I was introduced to a quote from Theodore Roosevelt in one of Brené Brown’s books. If you are unfamiliar with Brené Brown, she has books, TED Talks, and a Netflix Special all worth checking out. We regularly watch her TED Talk, “The Power of Vulnerability” during groups at Willow Haven. I had a chance to see her in Minneapolis during her book launch of “Braving the Wilderness” where she quoted this entirely by memory. This has now become one of my favorite quotes and the more I hear or read it, the more it applies to the work that I do in the mental health field.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs; who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”
If we take a minute, I think it’s possible to apply this quote to an individual that we may work alongside with in one of our programs. It seems to reflect and mirror personal recovery, even highlighting possible relapses and struggles. Whenever I read or hear this quote, it always seems to bring me back to the core of the work that we do at Thrive or anywhere in this field of work. It’s not our job to point at, judge, or critique the individuals that come through our programs. Remembering that the individuals in our programs are the ones that step into the arena every day and are fighting against illnesses, stigma, and trauma. They’re often fighting constant battles that we may never know about and doing so to the best of their abilities.
Following Brené’s advice, it’s our jobs to try and step into that arena with the individuals in our program. To offer support, empathy, and unconditional positive regard to each person that trusts us along in their journey. If we notice ourselves struggling with critique, judgement, or burn out, we as staff need to recognize when to take our own time for self-care in order to get back into the arena when at work.
With that, I invite you all to read, then re-read, and maybe triple check this quote from Theodore Roosevelt and share what impacts it has on you as a professional or personally.
I wish you all a Happy New Year full of gratitude and happiness.