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Your jobs can be a challenge. How many other jobs fitness test you, drug test you, measure your waist, send you to trouble spots all over the world and then depending on the political climate, decide you aren't needed anymore? Your country expects a lot of you. You expect a lot of you. And when the pressure and changes take their toll, you are escorted to help, (me). You wonder, how will this affect my career? You may wish you hadn't talked to your Wingman about your issues since now they are taking things way more seriously than you expected! It's a vulnerability no one wants to feel.
In my way of thinking, when you enter my office, the opportunity to meet you at your most vulnerable is a sacred privilege. You deserve my utmost respect because it is a very difficult moment for you. When we form a relationship at this moment, I know I must earn your trust. The best way I know to do that is to be as open and honest with you as I can be. That's why I will tell you right off the bat what has to be shared and what won't be shared without your permission. I will do everything possible to allow you to control what is done with the information we discuss. I am confident that together we can set up a plan of action that will empower you to move forward with hope. This confidence comes from over 30 years of social work experience in this region. I haven't seen it all, but darn close! Chances are, someone else I know has had a similar problem or situation and we won't have to reinvent the wheel. Additionally, I may have personally met some of the same challenges, be it addictions, divorce, financial problems or step-parenting.
Communicating your distress to your Wingman, taking pro-active steps and initiative to solve a problem, using support in order to "re-cage" and regain your equilibrium, being able to continue to do your job in spite of your issues- are in fact, signs of resilience and strength. Isn't it amazing that at the time we feel the most vulnerable, others see us as resilient and strong?
I look back and can recognize the times I felt most vulnerable in my life. I see how those times almost always lead to improvements in my life and my sense of my own strength- but it didn't feel that way at the time! Being an Air National Guard member can intensify and accelerate this learning curve. I highly respect you for the choices you make to take on these challenges.
Thank you for the honor of letting me be part of your growth process. I treasure each and every opportunity to be of service to you and your families.
Ellen
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About Ellen Magee 