The past twelve weeks I have spent 2 to 3 days a week as an intern at Coulee Council on Addictions in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This non-profit organization’s mission is to provide “confidential help to individuals and families impacted by addiction and leads the community in prevention, education and awareness” (Coulee Council on Addictions, 2016). My time was spent connecting with members of the community, planning sober events, learning about addiction and community resources. Throughout my time here I spent a great deal of time reflecting on my own development and understanding of theoretical concepts I’ve learned in my courses and applying them to real life situations. This essay will attempt to articulate my findings based on the experiences
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He mentions that there is a writer in our life and we are the character. The writer can tell the character what to do, but can’t make the character do it (Miller, 2009, p. 89). Our conscience might want us to do something grand with our life, but if we stick to a routine we will never get to have that great story. I never knew how much this concept would relate to my life and to my professional career. My worldview has been greatly impacted throughout my college career. My mind has been impacted with facts and realities that had never occurred to me on my own. While at my internship I realized how true this phrase rang true in every person that walked through the door. My supervisor always told me that in addiction, wanting to change is half the battle. There are so many people that came to us looking for help, but weren’t willing to change their behaviors. Without the willingness to change or try something new it is impossible to overcome addiction. Those who came in seeking help, and did however decide to completely change negative behaviors and cut off harmful connections saw amazing results. There are people who come to Coulee Council, who have made new friends, new jobs, and have been clean and sober for years. It’s an incredibly powerful and uplifting thing to see. However, it should also be noted, “the story of the forest is better than the story of the tree” (Miller, 2009, p.198). It is important not to focus too much on one’s own story and contemplate the stories around us. This is an impactful quote because it reminds me to stay centered, but not too self
He mentions that there is a writer in our life and we are the character. The writer can tell the character what to do, but can’t make the character do it (Miller, 2009, p. 89). Our conscience might want us to do something grand with our life, but if we stick to a routine we will never get to have that great story. I never knew how much this concept would relate to my life and to my professional career. My worldview has been greatly impacted throughout my college career. My mind has been impacted with facts and realities that had never occurred to me on my own. While at my internship I realized how true this phrase rang true in every person that walked through the door. My supervisor always told me that in addiction, wanting to change is half the battle. There are so many people that came to us looking for help, but weren’t willing to change their behaviors. Without the willingness to change or try something new it is impossible to overcome addiction. Those who came in seeking help, and did however decide to completely change negative behaviors and cut off harmful connections saw amazing results. There are people who come to Coulee Council, who have made new friends, new jobs, and have been clean and sober for years. It’s an incredibly powerful and uplifting thing to see. However, it should also be noted, “the story of the forest is better than the story of the tree” (Miller, 2009, p.198). It is important not to focus too much on one’s own story and contemplate the stories around us. This is an impactful quote because it reminds me to stay centered, but not too self