Don't be Afraid to CHANGE!

𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄

“Comfort can become your greatest enemy…”

Disclaimer/for my non-critical thinkers: this isn’t to say that one shouldn’t find comfort and stability; thus please kindly read this within its proper context.

So…

I can remember during my accelerated/extremely intense Social Work undergraduate program, I knew without any doubt that I would pursue a Master’s in Social Work immediately after. After all, there was no way I was doing an accelerated program, with a whole family, and not get the Master’s immediately afterwards! I was sold on it; I had zero doubts; and no one could convince me otherwise!

And, plus…after being a teen mom (twice) and High School drop-out, I wanted to help people—and having a career in Social Work was the way!

But then, something changed after graduation. I can clearly remember preparing to submit my application for Grad School and something just didn’t feel 100% right. And I can remember thinking to myself, “Canena, what is wrong with you?” I clearly recall talking to my husband and saying, I think I’ve learned enough about Social Science, Human Behavior, etc.—I deeply believe that my passion and natural niche is Communication.

At that time, I was taking the lead on various “Communication and Media” projects at our then Church, and I absolutely loved it. I would get super excited about events and projects that required creativity via email blasts, unique/custom flyers, videography, event planning, branding, Communication training and more.

I felt like I was the “flip my house” of the Communication world. Meaning, I had this natural ability to write, create, plan, see the bigger picture, be innovative, and craft messages for all audiences (no matter their race, ethnicity, profession, church affiliation, etc.).

For example, I would feel very “uneasy” whenever I would hear discussions that could have went really well, but the “sender” and “receiver” often had little to zero effective Communication skills. Meaning, it wasn’t that what they were saying was incorrect—it was often (very often) their method and their delivery. All of this to say, making that decision to CHANGE the direction of my career was absolutely one of the BEST decisions I’ve ever made. Granted, I’m a national Social Work Honor Student & BSW for Life!

However, “Communication” is my thing— and after making that very important change, the God given opportunities have been insane (literally). So what’s my point? I’m glad you asked… In short: it’s OK to CHANGE! You can be multitalented/gifted. But there is “something” that will pull on your heart…and you’ll know that, “THIS” is IT! And for me, it’s all things “Communication”! I love what I do! I love educating/teaching on the college level (Interpersonal Communication, Cultural Difference, Code Switching, Conflict Resolution, Public Speaking , and more/just to name a few)!

I love training others! I love being blessed with amazing opportunities to share and speak to others! I love ghost writing! I love writing books! I love branding/helping others properly and effectively represent their product, brand, etc.! I love helping others to find & unapologetically OWN their voice! I love finding solutions to ineffective Communication problems! I love to COMMUNICATE —and I love helping others to effectively communicate!

Lastly, as a PhD Student (changed that too…from Social & Public Policies to Communication & Strategic Media) I am loving this too! And the Process and Research is pretty DOPE/totally amazing!

Thus, I know without any doubt that I am walking on my God ordained path! It’s not always easy, but I am truly being intentional about enjoying my journey (the good, bad, ugly, indifferent, etc.)!

I love words! I love language! And I love when it’s EFFECTIVE and produces the desired outcomes/results!

So yes…my encouragement to you is this: don’t be afraid to CHANGE! Be gifted. Do multiple things. But also know if and when it’s time to CHANGE.

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