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Culminating Project Human Services Portfolio

Beauty, Inspiration and Self-Care…

~A tribute to Mary Morgan Livingston~

When I started this program of Human Services, I never realized that one person could have such a positive effect on others. Our teacher and mentor Mary Morgan Livingston was that person. She truly believed in self-care, finding beauty each day and she was an inspiration to us all. At first, I thought I would address adversity, as lord knows I have had enough of it in my life. Then I thought about perseverance because along with that adversity if you can’t persevere then life will spiral or stop. I also thought I would right about admiration or inspiration, so here we are, with a dedication to Morgan Livingston as an admirable inspirational individual that I am so glad to have had in my life.

Self-care is personal health maintenance. It is any activity of an individual, family or community, with the intention of improving or restoring health, or treating or preventing disease. Self-care includes all health decisions people make for themselves and their families to get and stay physically and mentally fit. Self-care is exercising to maintain physical fitness and good mental health. It is also eating well, self-medicating, practicing good hygiene and avoiding health hazards such as smoking and drinking to prevent ill health. Self-care is also taking care of minor ailments, long-term conditions, or one’s own health after discharge from secondary and tertiary health care.

Individuals do self-care, and experts and professionals support self-care to enable individuals to do enhanced self-care. Compassion Fatigue (CF) is also known as: post traumatic stress disorder, secondary traumatic stress disorder, or vicarious PTSD. At issue is the fact that those who care for people, who have the capacity to empathize, also have the potential for compassion fatigue, of vicariously participating in the trauma of the person assisted or counseled. It is a natural consequence and by-product of caring for, listening to, and helping those traumatized. One can also experience CF simply by learning about or hearing stories of those traumatized.

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Vulnerable people are Police, Firemen, emergency workers, therapists, ministers, child welfare workers, and particularly susceptible are those who work with traumatized “children.” One key indicator that CF may be present is the presence of persistent, intrusive mental pictures of traumatic situations and those traumatized. Some indicators of distress for those suffering from compassion fatigue include:

Emotional Indicators: anger, sadness, prolonged grief, anxiety, depression Physical Indicators: headaches, stomach aches, lethargy, sleep problems Personal Indicators: self-isolation, cynicism, mood swings, irritability with

Spouse and family Work Indicators: avoidance of certain clients, missed appointments, tardiness,

loss of motivation and absenteeism.

Professionals that are vulnerable to CF include those who themselves have been victims of trauma and that their trauma remains unresolved. I wonder if that makes me at risk. I had a traumatic accident when I was in my twenties. Those who view themselves as saviors or rescuers are at risk to symptoms of CF.

Burnout

Compassion Fatigue can also lead to burnout (BO). Compassion Fatigue is a preoccupation with trauma and emotional stresses of others, and portrays symptoms similar to BO. The onset of CF is faster and there is a better opportunity to recover. Burn Out, on the other hand, is subtle, over time, and leads one to believe that they “are not meant” for this type of work. Feelings include those of being ineffective, callous, negative, emotional absence, sarcastic and “stuck.” When one reaches this career point, interest in staying with the job diminishes. Professionals, once effective in their work, may become angry, bitter, and ineffective. They may change jobs or, unable to change jobs, they stay on the job continuing to manifest symptoms of burnout. Three definitions for burnout are:

4. Exhaustion: A state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by longterm involvement in emotionally demanding situations (Maslach and Leiter, 2007).

2. Disillusionment: A state of fatigue or frustration brought about by devotion to acause, way of life, or relationship that failed to produce the expected reward (Maslach and Leiter, 2007).

3. Soul Erosion represents an erosion in values, dignity, spirit and will. It is a malady that spreads gradually and continuously over time, putting people into a downward spiral…” (Maslach and Leiter, 2007). Symptoms, more severe, include fatigue, frequent illness, sleep problems, disillusionment with work, cynicism toward agency or clientele, sense of helplessness and hopelessness, feeling powerless to change events, anger toward the system, depression and isolation, detachment from co-workers, absenteeism, harshness in dealing with colleagues, reduced commitment to work, and increased consumption of chemicals. Maslach and Leiter from The Truth About Burnout,

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1997, Jossey-Bass suggest that a key ingredient to burnout is the major mismatch between the nature of the person doing the job and the nature of the job itself.

Examples of this conception include:

Overloaded work schedule: too little time and resources to do the jobBreakdown of community: fast pace of work destroys community amongcoworkersFrustration with the system: seeing a cut in costs while providing less service toclientsUnfair treatment of workers: system of evaluation, promotion, benefits notperceived as fairConflict in values: performing tasks felt to be unethical or which go against one’svaluesConflict fostered by inter-agency politicsSupervisors can add to BO of supervisees through: poor or lack of supervision,failure to show appreciation and support, not protecting workers from externalinterference and general mismanagement. DSHS is a prime example of this.

Thus, the result is burnout: chronic exhaustion, being cynical and detached, andbecoming increasing ineffective on the job. Generally what happens in burnout is loss of purpose, loss of meaning, loss of self (Maslach and Leiter, 2007).

Stress

To discuss the subjects of compassion fatigue and burnout would be incomplete without a discussion of stress. Richard S. Lazarus defines stress as “a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.” Human Service professionals have the demands not only from the workplace but those from: family, health, interpersonal relationships, self-expectations, day-to-day conflicts and upheavals, transportation issues, financial conditions, and the general environment (noise, crime, pollution).

On the other hand, one’s resources should be significant and involve: good health, positive self-concept, social support, beneficial past experiences, effective coping skills, stress management skills, self-empowerment, good diet and exercise, and spiritual discipline. Excessive stress can lead to burnout, health problems like the ones I have; high blood pressure, backaches, headaches, anxiety, and not enough time for self-care. Morgan Livingston was insistent on Human Service professionals taking care of themselves. . As mentioned above, under-stress can have negative consequences on physical and psychological well-being as well. Optimal stress exhilaration, high motivation, mental alertness, high energy, sharp perception is the ideal (R.Lazarus 2006).

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Relief

There are a number of tools a person can utilize to bring relief of stress and burnout. Time management, social connections, humor, counseling, journaling, forgiveness, maintaining a strong purpose and meaning in one’s work and life, deep breathing, stretching exercises, and more. Four things that professionals might employ that would help with CF, BO, and S:

1. Breathing, visualization, and meditation

2. Time away to self-rejuvenate 2-5 minutes several times daily and timeoff for a vacation

3. Give priority to self-care:

ExerciseGood health habits

4. Maximizing the moment (live in the now; be observant of current surroundings) As Morgan would say “Beauty is everywhere, the mountains, the trees, the flowers and the raindrop, beauty is everywhere.”

Beauty is a characteristic of a person, animal, place, object, or idea that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure or satisfaction. Aesthetics study beauty as part of, sociology, social psychology, and culture. Beauty possesses features widely attributed to beauty in a particular culture, for perfection.

The experience of beauty often involves the interpretation of some entity as being in balance and harmony with nature, which may lead to feelings of attraction and emotional well-being. Because this is a subjective experience, it is often said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Our instructor Mary Morgan Livingston would have attested to that!

Mary Morgan LIVINGSTON passed away three days after her 70th birthday. She was born on Jan 5, 1942 in Roseburg, Oregon. Graduated Phi Beta Kappa from University of Oregon with BA in Psychology (1964), and as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, earned MA in Psychology with three years of PhD studies (1969). After traveling the world, Morgan chose Whidbey Island, WA as her home. Teaching was Morgan’s oxygen. As a lifelong educator she taught for Seattle University, Skagit Valley College, Everett Community College and the Human Services Program at Western Washington University. Morgan was an avid reader and critical thinker who led scores of students on a journey like no other. She was both informed and inspired by NPR, “Book TV” and political commentators. In the midst of global pessimism Morgan was a powerful and

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inspiring antidote. Morgan was an accomplished massage and Reiki practitioner, a not-so-secret thrift store shopper, a collector of books, baskets, earrings and treasures from around the world. Friends looked forward to her display of holiday decorations and sharing favorite foods from her wooden bowls and plates. She had a keen wit and a memorable mischievous chuckle. Memorial gifts may be made to the Livingston Scholarship Fund, Western Washington University Foundation, email Carole.Morris@wwwu.edu (Western Washington University).

“Morgan was someone who could bring magic back into the lives of others. She guided her students into discovering the strengths they didn’t know they had within and become better people. What did she love? She loved life, her students, and politics. She was effective at reaching students because of her ability to mentor them into discovering those strengths within. She had a unique gift. She could assist without enabling. When you spend time with Morgan you come away a better person. When someone is transformed into a better person they cannot help but have a passion for the one who made the discovery possible. For many of us, that person was Morgan.”

~Marcia Sipe-Dan~

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Several of Morgan Livingston’s current and former students hold a candlelight vigil outside her hospital room window on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012. Additional students held a second vigil the next morning. Livingston, aware of the students’ presence, smiled as they sang to her. Courtesy photo

Amazing Grace Insert You Tube

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me….

I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now, I see.

T’was Grace that taught…my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.How precious did that Grace appear…

the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares…we have already come.

T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me…His word my hope secures.

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He will my shield and portion be…as long as life endures.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years…bright shining as the sun.

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise…then when we’ve first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me….

I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now, I see.

To the hundreds of students who knew and loved her, Livingston was a force to be reckoned with. She worked tirelessly and with intense vigor to ensure her students took good care of themselves and utilized their talents to help others. Quotes from past and present students:

“With her students, she would work to find what is the absolute greatest strength they have that they cannot see, and then she would bring it out of them and send them out into the world,” says Peter Acosta, a former student of Livingston’s who, as did so many of his classmates, considered her a dear friend. “She would bring out the best in you so you could be of maximum service to the world. I am on fire in my life because Morgan helped me light my own fire.”

“She wanted students to understand that if they did not take care of themselves, they would not be effective in caring for others in the ‘helping’ field of human services,” she says. “Morgan often opened her classes by asking students questions like, ‘What delighted you today?’ Or, ‘What did you do for fun last weekend?’”

Several of Livingston’s students have noted that due to extenuating life circumstances, they had considered dropping out of school, and that they wouldn’t have completed their degrees without Livingston’s love and support.

Most of all, Livingston’s students remember the love she held for them, each of them, as individuals. Livingston cared deeply for all of her students, and she was careful to ensure they were having fun and caring for themselves, Blanchard says.

“I can hear her reminding all of us to ‘look for moments of joy, practice good self-care and to make a little mischief’ while we work to make the world a better place,” she says. “She had this magical, graceful way of inspiring passion for the human services field, social justice and equality within each of her students that will carry on in all she touched.”

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“I have never had a teacher put so much effort into showing her students that she genuinely cared about them. She taught me how to relax. I am still in the process of learning this lesson but well on my way. Actually taking time just to self care has helped me in so many ways. I am more relaxed and am trying to teach myself how to just let unimportant things go and taking care of myself actually allows me to do better work.

She was so vibrant, vivacious, and fun. She always had a smile and a quick wit about her. She let her students be who they were, and she accepted them. If someone was in need, she was right there helping them along. She had so much wisdom to share and she share in a way that the recipient did not even know until later. I will never forget her smile, her laugh, her wisdom.

The books that she made us read were full of women that inspired me and I would have never known about any of them without her. I know this is selfish, but I want her back. I was so looking forward to her teaching my summer Human Development class. I couldn’t wait to have her again as a teacher. I am saddened by the fact that there are thousands of future students who will never know her, never have her teach them about self care and Ida Wells. She will be missed.

It will be sad to never see her wink at me as we pass each other in the hall.”

-Na’omi Thorinson

Inspiration refers to an unconscious burst of creativity in a literary, musical, or other artistic endeavour.

In Greek thought, inspiration meant that the poet or artist would go into ecstasy or furor poeticus, the divine frenzy or poetic madness. He or she would be transported beyond his own mind and given the gods’ or goddesses own thoughts to embody.

Creative inspiration, sudden creativity when a new invention is created

Innovation is the creation of better or more effective products, processes, services, technologies, or ideas that are accepted by markets, governments, and society. Innovation differs from invention in that innovation refers to the use of a new idea or method, whereas invention refers more directly to the creation of the idea or method itself.

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These women in my life before the car accident, I was in, through the tragedy, and still in my life today. With the exception of my very dear friend and sister-in-law in the RED,

Lynn Abdulhameed passed away during the school year of my junior year in the Human Services Program. God Bless Lynn and Morgan.

“Where there is love there is Life.”

~Ghandi~

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When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to meSpeaking words of wisdom, let it be

And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of meSpeaking words of wisdom, let it beLet it be, let it be, let it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agreeThere will be an answer, let it be

For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will seeThere will be an answer, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it beThere will be an answer, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdom, let it beLet it be, let it be, let it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on meShine until tomorrow, let it be

I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to meSpeaking words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it beThere will be an answer, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it beWhisper words of wisdom, let it be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ajCYQL8ouqw

According to Article from ProQuest “Discover the Power of Positive Thinking” Dated July 31st 2008, I Quote, “I know adopting a cheerful frame of mind doesn’t

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always come easily.” In other words, positive thinking is a mental attitude that expects good and favorable results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of situations. You will have to work at it. Have you ever heard people say...? “Think positive!” to someone who feels down or worried. How many people do you know, who stop to think what the power of positive thinking means? During an interview with Nurse Terriann Gates, she stated “What is better Doom and Gloom or going into a situation with a positive attitude resulting in a positive outcome? I have seen it many times in my career as a nurse. I have even seen positive thinking save lives.”

In 1989, I woke up one morning I had lost my husband and my son in a car accident. I was in a hospital bed just lying there. I was so sad and so depressed. I could not even consider anything happy or positive. Then my darling 2-year-old daughter came to visit me. She survived the crash. All of a sudden, I needed inspiration. I had to find a way to come around. That is when I started reading about the power of positive thinking. I started thinking… I can do this, and I can get out of here. I was on my deathbed. The doctors told my mother it is in God’s hands now; there is nothing more we can do. It took three months but I did it. Even the doctors could not believe it. Since then I have participated in two marathons, keep active and continue to be a positive thinker. Therefore, if I can do it you can do it too! In my “Who am I” (Appendix) presentation in the Humans Services Program I had to reflect on this to figure out who I am.

This is where my car went over the cliff and I lost my husband & son 1989.

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This is my Daughter Ebony and her Husband Jason.

(Ebony was in the car accident with me)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvtUByxnrGU&feature=player_detailpage#t=13s

Not everyone accepts or believes in positive thinking. Some consider the subject as just nonsense, and others scoff at people who believe and accept it. It does not work for every situation as some situations we have no control over. As stated in the New York Times article “The Power of Negative Thinking” dated September 24, 2008; I quote “When it comes to how we think Negative, it is not the only alternative to positive. The alternative to both is realism.” I agree we can’t take the power of positive thinking to the level of everything will be okay. You do have to be realistic with your approach to the power of positive thinking.

According to Dr. Robert Anthony, author of the book “The ultimate secrets of Total Self Confidence” and I quote; “Self-reliance is not only the belief that you can handle things and become successful it is more than that. It is having the courage.” In other words: Effective positive thinking that brings results is much more than just repeating a few positive words, or by telling yourself that everything is going to be all right. It has to be your predominant mental attitude. It is not enough to think positively for a few moments, and then let the fears and lack of belief enter your mind. In order to get the best positive thinking results, you need to develop a positive attitude toward life, expect successful outcomes, but also take the necessary actions to ensure your success.

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Here are a few actions and tips to help you develop the power of positive thinking:

Try to disregard and ignore negative thoughts. Refuse to think such thoughts, and substitute them with happy thoughts.

In your conversation use words that evoke feelings and mental images of strength, happiness and success.

Before starting with any plan or action, visualize clearly in your mind its successful outcome. If you visualize with concentration and faith, you will be amazed at the results.

Read inspiring books, watch movies that make you feel good. Forget about watching news and reading the papers and hang out with people that are on the same wave length, thinking positively.

Sit up straight and take a walk or go for a swim, engage in some sort of physical activity that will promote confidence and inner strength and help develop a positive attitude.

Your attitude can have such an effect on your life and can even change your circumstances. I know it has changed mine.

Yet, it seems that many are attracted to this subject, as evidenced by the many books, lectures and courses about it. This is a subject that is gaining popularity. Norman Vincent Peale the author of “The Amazing results of Positive Thinking” last printed in December 1990 states, “The power to live with joy and victory is available to you and me. This power can lead you to a solution to your problems, help you to meet your difficulties successfully and fill your heart with peace and contentment.”

I agree that Positive thinking can bring you inner peace, success, improved relationships, better health and happiness. It helps life move more smoothly, and makes life look bright and promising. I have given you some examples of how positive thinking can change your life. I have also given you some “food for thought” on some controversy on the power of positive thinking. Just remember, Positive thinking is contagious. People around you” pick up on” your mental moods. Think about happiness, good health and success and enjoy the vibrations that a positive mind emits. You can do it, I know you can.

Tips to develop the Power of Positive Thinking

Here are a few actions and tips to help you develop the power of positive thinking:Try to disregard and ignore negative thoughts. Refuse to think such thoughts, and substitute them with happy thoughts.In your conversation use words that evoke feelings and mental images of strength, happiness and success.Before starting with any plan or action, visualize clearly in your mind its successful outcome. If you visualize with concentration and faith, you will be amazed at the results. Read inspiring books, watch movies that make you feel good. Forget about watching news and reading the papers and hang out with people that are on the same wave length, thinking positively. Sit up

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straight and take a walk or go for a swim, engage in some sort of physical activity that will promote confidence and inner strength and help develop a positive attitude. Your attitude can have such an effect on your life and can even change your circumstances.

Film Clip

The Power of positive Thinking

The Power of Positive Thinking YOU CAN DO IT! http://www.waltribeiro.net …

Positive Inspirational Attitude Stories

This inspirational quote has kept me going throughout the years. I gave it to my sister in law when she went into the hospital to detox from alcohol and drugs.

She found it very helpful.

Don’t Quit — Author unknown

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bitRest if you must, but don’t you quit!

Life is queer with its twists and its turns,As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns aboutWhen they might have won, had they stuck it out.

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,You may succeed with another blow.

Often the struggler has given upWhen he might have captured the victors cup;

And he learned too late when the night came down,How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside outThe silver tint of the clouds of doubt

And you never can tell how close you are,

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It may be near when it seems so far;So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,

It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit!

The Star Fish Story

'It made a difference for that one'

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out 'Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?'

The young man paused, looked up, and replied 'Throwing starfish into the ocean.'

'I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?' asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, 'The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die.'

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, Do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!”

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, 'It made a difference for that one.'

Can I encourage you to take the time to do something that will make difference to someone else's life ... and it doesn't have to be much and they don't need to know. Just take a moment, do

something special ... the universe will know and that's enough.

Adapted from “The Star Thrower” by Loren Eiseley (1907-1977)

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When I worked at Washington Mutual Bank, my boss saw something in me. She gave me this in a plaque. She thought I made a difference then talking to banking customers. Wonder what kind

of a difference I can make in Human Services.

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In Loving Memory to Mary Morgan Livingston Salute…

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References

Norman Vincent Peale (1990). The amazing results of the power of positive thinking

Prentice-Hall, New York, NY

Norman Vincent Peale (1956). The power of positive thinking

Prentice-Hall, New York, NY

Dr. Robert Anthony (1979). The ultimate secrets of total self-confidence

Berkley Books, Berkley California

Maslach and Leiter (1997) The truth about burnout, Jossey-Bass

Richard S. Lazarus (2006) Stress and emotion: A New Synthesis

Journal Article

The Filipino Express. "Discover the Power of Positive Thinking"

ProQuest. July 25-July 31 2008

Vegetarian Times, Inc. “The Power of Positive Thinking"

Health & Wellness Resource Center. Record number A16908738107 2007

The New York Times. "Discover the Power of Positive Thinking May have Health

Benefit, Study Says" Health. November 25th 2008

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The New York Times. "Discover the Power of Positive Thinking May have Health

Benefit, Study Says" Health and Wellness. November 23th 2003

Barbara Ehrenreich. "The Power of Negative Thinking"

The New York Times. September 24th 2008

Websites

Norman Vincent Peale - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaDr. Norman Vincent Peale (May 31, 1898 – December 24, 1993) was a Protestant preacher

Power - of - Positive - Thinking Get your life on track with this Power of Positive Thinking program. This is unlike any other program you have ever seen.

power-of-positive-thinking.org

Interviews

Community Nurse Consultant, Terri-Ann Gates, December 8th 2011