I have had the topic of “pressure” on my mind as of late. Undoubtedly, you have as well. In fact, it was one of the outstanding case managers who asked me to begin thinking about writing a word or two on the subject of pressure! This was about a month or so ago, and I have certainly felt the pressure to follow up on her request! The context of our conversation had to do with the tremendous amount of pressure that she was feeling at the local affiliate level as we continue to work toward the completion of the MCMC project. I certainly understand what she was feeling, as we have all felt an increase in physical and emotional pressure as a result of the various resources that we have been navigating in recent months. As I reflected on our discussion, I was reminded of a couple of eras in my life when the term “pressure” held completely different meanings.  Maybe by examining our understanding and processing of that emotion, we can all grow even more in our professional endeavors.
When I was a child I was fascinated by my grandparents’ activities in the kitchen. We seemed to always have the freshest and best tasting food, and our meals were a result of their countless hours preparing and cooking. Among my favorite meals with them, besides fried fish, was the chicken and rice that my grandmother partially prepared in her famous “pressure cooker.” It had this little clock-looking thing on the top, and its lid locked in place to create this wonderful whistling and steaming sound as the contents inside cooked. I remember asking her why she used a contraption like that (I am sure that I did not use the word contraption) when she cooked and she explained that the pressure inside the pot helped to make the meat “more tender” so that the chicken and rice was nice and soft. Perfection! So, she used “pressure” to make a meal the best it could be.

The next era in my life when the term “pressure cooker” came up was when I was in Basic Training in the Army. Our drill sergeant used to say, “Good morning boys, welcome to my pressure cooker” as we began to do our exercises at the ridiculous hour of 4:00 a.m. I thought a lot about his use of the term “pressure cooker” and I remember that I came to the conclusion that he was trying to say something like “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger” in his own patronizing way! He was right, though, in that we were broken down physically and mentally in order to become even stronger in the end. We were truly working to “be all that we could be,” so to speak.

So, as I think about the pressure I feel on a daily basis, I have to make a decision. Will that pressure enhance my production and make my work more effective and efficient? Or, will I allow that same pressure to break my spirit and want to give up? It is likely that none of you ever consider giving up for very long, if at all. If that thought does cross your mind, it is absolutely understandable and natural. However, remember that pressure can make a positive difference in your work and personal life if you will harness its power so that it acts as a tool for positive change. I suppose everything, including “pressure,” is a matter of perspective and I pray that each of you is able to use every emotional dynamic that you experience to your ultimate advantage. Thank you all so much for the tremendous dedication and effort that you have shown over the last few years as you not only manage your own pressures, but very often the weight of the pressure that your clients feel as they continue their recovery.

Peace,

Stephen P. Carr II, MA,  MFT
Program Director
Mississippi Case Management Consortium