For the majority of the past 20 years, I have worked in extremely challenging positions within educational institutions. Many of the students I have worked with have been ‘at-risk’, growing up in environments that are economically challenged and that poverty which they are born into places special demands on each of them. Their needs are often not met at home or in their communities and so they come to us with many issues that they are working through. Needless to say, they can be extremely needy and because of that need, rather demanding. This neediness in turn can be extremely tiresome.

For the majority of my life, I’ve been known as the one who is calm and reliable, not necessarily a counselor or nurse, but definitely a very capable caregiver. I’ve viewed myself as low-maintenance, not demanding a ton of extra attention–or needing it.  My parents always said that I’m the one who was rarely bored because I could keep myself occupied. I’ve always been able to take care of myself and have prided myself on being independent.

Funny thing, though, is that over the course of this past decade, there has been much going on where I can’t just go solo.  Between blowing out my ACL, undergoing surgery to fix it and having to do physical therapy for 4 or 5 months; being diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer; and recently being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism, I’ve become uncomfortably ‘high maintenance’. So many doctors appointments. So much worry and concern focused on my health. So many times I have had to lean in to others. So much I have to do for my self care.

My neediness can be tiresome.

However, tonight I’m feeling hopeful. My medicine for the hypothyroidism, Levothyroxine, is starting to do its thing. Work is adjusting to its new administration. The water season has officially begun for ROW and I have been out on the water with my team twice this week. Spring is finally popping up after a very drawn out winter. And I have a special coaching opportunity (for myself) that I am going to take advantage of this weekend which I plan to write about later.

For now, here is a rather hopeful little photo that might make you smile.

My oldest towel–which had somehow made its way to Florida.

Happy Friday!