Experiencing Joy: Personal Narratives of Hospice and Palliative Care Social Workers

A vast majority of the existing research explores the negative impacts that the profession of social work has on its practitioners. Much attention has been given to topics like secondary or vicarious trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue. There are far fewer studies that explore the positive aspects of social work practice. The concept of joy is often missing from the literature about social work. The purpose of this study was to explore the narratives of joy of social workers practicing in hospice and palliative care. Using an exploratory qualitative design, eight graduate level social workers were interviewed about their experiences of joy in their hospice or palliative care practice. Data were analyzed according to guidelines of hermeneutic phenomenology. This study looked for the essential truths of the social workers\u27 lived experiences of joy in their work. The findings indicated that for social workers, joy is cultivated in relationships. Participants in this study also noted that joy is a result of experiencing fulfillment and bearing witness to client fulfillment. Joy is described as energizing and motivating, and for the social workers in this study, joy provided a necessary balance in emotionally heavy work. These findings highlight the importance of congruence of self and work in social work practice. Experiencing joy in social work practice may enable social workers to better comply with and reinforce the values and principles set forth by their professional mandate

You Can\u27t Believe the Joy! A Biological Theological View of Suffering

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay\u27s first paragraph. “Consider it pure joy whenever you go through any sort of trial. Realize that when your faith is tested this makes for endurance. Let endurance come to its perfection so that you may be fully mature and lacking in nothing.” (Jam 1: 2-4). The Book of James speaks tough words that seem the opposite of our societal notions concerning suffering. At first, such a claim seems outrageous, not grounded in reality, and provides no real solace to those suffering. It leads one to question: why must human beings suffer, did not Jesus suffer once and for all? Humankind has asked such questions when it comes to the nature of suffering. The Hebrew nation guided by Yahweh formed the theological foundation for Christians to follow, but were unable to answer these questions. Theologians across the centuries have argued back and forth over the nature, value, and mystery of suffering. Modern theologians attempt to repress the very value of suffering. Similarly, American culture seems set on repressing all suffering and pain, whether psychological or physical. While some modern scientists cite the value of human suffering, others are far more seemingly on a quest to eradicate it. The historical Catholic perspective - yielding such devotions as the Mater Dolorosa, the Holy Wounds of Jesus, and the Sorrowful Mysteries - is no coincidence, for suffering is part of God’s plan for humanity. Only by looking at biological and theological models that seek to understand and value suffering can one see it as a God-given gift that leads to pure joy

Taking care of things

This collection of poetry seeks an accord between the past and everyday life. Several of the poems deal with particular sorrows and I have found that poetry transforms sorrow in the same manner language transforms what is real into what is perceived. I hope there is some joy in this collection. Were I to draw a figure of death, I would place it behind the wheel of a candy apple 57 Chevy. Poetry must set forth from "somewhere." These poems originate from the unspeakable desires of everyday life

Parents for Joy, Atascadero All-Inclusive Playground

Parents for Joy is an organization that was created in 2014 by a group of parents and families living around the Atascadero community who have children with special needs. The group raised over one million dollars to build a playground that enhances the safety of both children and adults with special needs, regardless of what needs they possess. Nick Volluci and Harrison Tucker, the author, were chosen to assist on this project in order to provide a high quality and methodical product that catered to the special requirements set forth by the owners, Parents for Joy and the City of Atascadero. The author was seeking the opportunity to provide a service to the special needs community because of his heavy personal involvement with disabled children throughout his life. This project provided an opportunity to learn about Project Management in a highly-passionate and emotional project environment. Construction activities spanned from May 1st, 2018 (groundbreaking) to April 5th, 2019. The project team was more than pleased to present them with the first fully inclusive park on the Central Coast

A commitment to excellence in educational leadership: a reflective essay

The role of a principal is an overwhelming one – many faceted, imbued with great responsibility and strict accountability. I know the perfect principal does not exist. The perfect robotic leader would have little, if any, positive impact on her learning community. There are, however, some very human characteristics that, if practiced, would positively contribute to the community\u27s educational success. These practices and values are set forth in this reflective essay. I am confident that those who share my vision – that every human being matters and makes a contribution to the entire learning community – will experience the joy and immense satisfaction of helping others succeed as learners as well as caring human beings

The New Federal Administration

After four months of feverish excitement and anxious and depressing expectancy, during which no one could anticipate what a day might bring forth, and the prophets of evil with general accord tuned their voices to disaster, the heart of the nation made a great leap for joy when President Hayes, on the steps of the Capitol, proclaimed his firm purpose to carry into practical operation the pledges contained in his letter of acceptance. The mists which hung over the political affairs of the nation at once disappeared, the depression gave way to cheerful confidence, and dangerous excitement was supplanted by general content, without even a momentary stage of uncertainty and doubt

The Fool

Poetry by Jared Kohn