Show Notes:
Today I am joined by one of my favourite people to have on the show, Jenn Pound. Jenn is a retired RCMP staff sergeant and has been a guest on the show a number of times. Today we’re also joined by a friend of Jenn’s, Greg Scollon. Now, if you don’t already know, we’ve been working through a series on detangling identity and we’ve been talking about the need to protect our sense of self, our identities, from becoming entangled and enmeshed with the work roles we serve in. We have, throughout the series, talked about the risks of over-identifying with the job, particularly when the work you do is so crisis driven and out of your control. We have also talked about practical tools for supporting greater protections around our identity, including building balance and crafting control. Today we are talking about cultivating connection and I am so pleased that we get to talk about this and related topics with two people who have been there, done that, and got the T shirt.
Jenn retired from the RCMP after discovering that she was facing post traumatic stress injuries from her time working with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team in Vancouver. She has shared in previous episodes about the impact of the work, and the lack of support she received when she most needed it. The systemic dysfunction and lack of support was career ending for this incredible woman who is a legacy member – married to an RCMP member, the daughter and sister to RCMP member’s – she was all in. But when push came to shove, they weren’t all in for her.
When I asked Jenn if she would be interested in joining me for an episode during this series, she offered connection to a friend, Greg, and when I heard his story I was thrilled to have them both on. Greg worked for Shaw. That’s right, he’s not a first responder, but his experience being suddenly let go from work he had poured himself into is relevant and I think that his insights from going through the process of loss and reinventing himself are significantly meaningful for you to hear.
Listen in on our conversation and gain insight from the wisdom of our guests.
Episode Challenge:
How are you cultivating connection? How can you make this a continual area of investment?
Sign up for the Self-Care Dare waitlisttoday to be the first to find out when registration opens and secure one of the limited spots in this cohort of the dare.
Reflect on where you’re at and what you might need by using our free Beating the Breaking Point Indicators Checklist & Triage Guide.
Additional Resources:
Check out Jenn’s blog,Fuel For First Responders.
Use (and re-use!!) our free Beating the Breaking Point Indicators Checklist & Triage Guide. Check in with yourself around indicators for burnout and make sure you are being preventative or intervening when you need to in order to curb burnout’s impact on your life, both on the job and off. Signing up for this free tool also gives you access to our regular emails with new podcast episodes and other special resources designed just for you on the front lines.
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