Giving Thanks as an SLP

There is something about being an SLP in the days before Thanksgiving that gives me extra Thanks.

When I am working around kids who have trauma backgrounds, are uncertain of their next meal, or are simply happy to be with me in a session that is safe and secure, I feel gratitude for being able to be that calm in the storm. I feel thanks for the moments of laughter and joy. The glimmer in their eyes when they are engaged in a task and having fun.

When I work in my private practice doing evaluations for kiddos with speech/language disorders, I am thankful to be able to look at the child first, and see opportunities and richness where there seems to be a lot of struggle. I love seeing the glimmer in a kiddo’s eyes when they have been struggling, to find an area where they thrive.

When I was working in a hospital around patients who are suffering from acute changes in their life, such as a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, I was thankful for a cohesive medical team, the ability to sit and be with families, and to have my background knowledge to give some insight on where to go. I was thankful for my colleagues who come in with their insight as we linked brains to figure out the best plan.

I am thankful for my degree, I am thankful for the richness the last 7 years has brought me. I have spanned 10 (Yes, 10!) settings in my last 7 years. They have been often a mix- being in more than one setting at a time. And I have learned SO much from the people I have worked with. Oh, the people. I am SO THANKFUL for the people. My colleagues, my friends- you guys give me juice. Yes, even the ones who I didn’t exactly mesh with or get along with, because you challenged me to expand my own skills in different ways and to never stop growing.

Please never forget- in today’s world of productivity, numbers, busy, hustle, grind, work to the bone- that your human connection is the most invaluable gift you can give. A meaningful check in, a genuine hug or note of concern all carry more weight than measurable. This is the BASE of my business- losing the chaos of numbers in the SLP world and getting back to the person- connecting the brain and heart.

Lastly- I am thankful for you, my fellow readers, supporters, clients, and family. Anyone who is cheering me on with a ‘yahoo’ or a ‘go you!’ that keeps me moving. 2018 has been WILD with my growth level. And it’s just the iceberg of where I’m going.

Wait, there’s more?

Just watch.

And, THANK YOU.