(#1) Happy New Year!

Welcome SLP Colleague to the First Official Therapy Matters!

Did you know that the making of New Year’s resolutions began 2,000+ years ago?  Although it’s trendy not to do them, they have stood the test of time so I don’t think they’re going anywhere.
 
Personally, I don’t do them either.  Well, not the typical “I’m going to lose weight this year” or “I’m going to get my desk organized and keep it that way” resolutions.  I used to make them, but when I didn’t follow through consistently I felt worse about myself than I did in January. 
 
Instead, here’s what I do:  I choose an annual word to live by.  Throughout the year, I quietly focus on the word, parse its meaning over time, and come up with ways to apply and implement it in my life. 
 
My 2018 word is “JOY.”  I’ve already found myself looking for ways to share joy and be joyful.  I wrote the word on big sticky notes and taped them in front of my face on my computer screen and bathroom mirror. 
 
So, why “JOY?”  Because I’m getting old and cynical.  Joy calms the soul, gets you through difficult times, and makes yourself and others feel good.  I’m going to try my best to generate more joy than angst.  I’ve got 356 more days to work on it.  Think I’ll make it?  It’s gonna be close.
 
We’re all in need of joy.
 
If you chose a word today to live by this year—personal, professional, or both--what would it be?  

In addition, if you completed the November 7 survey, I owe you a huge hug and a big thank you!  You opened-up and shared an incredible amount of information that will guide the making of this weekly, practical “Therapy Matters.”
 
I’ll share the results of the survey over the next few weeks.  Suffice to say that the top three concerns of the several hundred SLPs that responded are:

1. Concern about effectiveness (you all have an incredibly giving attitude)
2. Doing paperwork, and
3. Keeping up with research 

Do these three reflect your primary concerns as a practicing SLP?

See you next Tuesday with one of my favorite practical therapy tips for /r/.

Here's to a JOYFUL New Year,

Char Boshart, M.A, CCC-SLP

P.S.  For several weeks in January and February, I'm doing seminars around the country; my artic course and two courses on language (one is brand new).  Check my scheduleto see if I'm coming to your area.  Hope to see you--come up and say Hello!

P.P.S.  Looking for someone to speak at your next Conference or Workplace Workshop?  Let's talk!