Living Your Best Life in a Hectic World

by Keia Shipp-Smith | Graphics by Karlee Brimberry

September is National Self-Improvement Month, but what does self-improvement mean and look like when applied to everyday life? Often, self-improvement is defined as the betterment of one’s knowledge, status, or character by an individual’s own efforts. In an effort to go it alone to make changes in one’s life, libraries’ and bookstores’ shelves are filled with How To Books, on topics ranging from cultivating meaningful relationships to finding the confidence to speak your truth, and every topic in between. But do individuals need to go it alone to reach their individual goals?

The simple answer is no. Life is meant to be shared. As human beings we were created to be in community with one another. And that sharing means walking alongside others on their journey of self-discovery. At Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, our Clinical Services Department is partnering with local schools, churches and community organizations to meet the mental and emotional needs of individuals right where they are. Self-improvement looks different for each person and is dependent upon their own unique experiences, cultural perspective, beliefs and mental/medical history. The clinical staff (*LPC, *LCPC, *LSW, *LCSW) at Hoyleton is sensitive to the varying needs of those within our community and seeks to foster a safe environment that blends education, support and caring into a cohesive, specialized course of action. Self-improvement starts with defining goals. What area in one’s life deserves attention and needs to be nurtured. Some personal goals will be short-term in nature. Other goals take time and require partnership with individuals who will hold us accountable for incorporating changes and providing constructive feedback. 

Self-improvement requires individuals to look within themselves and recognize opportunities for growth. Personal growth is vital not only for the individual, but also for those who are dependent upon the individual seeking change. Tina Kampwerth, Director of Clinical Services, likens the need to investing in oneself to being on an airplane. Passengers are instructed in cases of emergency to put their oxygen masks on first before helping others. The simple reason, you cannot help others if you yourself are starved for oxygen and dying. The same with paying attention to one’s personal growth, an individual cannot meet the needs of themselves or others if they are running on empty mentally and physically. 

Life is hectic, but taking the time to assess where you are and where you want to be is vital in living your best life. Hoyleton is here to make sure individuals reach their desired personal goals. For more information on how we partner with individuals or organizations, call us at 618.688.4727. At Hoyleton we believe strong individuals are the foundation of strong, healthy communities. 

LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LSW (Licensed Social Worker), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor)