Hard day reminders

I'm usually boosting, what a great job I have. When I tell people what I do there are a few responses: "wow! good for you" or "oh, i'm sorry" or "I could never do that". My answer usually is that I have an awesome job, no two days are ever the same. I can be counseling with clients, or staff in the morning and unclogging a toilet in the afternoon. I can be on a conference call regarding effective legislation or making rice crispy treats with the children. I've been known to post some fun pictures on instagram with the hashtag #shelterlife, because as some of the staff say "you can't make this shit up".

There are days though that are hard. There is an emotional currency that is spent here and we work very hard at self care. Vicarious trauma is real. It affects advocates every day and is the number one cause for burn out.

We work very hard at empowering and creating an inclusive environment in which all choices are accepted. Although we hope to educate and support victims survivors of domestic violence, we work hard every day to ensure that they are able to make their own decisions . We pride ourselves on giving them all the information  needed to make informed choices.

We have very few rules. Those that are established have been made to ensure a safe environment for all of our clients. Apart from that, its their home, not ours.... they are free to live how they chose.

Often this is the first place that victims are able to make their own choices...things that most of us take for granted.... what to eat for dinner, when to go to bed.... how to dress or wear their hair.

• Seeing victims survivors feel that freedom are the good moments.
• Seeing victims survivors struggle with those freedoms is the beauty that I witness of their personal journey. 
• Seeing decisions being made that I am afraid will affect them in the long run is really, really hard.

Today is a hard day. I take some solace in that this is only a snap in time of their life.

I'm reminding myself that the universe is providing the opportunity for lessons to be learned, and for strength to be built. Often for victims survivors to grow they are taking two steps backwards to move three steps ahead....

I'm hoping they learn to cha-cha.