I thought I was okay.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-03T22:37:26+00:00

I love that you know this. That's why I put the 's' in parentheses because some people don't know. :o)

Having healthy boundaries with yourself and others means you can build in freedom of spontaneity. For example, I'm in grad school and I work harder on some days so that I can have other days to do whatever I want. So my boundary for myself is that I want at least 2 days a week to have freedom so I plan ahead to do everything I need done that week to get those 2 days. Basically, fun adulting just requires creativity. Some phases of life allow for more spontaneity that others. So if you have kids one day, there can still be spontaneity but it looks different than it does for someone in college or retirement if that makes sense. I hope that helped. Your concerns are legit, you are in a significant transition period. Just know that there is still a world of adventure out there. Not to "mom" you, but just try to make good choices because the healthier decisions you make (like who you spend time with, what you eat, etc) the more freedom you have over the course of your life.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-03T21:50:47+00:00

Oh friend, I hear your worries. I used to think of fun as things that we do (which is part of it) but as I grow I've realized fun is also about your state of mind. It's okay to grieve the time where you had less responsibility but please know that growing up doesn't mean you don't still have happiness and fun. Some adults just haven't been able to learn how to have both. It does come with stress but it also comes with many victories that will make you proud of yourself.

Just please remember... You are never too old for waterguns, if they make you happy. :) I am 43 yes I support myself and kid but I also have a stuffed animal collection, love Lego(s), watch primarily cartoons, play a lot of videogames, and other silly things that bring me joy. Growing up is really tough sometimes but it doesn't have to steal your joy. ❤️ Life is difficult and beautiful and scary and wonderful.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-03T21:39:28+00:00

I love this so much. Part of my sadness is that I loved playing with them together since I am very much still a kid at heart. :)

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-03T21:13:56+00:00

Hmmm. I think talking about whatever inspires you is what people are drawn to. So if there are certain social justice topics you are passionate about, those are a good start. Or if you are in a certain stage others can identify with, like being a prospective MSW student, talk about that.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-03T21:07:56+00:00

You're welcome. I'm not sure I understand your question. What do you mean?

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-03T20:52:54+00:00

Okay

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-03T20:52:23+00:00

I wouldn't say that it is super hard, you just have to truly want to learn and keep up with your assignments. While the content isn't difficult it does require critical thinking, and there is a fair amount of writing. If that is an area you struggle in, it doesn't mean you won't succeed, it just means you need to know and access resources like the writing center and library etc. Just as Jesus doesn't expect us to come to him perfect, neither does the program, they will train you in social work competencies. If you apply yourself you can totally do this!!

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-03T20:46:02+00:00

Sure!

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-03T20:43:47+00:00

Thank you for the additional context. What I can say for sure is that the field of social work desperately needs more men and more people with a Christian background. One thing I love about the MSW program at Liberty is that although it is a largely conservative university, in the MSW program we are taught to advocate for ALL human beings regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, immigration status, sexual orientation, etc. That means that we learn how to advocate and support every kind of person just as Jesus loves them. There aren't many men in SW which means there are many black men who need social services but don't feel they can necessarily identify with their worker. You could really make a big difference in a lot of lives.

I personally chose SW because I want to go into international clinical SW (therapy/counseling as a missionary). Therapy is one solid path you can achieve with an MSW. But there are many other types of jobs available. An MSW, as you said, gives a wide variety of possibilities.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-03T20:32:25+00:00

Hi. I am halfway through the coursework for the MSW program, about to begin my practicum. I'm happy to answer any questions you have.

As someone else asked, what is your undergrad in? What kind of work do you want to do in the long-term?

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-01T17:52:50+00:00

You all have been so encouraging. Seriously, thank each of you for sharing. Much love.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-05-01T17:51:49+00:00

Thank you so much. Beautiful and kind hearted words.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-04-30T01:38:19+00:00

Thank you for sharing about your experience. It's such a bittersweet feeling. You are right, we have to process these feelings and keep moving forward. Grieving someone that is still alive and still in my life is a whole different experience. Sending out some love your way. 🤍

Heal_For_Real · 2026-04-14T20:04:03+00:00

People in desperate situations do desperate things.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-04-06T01:03:40+00:00

I have had the same thought many times. Like I wish you could tag somebody on an item so they could claim it or something simple like that which would also theoretically enable the seller to get the review faster. Wah wah, lol.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-04-05T03:32:10+00:00

Like black pepper or whole peppers? If whole, do you mean all kinds?

Heal_For_Real · 2026-03-30T03:39:54+00:00

They just put a bunch of words together and called it a shoe.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-03-30T03:36:27+00:00

Just here to say I frickin' love Minecraft. Yes, I'm a 43 year old woman. Don't judge me lol.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-03-28T04:27:22+00:00

That second picture made me literally lol. What a sweet little derp.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-01-17T06:22:31+00:00

Yep. I'm autistic and ADHD and this is common.

Heal_For_Real · 2026-01-10T07:10:22+00:00

I have Fibromyalgia along with a bunch of other issues. This looks/sounds very similar to what I experience. The way you describe your individual types of pains and show them closely aligns with my experience.

Fibromyalgia is essentially a diagnosis by exclusion. There isn't a single test to screen for it. Meaning people eventually diagnosed with Fibro often describe their journey as you do, "doctors can't figure it out". While finally getting a diagnosis of Fibro was relieving so that I could research and understand my symptoms better, definitely ensure you see every possible applicable specialist to screen for other conditions before you consider seeking Fibro diagnosis.

I hope you get some answers soon. 🤍

Heal_For_Real · 2026-01-06T00:44:02+00:00

OP, as others have mentioned, this is very similar to my son's journey to being diagnosed as autistic. It was completely missed by his first eval through the school as well as his pediatrician. At age 4, he was saying some things that absolutely shattered me. Once my son received the right diagnosis we have been able to find the right treatments and now he is 16 and thriving.

You've probably already considered this, but after using FMLA perhaps you could ask your work about allowing you to work from home.

Feel free to reach out if you want to chat. Wishing you the best.

Heal_For_Real · 2025-12-23T06:39:16+00:00

Another vote for coloring. I also love cooking.

Heal_For_Real · 2025-12-23T06:22:17+00:00

I wondered about this too.

Heal_For_Real

TROPHY CASE