I am Enough from Jodi Crane

10 Aug I am Enough from Jodi Crane

As a young girl and adolescent I was tall, skinny, and flat-chested.  On top of that I was very shy.  Scared- of- my- own- shadow shy. 

As a preacher’s kid I thought everyone was watching me, holding me up to some unclear standard, and then judging me negatively.  In actuality I was probably the one who was doing the most judging of myself. 

My ultra-sensitivity and tendency to see the glass half-empty only compounded matters, resulting in depression.

Fast forward to today.  I’m a wife and mother, still tall and flat-chested, and not so skinny. 

It’s taken me two rounds of counseling in my late teens and 20’s and plenty of life experience to say:

I AM ENOUGH. 

If you were to see me teaching my students or presenting to my peers, you might be surprised to know that young girl was me.  And yet, at times, I can still be a bit shy and prone to the blues.  But it’s okay now because I know the truth.

I have the fortunate opportunity to be a play therapist.  This means I get to use the therapeutic powers of play to be present with and assist clients, particularly children, who feel they aren’t enough.   My ultra-sensitivity now actually helps me to be more in tune with my clients.  

Each and every time I engage in play therapy I am reminded not to take myself too seriously…and I am able to continue to tell a young girl I know (me)—

YOU ARE ENOUGH!

………..

About Jodi Crane

Jodi Crane, PhD, LPCC, RPT-S, lives in a small town in Kentucky with her husband and their 11-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son.   She is an Associate Professor in the School of Professional Counseling at Lindsey Wilson College and the Director of the Appalachian Play Therapy Center.  Her creative sister Cori of Sacred Arts Studio inspires her as she dreams of one day writing a book and starting a playful blog. 

For more information about the healing power of play therapy visit the Association for Play Therapy.