high school, we were required to plan our future. I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do! Eventually I went to school for sign language interpreting. Part way through that program I switched to occupational therapy which I have been doing for the last almost 14 years. In 2017, I decided my dream was changing and I went to school to be a mental health counselor. Through my personal experiences in therapy and seeing other people struggle with mental health, my dream grew to counsel others especially in an eating disorder center. That dream finally came true and I started working at Sol Stone Eating Disorder Center in January 2025. It took a big leap of faith to take this job. I had been working as a traveling OT and felt discouraged that I would never be able to get into the counseling field after some failed attempts. Even after taking this job I was still unsure if it was the right decision.
In my previous post, I talked about a trip to the Dominican Republic that I took with a team of amazing people. While we were there I was able to have conversations with some of the team members which really encouraged me that I was making the right decision. On one of our last days, we spent part of the day walking up 7 waterfalls on a trail and then of course when you get up to the top you have to somehow get down. To say I was terrified is an understatement. I am absolutely scared of heights and have a fear of drowning even though I used to be a lifeguard. The first couple waterfalls were not too bad as we either walked down a ladder or slid down the falls. One of the last ones though we jumped down about 15 feet into the water below. It took me forever to jump. I knew though that if I didn’t do it I would regret it. And my motto in life is to find the adventure which this sure fit into. My team was at the bottom cheering me on but I was still so scared. Eventually I told the guide to just push me which I didn’t think he would actually do, but he definitely did! I started falling and falling and felt like I was never going to hit the water; however I definitely hit it with a big splash at the end.
I literally (or legit as my patients say) took a leap of faith when I stepped off that platform. I realized that it was very similar to my actual life. I was taking an extremely large leap of faith accepting and starting the position at Sol Stone. Now that I just finished my 4th week there I am so happy I accepted the job. I absolutely love running groups and getting to know my patients. My coworkers also make the job so easy to get into and are always there to teach and help me. My coworkers are always there cheering me on and encouraging me like my team members at the bottom of the waterfall. I was in a way pushed in pretty quick to start running groups but I always said I will try to do most anything they asked me to do. I tell my patients all the time that all I need them to do is at least try and I can’t tell them to do something I’m not willing to do myself.
So, now that I’ve written all that, what are some dreams you have? Is there something you want to do but are afraid to take that leap of faith? Who are some of your cheerleaders encouraging you to take that step? I challenge you to think about this if there is something you need to do about it.
AdventuresOfATravelingOT 