Self-Care, A-Z: More Lessons of Resilience for Self-Care Inspiration
by Erlene Grise-Owens, Ed.D., LCSW, LMFT, MSW, MRE, lead co-editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals
In a previous post on vicarious resilience, I shared four lessons from Life is So Good, the autobiography of Mr. George Dawson, who learned to read at the age of 98. Amidst toxic racism and stark poverty, Dawson demonstrated incredible personal resilience. This entry elucidates four more of Dawson’s compelling lessons of resilience for self-care inspiration.
Lesson 5. Life-long Learning. “Every morning I get up and I wonder what I might learn that day.” (p. 229)
In his 90s, Dawson relished going to school. Perhaps that was because he saw the world—from the cane field of his childhood to the classroom of his late adulthood—as one big “universe-ity.” In young adulthood, packing only a bedroll, Dawson traveled by train and foot across much of the U.S., into Canada, and in South America. Working demanding physical jobs along the way, Dawson’s everyday experiences and expansive travels were his curricula.
Self-care: Seeing the world as a universe-ity!
Lesson 6. Connection. “I have nothing to give them, but they feel better when they leave.” (p. 258)
Dawson made this remark after his co-author, Richard Glaubman, observed that Dawson lived by himself, but was “not alone...People call and come by all day long” (p. 258). Dawson had a large family and was active in the same church and community for decades. However, Dawson followed the advice his father had given him—after witnessing a lynching—to avoid whites. Glaubman, a white man, approached Dawson about collaborating. Dawson explained to Glaubman, “This is your time to listen and I give that to you. I guess that’s how the world works.” (p. 258)
Connection: The self-care thread that helps us feel better even when we have nothing to give.
Lesson 7. Simplicity. “I keep it simple. There’s no need to worry that way.” (p. 248)
In one amusing and instructive interchange, Dawson responded to Glaubman’s query about Dawson’s longevity. Dawson explained that he ate what he liked; avoided alcohol, coffee, and tobacco; eschewed medicines, using herbs instead; and took naps. He added that, besides groceries, he rarely shopped. Dawson noted that he invested in socks. Glaubman clarified, “Stocks?” Dawson replied, “No, socks!...buy a pair of socks, then you have something. A pair of socks lasts a long time.” (p. 248)
Invest in self-care and socks: Keep it simple!
Lesson 8. Authenticity. “Life is so good and it gets better every day.” (p. 260)
Dawson lived authentically. When asked about any regrets, Dawson said, “Only one” (p. 257). At the age of 16, Dawson threw a rock at a recalcitrant mule, causing blindness. Dawson said, “Everything a person does stays with them. I can’t undo that, but I never hit an animal since.” Dawson continued, “But, I don’t look back…I just take it one day at a time.” (p. 257)
Self-Care: One day at a time.
Today, learn from stories of vicarious resilience. These lessons inspire self-care, which allows us, in return, to be the listeners and stories that others need. Life is so good....
Peace, Love, & Self-Care, Erlene
Dr. Erlene Grise-Owens, Ed.D., LCSW, LMFT, MSW, MRE is a Partner in The Wellness Group, ETC. This LLC provides evaluation, training, and consultation for organizational wellness and practitioner well-being. Dr. Grise-Owens is lead editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals. As a former faculty member and graduate program director, she and a small (but mighty!) group of colleagues implemented an initiative to promote self-care as part of the social work education curriculum. Previously, she served in clinical and administrative roles. She has experience with navigating toxicity and dysfunction, up-close and personal! Likewise, as an educator, she saw students enter the field and quickly burn out. As a dedicated social worker, she believes the well-being of practitioners is a matter of social justice and human rights. Thus, she is on a mission to promote self-care and wellness!