I hear many say as they age they become wiser or more
in tune with the universe, etc. I am finding I am becoming
more of myself. Anyone else feel this way?
When I was young I was a very good athlete...before it
was popular for a girl to even play sports...particularly
to compete with the boys or to be good enough to
keep up with them on a sports field of any kind! I could
throw a knuckle ball or kick a field goal...pretty good
little guard in basketball as well. Liked tennis too...but
was only encouraged at summer camp in NC. My Mom
tried her best to not have anyone know I could play at
all! She relented with a basketball hoop finally, but I
have little doubt she told people in our little Florida town
that it belonged to my big brother.
In my teens played alot of softball, rode horses and
coached girls' basketball & softball. I was a pretty
fair coach and really enjoyed it! Many around me
encouraged me to go into coaching...once again the times
and my Mother discouraged this direction, (wanted to be
Pat Summit).However, from coaching I had accumulated a desire for counseling teens. So with that talent in hand I headed to Stetson University, the University of Georgia & the University of Florida to collect the credentials I needed to become a counselor
and therapist....for many years I did just that, working with individuals, teens & families in schools, my office and now as an online therapist.
Recently I became semi retired to care for my husband who
has terminal cancer....it is treatable and so we are enjoying as much time as we will be allowed to have together. As I move
through the "golden" years with some time to spend for the first time in many decades, I am rediscovering the love I had for
helping others and sports, which while I never lost it...I had
not had as much time for during the years of having a young
family, working, caring for aging parents and so on. I looked in
the mirror the other day and along with the "character" lines that come with age...I saw myself again. Even more I know now Mother, who I lost this past year, would approve.
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
DeLand, Florida Counseling Office and Sunshine State Online Therapy/Coaching/Consultation/Advocacy
1 comment:
Hi Jodi,
Just accepted a connect on Linkedin. Love your thoughtful post. I am still at odds with finding myself. I hate to blame my feelings of misdirection on outside influences, but I had suffered and lived through a molestation as a child, and a mom who seems to never approve of my choices. Even now at age 45, I find myself feeling resentful of her support of my younger brother in everything he does, right or wrong. She seems to always have a 'yeah, that's nice...but why don't you blah blah blah'comment on everything.
Friends and other family members see it, my brother refuses to talk about anything negative concerning my mother, and my wonderful husband is understanding.
I wonder sometimes if this budle of 'things' has a direct effect on my confidence and lack of self esteem? How do you get past that? I too played tons of sports and outdoors activities are always my favorite. I still have horses, as they get me, and I get them. They seem to be the only creatures on earth with whom I feel confident,and in tune.
Looking forward to more of your thoughts and ponderments Jodi.
Laura H in Jax Florida
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