HAPPY EASTER!
SOAR to Success in SOCIAL WORK with me: Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, (504) 261-2895
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March 2013
03/31/2013
03/30/2013
Focus
This lone, visible rose outside my kitchen window, makes me smile while I'm busily doing dishes. It reminds me of the view from my kitchen window in France, where I see my rose garden when I'm doing dishes there as well. It carries me there. I focus on its beauty. I focus on its uniqueness. I focus.
There's a bigger picture here.
It's important to be able to find the joy and peace of place in a single rose, even if it is just beyond the neighbors fence and surrounded by tv cables, utility boxes, and telephone wires. Focus on the rose.
SOAR to Success in SOCIAL WORK with me: Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, (504) 261-2895
03/29/2013
Slowing it Down
How did you experience the azaleas this season? I've discovered that slowing things down, paying attention, and savoring the moments when you can; leads to a fuller, richer life. Three things help me slow it down and be more present in my life: my camera, no television, and no automobile. Who'd want to miss azaleas like these?
SOAR to Success in SOCIAL WORK with me: Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, (504) 261-2895
03/28/2013
If These Trees Could Talk
On pretty, spring afternoons, I often find myself out with my class under this ancient oak in front of the Tulane School of Social Work. We form a circle, where the students share and respond to the topic in class that day. They might share their views on social change and oppression, or social change observations of their field experiences. We always seem to come back around to what they can do to take constructive action. I can only imagine that old oak soaking up every bit of this. I wonder if I put my ear to that tree, if I could hear the knowledge, sharing and wisdom that has gone on before us? Maybe I'll have to give it a try!
SOAR to Success in Social Work with me, Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, (504) 261-2895
03/27/2013
LCSW Supervision Offering
SOAR to Success in Social Work with me: Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, (504) 261-2895
03/26/2013
Moving the Lense
Sometimes a new angle or perspective can make all the difference in our lives. How wonderful to be able to push yourself in your life to be more? New and different pushes us to open up wider...to make room for more in our lives. Do you live your life with open arms to the universe? Or, do you fold them over your chest and stand firm only within your comfort zone? My camera taught me to take the time to look, to savor, and enjoy angles, perspective, distance and limits. Now, I can do it on my own. How about you?
SOAR to Success in Social Work with me: Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, (504) 261-2895
03/25/2013
Exposure
I don't consider myself very humorous. If I am, it's usually by accident and sometimes I don't even get it myself. I wouldn't consider the "moral character" requirement for registration, certification, or licensure as a social worker in Louisiana, anything to joke about. I shared a situation with the group, in which a friend had invited me to go to a nudist beach. I explained how I'd considered our moral character piece to our licensure, other contracts I'd signed with moral character clauses, exactly what it is and who defines it, and what if I saw a client or someone I knew? My crowning comment was: "It's important to look at all of the angles when you could be in a situation where you might be exposed." The room roared. I missed a beat and then I got it too. They asked me if I had planned it, and I had to say no. In fact, I don't even think I could do it again if I tried. There was a social work colleague in the group who was also an attorney. I turned to him and said: "Now Ron, "exposure" is a legal term too isn't it?" He agreed.
SOAR to Success in Social Work with me, Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, (504) 261-2895
03/24/2013
A Mike Girl Lesson
After organizing my workshop participants into their small groups, so they could: read their ethical dilemma scenarios; use a particular paradigm to evaluate it; and determine the best course of action; I took a break. They'd be working for at least 20 minutes, so I had time.
When I returned, I began to check on everyone to see how they were doing. Group Number One called me over, to tell me that I had made their day and made them smile. I, of course, had to ask what it was. I didn't have a clue. They'd heard my whole trip to the Ladies Room over the loud speaker system from the ceiling. I had to smile too.
Lesson Number One: Turn the microphone off when you are NOT speaking!
SOAR to Success in Social Work with me, Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, (504) 261-2895
03/21/2013
Thanks and...
A note of thanks to my students after yesterday's post. Spring break is almost upon us. I too, will be "breaking" a bit. After this morning's class, I head to Baton Rouge to present: "Ethical Engagement in the Dynamics of Licensure" on behalf of the LABSWE, at the LA/NASW Annual Conference. Then, it's off to St. Louis early tomorrow morning for a few days, where connectivity is an issue once more. I'll be back with more soon.
03/20/2013
Joy and Hope
It was easy to find joy in my life living in a heavenly place in France. There, I was surrounded by nature, history, romance, magic and peace.
New Orleans is different, but I have found my joy...joy in the social work students I am fortunate to be teaching.
I so appreciate their excitement about the profession, commitment to making a difference, passion for people, and thirst for understanding and knowledge.
Whether it's classroom projects, papers, or questions outside of class: they push me to be more; they encourage me to pause and reflect; and they give me joy and hope...joy in watching them grow as social workers and hope for the world to be a better place because of them.
Maybe it's time to say thank you!