It’s The Climb

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Just a quick ( ok, maybe not so quick )  post to commemorate a date I thought may never come: today I was granted approval to sit for the PA Licensed Clinical Social Worker exam! I am still processing this as it doesn’t seem real yet. I have written about this topic a few times over the years, most notably here. I began this process in 2016 and here we are in 2022. I was able to obtain 2 Master’s degrees in less time and 1 undergraduate degree in less time than it has taken me thus far to get this credential.

Now I have to register for, study, and take the exam. Of course, passing it would be optimal! Not many people would call me patient and this process has tested my patience, reserve, sanity, and faith in my ability to manifest. I was able to get a License in Social Work rather easily, passing the exam while still a student and obtaining the credential upon graduation. But this LCSW journey is probably the longest time I have dedicated to the pursuit of a goal.

I had a similar experience in my early twenties. I was potentially eligible to get a License as a Psychologist after obtaining a Masters in Counseling Psychology, but there was a deadline attached. The state was going to change the requirements so Master’s level practitioners were given a short timeframe to take some extra coursework and complete a few other requirements to be deemed eligible. I did take at least one extra course and thought I fulfilled all the necessary requirements so I submitted the paperwork. My sister and my boyfriend also were applying for this same credential. I still recall sitting in my studio apartment in my 20s, writing the word Penn Gram over and over in a notebook, working on manifestation. Whatever a Penn Gram was, it never arrived in the mail. I was very disappointed, especially since my sister and my boyfriend were able to get credentialed this way. It felt fated then, like I was forever missing the mark. I have concluded that not everything is within our reach, sometimes it is timing or not for our highest good, or in some cases, both are true. I was soooo hopeful though, and I am nostalgic for the version of me that was less cynical and worn down by dashed dreams and illusions.

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While cynicism prevails at this point, I do still hold space for magic, miracles of the quantum kind, and shifting of perspective/frequency. It’s just when I reflect on this process, I wonder why so many obstacles have been placed in my way.  Astrologically, this is a Saturnian theme and Jupiter, the ruler of my career point ( Midheaven) is in the sign of Capricorn. As many folks know, Capricorn is ruled by Saturn. This is interpreted as a slow rise to the top, career and public- standing wise.

On a brighter note, noteworthy transits pointed to receiving good news: This week transiting Jupiter formed a trine to my natal Midheaven, symbolizing luck, fortune, and abundance to my calling, professional standing ; today’s transiting Sun closely opposed my natal Venus, along with transiting Venus closely opposing my natal Sun. This double whammy emphasizes identity and the ability to shine paired with grace, love, and justice. BTW oppositions are not problematic when the Sun and Venus are involved. James had his Venus opposing my Sun I believe this aspect helped bring us together. I was tickled to see these placements today, as they signify a blessing and recognition of my efforts. A just reward! As a side note, on the car radio today I heard the song ” When will I be loved? ” by Linda Ronstadt and I began to wonder the same thing, considering how isolated I have been. After the song ended, the deejay declared ” We love you Linda! ” 

I got my answer.

I have posted this video before ( I have a fondness for songs about mountains) but it bears repeating because the lyrics really articulate my understanding of the meaning of struggle and adversity :


images courtesy of wikipedia.org, public domain

10 Comments

  1. Wonderful and exciting news Linda that your application to sit the LCSW exam has finally arrived…
    And Cool that the DJ, delivered the message that you are Loved… Just believe it and wishing you every success for your future… This I know has been a long, awaited goal of yours..
    I am sure you will fly through with ease.. For you are one determined Lady …

    Sending love and well wishes… I enjoyed catching back up with you this afternoon dear Linda…
    Sending Huge hugs from across the Pond.. ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was a delight to read your comments Sue and feel connected today. I like that you called me determined. Sometimes I like to give up when I am frustrated. Thanks for all the affirmation and support. Hearing the DJ say we love you Linda, that was my guides or higher Self or both, no doubt, because I felt it was meant for me. Especially since when I was younger I looked like Linda Ronstadt and was a fan of hers. It all came together!

      much love to you, Linda ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That’s very weird… Because I have always in my minds eye pictured you with dark hair and I had to look up Linda Ronstadt.. Not known here in England… But that’s how I always see you in my head.. 🙂 Cooooool…. x ❤

        Liked by 1 person

      2. The dark hair and kind of those features I didn’t know who Linda R was let alone know her looks.. but as you’ve never shown yourself I always pictured you with dark hair not blonde if that makes sense.. like if you picture someone you speak to regularly other end of phone and you build up an image of them in your mind..

        I dud that once at work, as one nab had really seen voice and our team always when he rang though he sounded good looking lol..
        When we finally met him he was small round and nearly bald.. just shows how wrong we all were lol 😆 😂 🤣😍

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Congratulations! But , oh my goodness, what a long process! And now you have to register and study for it. I wish you all the best for these last hurdles.

    The story with the song is lovely. So reassuring.

    Hugs,
    Karin

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I have just registered for the exam and began studying. This has been very expensive and time consuming and continues to be. The supervision process is anywhere from 2 to 6 years, meaning 2 years in required minimum and 6 the required maximum. I was heading towards the deadline so the pressure has been on. If all goes well I could be licensed as soon as July, we shall see. Thanks Karin for your support.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Tania. I am aware you have a lot of Capricorn energy but I feel so much whimsy and exuberance from you. Perhaps you have been able to integrate all that wisdom into everyday life. I love that song too and it reminds me that our time here is about lived experience.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome! And thank you so much for sharing about what you feel come through me. That warms my heart ❤ My Mercury in Pisces is likely adding fuel to the way I express myself and Moon in Sag.
        I love that reminder…that our time here is about lived experience. Thank you!

        Liked by 1 person

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