These past few months in the second semester of grad school
On my quest to receive a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and rehabilitation counseling

Felt like well-worn tracks laid down in first semester

And then filled with the flavor of something entirely different

Ambivalence colored the early weeks as I eased into a new cycle of learning

Noticing that it takes me a while to adjust to new experiences
Especially ones that are not in my control

And this has been an ever-deepening exercise in letting go of control

And so I fought the initial discipline to sit in order to read and write things that I did not assign to myself (!)

Holding myself in the disappointment that I no longer had the time that I cherished over break to read for self-developmental pleasure
And celebrate holiday times with friends and family

And then I surrendered
Slowly but surely
Doing what I’ve intended and learned to do over these last few years

To let go into whatever situation presented itself
To say Yes to Life
and all it’s textures
Yet again

And in that doing
I created deeper friendships
I held space for educational experiences that were not on the docket
I honed a skill of reading and comprehending with more facility and efficiency
I continued cultivating much-needed critical thinking skills
I opened my heart and mind to new ways of seeing fellow humans
And I boldly set myself up to be challenged deeply in upcoming practicum and internship

And most powerfully during this time
I learned how to take care of myself deeper still—mind, body, and Spirit
Always deeper

With the inspiration and intention
To pass this knowing and action to all I come into connection with ❤️✨