Training

I have the tendency to try to jump the gun on my life, and it's unwise.

I've never done anything too stupid, because fortunately I've almost always realized how foolish it is to get in over my head before I actually do it. But I tend to forget the importance of training; I just imagine myself at the end goal.

Let me try to be a little more specific.

Let's say I got it in my head that I wanted to be a marathon runner. I'd fantasize about being incredibly in shape, running across that glorious finish line, exhilarated, having barely broken a sweat. But I'd hardly consider the fact that first I'd have to get off the couch and run my first treacherous mile to train. In fact, if I did consider it, or even attempt it, I would probably throw the whole dream away.

But that's really no way to live life.

I don't have fantastical dreams about running a marathon (although I would like to get more in shape). For the last few years I have had a dream of becoming a counselor. (Like a psychologist but without having to get a PhD.)

I figured out before I graduated college, fortunately, that I would not be ready for graduate school right away. I would not be able to power through school to get a Master's degree so that I could be a counselor. First I would need training.

I've been training to study, take tests, and write papers all my life. But I've only known a few people with mental illnesses. There's only so much one can understand about abnormal psychology from a book. It has to be seen, observed, conversed with. Few people are "textbook cases," but all of them are real and dynamic, much more than a book lets on. They have unique thoughts, tragic stories, complex relationships.

So I knew that with my dinky but wonderful little bachelor's degree I had to get out into the field and get some experience. I had to train.

After about six months into my first mental health position, I asked myself, Why don't I go back to school? I am only postponing my dream job by waiting.

I had to remind myself not to jump the gun.

Now, I'm moving across the country to continue my training.

I'm going to train physically. I'm going to tread on spiky land instead of flat land.
I'm going to train musically. I've made up my mind to finally learn how to yodel. I don't know why I can't do that here, but it's one of the next goals on my list, so whatever.
I'm going to train linguistically. I intend to take classes in American Sign Language. I think this will be a very valuable skill.
I'm going to train in my writing skills through a project Lexi and I want to try.
I'm going to train spiritually. Wilderness apparently is very good for my soul and I intend to spend more time in it.
Finally, I'm going to train in my career. This is the biggest one. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing, really. I'm going to work with mentally ill people until I am ready to take the big step toward graduate school and ultimately toward being a counselor.

These next two months before I leave feel like training to train, which is a little awful and a lot exciting.

I'm crossing the threshold between the living room and the weight room.


God bless.