Good Feelin'

I had a really exciting afternoon today. I've only been at work for three hours and it's already a good day! (It's study hour so I'm still being a good staff. Yay for multi-tasking!) We had a really great group about which girls are taking advantage of what Sunrise has to offer and which ones aren't. For those interested, the numbers were about 9 and 6, respectfully, so a bit more than half. It was so interesting to see how the group played out. I usually talk a lot in groups but today I observed more and learned a lot! One girl spoke only once the whole hour, but her facial expressions were so telling! I think I knew exactly what she was thinking, but no one else did! She's totally flying under the radar (which we've known for about a month) and the girls just let her! They rarely hold her accountable so she's just floating along in her treatment, not really taking advantage of the facility.
One girl was called out 4 different times by different people for being a bully, being sneaky, demeaning others, and being defensive, and each time...she got defensive!
But then there were girls who really seemed to take it in, and that moment, when they realized how their issues were coming out in their behavior and how it affected others, and it was beautiful to behold! It's so cool to watch a girl get it! Of course, we'll see what she really got out of the group later based on her behavior, but it's a start.
I love seeing these girls figure out their lives, partly because it's extremely rewarding, and partly because I learn from each of their lessons. Awareness truly is the first step to change and I am blessed with the kind of job where I learn self-awareness as well as the tools to actually change destructive or unnecessary behaviors.
The other cool moment of the day was talking to my Relational girl's parents on the phone. I sent them an email a couple of weeks ago by way of introduction and their response was lovely! Talking on the phone was no different. The best part is, it's representative of my relationship with their daughter.
I think I've mentioned before that I didn't have a great rapport with my last relational girl. I worked so stinkin hard on that relationship and she just wouldn't have any of it! It was very, very frustrating and I have to admit I was a little relieved, albeit disappointed when she left. When this new girl came, I actually requested to be her Relational Coach because we connected almost immediately. She's a bright, fun, insightful girl who isn't resisting the need to form lasting relationships here and we're already doing so well! Today when I came into group I said, "Dibbs on sitting next to my relational girl!" She giggled and said, "yes!!" I never would have had the courage to say that to my last girl! She definitely wouldn't have responded like that!
It's just such a rewarding experience to feel like there is mutual concern and motivation. I love those girls and it's nice to feel some of that back. I'm very blessed with the job I have!