So, I am sitting here on my day off from work (Lincolns birthday) trying to catch up with the schoolwork. It is just not happening for me today. I can not focus and keep looking out the sliding glass door wanting to be outside. It is so beautiful and I want to be part of it. It keeps calling me outside and I find any reason to just step out the door knowing I need to concentrate on school. Do we sometimes compromise what we should do to enjoy the things we want to do? I know I do and I need to learn to not procrastinate and just do the work before I enjoy the fun things. I think not! I will enjoy my time and be better focused if I have fun first. This is just how I work. It may not work for everyone.

Okay back to work. The NASW Code of Ethics for social workers are guidelines of how a social worker should act and treat others. Cultural Competence is a very important part of these standards. I've always thought I have been culturally sensitive to others. At work, I was handed a referral that was culturally sensitive and was asked to assess the situation for any illegal activity. I found myself asking "Do we (CWS) have the right to interrupt a cultural tradition even if the "Western" culture does not believe or condone their beliefs?" This question is not an easy one to answer because I understand culture and how important the rituals and beliefs are to the people. It was and still is a very confusing question for me to answer. Fortunately, there was no illegal activity or abuse/neglect happening and I was happy to report I was glad. I still wonder who is in the right to tell a "people" who or what they can do within their culture. Most of all respect others and they will respect you.

I am really working hard on carefully choosing the words I use and understand that sometimes I may offend others with my words. So I am sharing something that reminds me of how words can hurt. I never want anyone to feel like this so like myself, choose your words carefully.