Leanne Nettles, LMFT
President, LA-CAMFT

Remember Your Why

As we head into the last quarter of 2022, I am thinking about all that this year has entailed. For many, this year so far has been chock full of glorious victories and horrible tragedies on both large and small scales. Politics, friendships, professions, family, health, resources; there have been many changes and challenges. And just like finishing a marathon, the home stretch can be the toughest to get through, and feel like the longest, most laborious part.

If you are feeling like you're losing steam heading into this final quarter of 2022, I would encourage you to ask yourself: What is your why?

I work in Community Mental Health, and so often I hear and experience the constant demand of higher, faster, more! As I imagine many of you have experienced, sometimes I have those days when I just want to throw in the towel and think "I wish I could just work in a coffee shop, with predictability, simplicity, and an end time." Other days I just feel like going through the motions to make it through the day, but I know I can't just go through the motions when working with people's souls. So then, after giving myself permission to fantasize about the simple life, I come back to reality and find my motivation again through re-discovering my why.

Why do I do what I do? Why did I want to be a therapist in the first place? Why is it worth it?

When I sit and remember my why, I feel rejuvenated. I feel a renewed sense of purpose. I reconnect to the deeper meaning of the work. I step out of the current frustrations and view the big picture. My why gives me hope. And if my work doesn't align with my why, I can give myself permission to change it.

So wherever you are heading into the final stretch of 2022, if you're in need of a boost of momentum, take some time to remember your why.

Until next time, blessings.

Leanne Nettles

Leanne Nettles, LMFT is a School-based Clinical Program Manager in a community-mental health agency and an Adjunct Professor at Pacific Oaks College. She specializes in child and adolescent therapy, while practicing and supervising from a systemic and structural therapy approach. Leanne works to advocate for cultural diversity and equity within the field, and is passionate about training quality mental health professionals to serve low income, historically disenfranchised communities using a team-based, collaborative approach.