Happy Saturday everyone! Thanks for popping in for another round of The Saturday Sit-Down. I’m excited to feature Grace from The Adventures of a Young Wife today. She has an attractive, well-organized blog and strong content. You’ll enjoy her!
Q: Tell us about who you are in three sentences or less.
A: Hi! I am a southern girl born and raised, and I live for summer time & ice cream! I lived all over the world as a kid and I am excited to have the same adventures with my husband.
Q: When and why did you start your blog?
A: I started my blog last summer when my husband was finishing up his infantry training, but really got serious about it last December. I started it because I wanted to be able to share our military experiences and my experiences as a marriage and family counselor. I have read so many books and blogs that helped me that I just wanted to share what I have learned. There so many blogs that talk about marriage and parenting, but not from the perspective of a counselor. And few people go see a counselor. So, while I can’t be anyone’s personal counselor online, maybe I can comfort them into seeing a counselor.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about blogging, and what do you find is the toughest part of blogging?
A: I love when people comment and share how much they can relate to something I wrote, because that is one of my main goals, is having people feel like they are not alone! We are all struggling with this or that. The toughest part is when I know I need to sit down and write but I can’t come up with any ideas. I am not a writer by trade. Sometimes I can really struggle to find a cohesive idea to write about. Also, I am not a business person, so learning the business side of everything can be difficult sometimes.
Q: If you could sit down with a full-time blogger for a mentoring session, what are the two questions you would love to have answered?
A: First I would want to know how they fit it all in and get it all done. It seems like there are so many things that need to be done to run the blog to be successful and there is only so long I can sit in front of my computer. Second I would want to know how they fully developed their concept for their brand.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your career as a Family and Marriage counselor.
A: I currently work as a volunteer family counselor with the Family Life Chaplain’s office here at Fort Benning. I work with soldiers, spouses, and other family members. I love working with kids of all ages. Before I came to Fort Benning I worked in the school District in Columbia, SC that services the area around Fort Jackson. I mostly worked with the elementary school students. I love working creatively through arts or play. But I love to see the couple or the whole family at one time. We all live in relationships, so working with the relationships makes the most sense.
Q: When did you first decide you wanted to be a counselor, and what is the most rewarding part of your career?
A: When I was in college I thought I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, but then during my courses as a psychology major I took an internship with a marriage and family therapist. That was it; I fell in love with the work. I watched a counselor work and be so effective in working with them. I loved watching her clients draw conclusions and make changes in their life. And suddenly I knew that is what I wanted to do too. I wanted to work with children who needed to overcome challenges in their lives.
Q: Is it going to be difficult balancing your counseling career while also moving around with the military?
A: It is proving to be extremely difficult to balance a counselor career while constantly moving with the military. It is a long process to become a fully licensed counselor after graduating with your degree, taking a minimum of two years. I have yet to begin the process of getting my license even though I have completed all relevant education and passing the licensing exam. That is why I have been volunteering with the family chaplains at Fort Benning. Working with them does not require a license since there are no payments made!
Q: Who do you think would really enjoy reading your blog?
A: I think really anyone who struggles with anxiety, but it is probably more geared toward wives and moms. I think there is something for everyone.
Q: What are three blog posts that new readers should read first?
1 – How to Embrace Conflict in your Relationship and Come out Stronger
And just for fun…
Spaghetti or pizza? Pizza!
Disney world or the beach? Disney World
Ferris wheel or rollercoaster? Neither, I am a bit scared of heights I love the giant swings! But rollercoasters are over faster so if I had to choose I’d choose a roller coaster
Shoulder bag or clutch? Shoulder bag!
Want to be featured in this series?
I have openings starting in late 2017 and would love to feature you. Plus, it’s free and great exposure for your site. 🙂 Email me at WHIMSICALSEPTEMBER@YAHOO.COM to get in touch.
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Hi! I’m Erica, and I absolutely adore sharing my life on this website with you! I come here almost daily to blab about all of the things related to being a regular wife and mother in today’s ever-evolving society. I share about our new home, what’s on our kitchen table, what we’re hanging in our closets, where we’re traveling to next, my crazy 5 a.m. work outs, how I make time for girlfriends, our faith, and much more. We always have a lot of balls in the air and somewhat thrive on the chaos. I believe in the power of story-telling as a form of inspiration and entertainment, so I’m here to do both! I was born and raised in north Alabama and recently re-planted roots here again after my husband transitioned out of the Army (he is now in the Reserve and it’s going so well!) I’m a super proud mom to three little girls (ages 7, 4, and 1) who seem to be the stars of the show around here (for good reason – they’re pretty great!) I’m so glad you found me and are here reading! I hope we can get to know each other here on the blog as well as Facebook and/or Instagram. xoxo