A Single Step

""A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step"....often the
most difficult step to take? When my husband was first diagnosed with multiple
myeloma, which is a terminal blood cancer...I did not want to take a step
outside or away from him. I wanted to take care of him, protect him and try
to control the uncontrollable. As you might guess, not only was this not
good for my husband or myself, it actually contributed to my feeling not
helpful, useful or able to contribute to anything or anyone in a meaningful
way.

Once I took the step away from my husband and back to my practice...even for
a few hours a day, which by the way seemed unthinkable at first...did I find
my feeling of purpose again...which is so vital to all of us. I am not saying I
am a magician, (In fact I often point out to my clients that no magic wand is
hanging in my office). But in most cases I can provide some comfort, discuss
some ideas or just really listen to people who come to my office looking to
discover a more meaningful direction for their lives...whether it be due to
a divorce, work stress, depression or dealing with a rebellious teenager at home.

Now when I leave my husband whether he is in or out of the hospital...I can do so
knowing I am giving him my best and because of that have something to give to
others each day. And when I leave my office I feel I have accomplished something
that gives my life purpose so I can take the step again back to and to care for the man
I love.





Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor License #MH9166 Phone: 386.747.7148 Fax: 407.264.8289 www.junderhilltherapy.com