Six things my cat has taught me about social work
- Closed doors are a challenge. They will not open without considerable effort. We need to use our resourcefulness, wit and skills to work at opening those doors, reaching inside and making things change. Even when they do open, there’s a strong possibility they will close again – we may find that we aren’t where we need to be anyway and long to go back but the determined effort to break down barriers between people is something that requires focus and effort.
2. We may be subject to humiliation and ridicule by press, politicians and public but we can rise above it. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t challenge it though!
3. We often work best when we can work in the background. Why are there few famous social workers? Because our role should be as enablers in the background. We can encourage others to empower themselves rather than pushing ourselves to the front.
4. But there are times we need to raise our voices and speak out. We have uniquely powerful positions where we can make changes. We need to respect and understand that power and use it wisely and justly.
5. We can’t do anything though without ensuring we look after ourselves and get enough rest. Mentally and physically.
6. The power of determination shouldn’t be underestimated. Strive always to reach higher – the worse that can happen is a fall but better to have tried than to have dreamed of goals without having tried