Me and 2015: The Sweater Reframe

2015 started out with… well, I could call it many things, but instead let’s just call it news.

When I first started sharing this news with people, I was reminded that, even though this news is scary, I can choose not to live in fear over it.

While that’s infinitely easy to say and a little more challenging to contemplate, in practice, it’s the Mount Everest of choices to stick with.

I was randomly selected to undergo a Peer Evaluation process with the College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

Firstly, you should know that I simply *adore* working with my clients. Helping people find ways to communicate after stroke and brain injury is deeply fulfilling work. That said,  having my paperwork scrutinized and my procedures questioned has set off a train wreck of emotions and insecurities that I could have sworn had been tested and resolved. But, sigh, apparently not quite yet.

In addition to being Peer Evaluated by my professional college, I am learning how to meet the changing demands of working with insurance companies in Ontario. My clients with brain injury are often involved in automobile accidents and need to access rehabilitation funding through their auto insurance policies. I’ve written before about legislative changes in 2010 which made securing funding difficult, but now there’s Bill 15.

Bill 15 (an Anti-Fraud Bill which doesn’t really address fraud at all) was passed in November, 2014 and is, more than ever, making it extremely challenging for insured persons to access funding.

As a health care provider in this industry, I am in the position of being audited – at a moment’s notice. This while almost every day I’m learning about new requirements that previously weren’t outlined which I can be penalized for not complying with.

(If you’re interested in learning more about how auto insurance policies aren’t being honoured, check out Ontario Today – they had an informative episode on the other week called “So You Think You’re Covered?”) 

I’m chipping away at the work involved in preparing for these super fun inevitabilities.

I’m choosing to NOT live in fear despite that all this could go on for the better part of 2015.

I decided on Monday that, since I’m unable to control the fact that this is going on (feeling lack of control is a *freaking frightening* place for me to be), I needed to find a productive focus – to do something that would make me feel good.

So, I’m getting involved in a worthy project organized by Nathalie-Roze – a Toronto-based eco-designer, writer & creative business mentor and someone who I have a TON of respect for.

So I’m helping her collect sweaters for “The Lennie Project”.

Here’s how it works:

You donate your old sweaters* and NR and her team will morph them into toasty Toques, Neck-Warmers & Mitts to give to local shelters & homeless programs. There will be a donation box at Joy of Dance (95 Danforth Ave, 3rd Floor) and I’ll gladly accept donations at my other class locations. 

*please share warm/wool/knits – not sweatshirts or fashion sweaters – cozy, practical sweaters in low-key colours that men will  feel comfortable wearing

NR is also seeking volunteers to help with
cutting & sewing at her upcoming Sewing Parties.

Find out more about this project on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram