Expectations of myself

Welcome, all!

My name is Danielle and I am not sure I am going to end up doing what I thought I was going to do five years ago…

Summer of 2013

I had just graduated from high school feeling like I was on the right path to get into Physical Therapy school. I got into my dream school. I was excited to attend a University. I certainly felt convicted that a small, private, Christian University was where I would grow the most spiritually, academically, and athletically. And most importantly, I felt that pursuing sciences was my best bet.

My science classes had always fascinated me even though my strengths were in writing and math. But, my experience as an athlete throughout my entire childhood and academic years also landed me in physical therapy on several accounts for various reasons.

It was my very first physical therapist that inspired me to pursue PT. She was (and still is) compassionate, personable, inquisitive, dedicated, a problem solver, and critical thinker: all qualities that make for a fantastic PT. She has inspired, encouraged, and challenged me with what I believe my role could be in the health care provider world. It takes people like Ellie, who are true to their work, to help others, like me, find out how to be true to theirs. And I am happy and inspired right now to dig deep and discover what MY true work is really going to look like in the future. By the way, she has kick started her OWN BUSINESS (Sisu PT) and is the TRUE GOAT. I will link her information at the end of this blog if you are interested in PT/rehab/related inquiries in the Seattle region – you will not be disappointed, this woman knows her stuff!!

Now, you’re probably thinking, “what in the world does this intro have to do with expectations, Danielle…”

I’m glad you asked.

I graduated with a BA in Health Science degree and minor in psychology to pursue my Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). In the recent months, I have been praying hard that God would really open doors that needed to be opened and close doors where they needed to be closed for me. And after talking with a couple mentor PT’s, and other various conversations I have had, I realized that it is okay if I do not take the conventional route to graduate school like my colleagues have.

This realization has given me more freedom than I anticipated.

The moment I let go of the expectations I gave myself five years ago relieved me of what I felt was financially daunting (at least for right now, in this particular season of life when I thought I would be waiting to hear back from PT programs I would have applied to…).

The moment I let go of the expectations I gave myself five years ago validated everything that has happened in my life since 2013: things that have shaped where I want to go moving forward.

The moment I let go of the expectations I gave myself five years ago has give me time to really narrow down what the most important thing is to me when it comes to my vocation. And I am grateful for it.

As I have mentioned in my first blog post, I feel convicted that it is my job to empower other people from ALL walks of life. The platform in which I do that is what seems a bit fluid right now, which is why I want to take time to explore my interests more. Everyone deserves a shot to be their healthiest and their happiest, and I think no matter where we have been in our lives, we should be able to reach our goals: spiritually, physically, and emotionally. This is what is the most important to me when it comes to my vocation.

When (if) I end up pursuing PT school in the future, I don’t want to have any hesitations or concerns or insecurities if it is what I should be pursuing. Right now, I feel confident in taking this gap year and allow myself to recharge from the last five years of undergraduate school, taking time to explore other outlets – outlets where I can still use my degree and quench other interests I have never allowed myself to entertain.

Right now, I am content with knowing that I can pursue other interests (i.e. personal training or massage therapy, other…) and it is OKAY that I haven’t figured it out sooner! I would much rather know that what I should be doing for a career will to take me a little more time after graduating undergrad than jump into a career that I am not prepared for (or maybe should not be doing).

I believe God has given us all different gifts. Different strengths. Different things in life that break our hearts. And right now, I realize how important it is to embrace all of those things God has give me – even if it is really hard! Are you kidding me? I would much rather know exactly what it is that I am supposed to be doing. I am sure we all feel similarly to that.

But, that is not how it has happened for me.

And if that is what has happened to you, that is AMAZING! I have many friends and colleagues who entered undergraduate school knowing that they wanted to be PA’s, PT’s, DO’s, OT’s, etc. and they have started grad school soon after graduating from undergrad – and that is wonderful! What a gift!

I am just saying that although that is what I thought I was going to do, my experience throughout undergrad has changed my course. And I feel like I owe it to myself to explore what that other course is (or courses are) before jumping right into PT. Because if God needs me somewhere else, I want to be cognizant of those signs and really utilize my skills, strengths, and things that break my heart to the fullest!

Now, I feel refreshed. Motivated. Aware. Dedicated. Hungry for something bigger and tangible to chase as a 23 year old college graduate.

I also feel like I could run a marathon, but I’m not much of a runner so I’ll just stick to the 30 minutes of elliptical and arc training work, thank you.

If you are feeling similarly, I hope this resonates with you. It isn’t fair to feel miserable doing something you are not 100% sure you should be doing. Nor is it fair to make yourself pursue interests of your past if your interest of the now and the future are eating at you.

If you don’t pursue what you want right now, you will look back and always wonder “what if.”

That is where I am at right now – dedicating myself to pursue things so that I don’t look back and wonder, “what if I had done that… or said this… or tried that…” Because I truly won’t know until I try.

And to give myself permission to try is challenging and rewarding!

Cheers to trying hard things, trying new things, and trying scary things. Because truthfully, isn’t that what we are called to do? Live uncomfortably and do the hard stuff?

The passions I have now are the same ones that I have always had, even when I thought I was 100% sure I wanted to pursue Physical Therapy. The difference is that now, I am giving myself permission to explore other avenues to get there even more.

Are there passions you’ve always had, but never let yourself explore them?

Stay tuned, I have some projects coming soon and I am excited to share them with the world.

Much Love.

Danielle

p.s. although this quote is in the context of doing whatever activities or movements you want with your body, I think it also applies to all areas of life.

“You are made to do exactly whatever you want.” – Dr. Ellie Somers

Check her out! She is wise, kind, and all around lit. DM me or reach out to her if you have any questions!

Instagram: @drelliesomers

Website/consultant info: https://sisuperformancept.com/