Have completed my first fortnight of work and must say it's been empowering.

Lots of learning to do, from simple things like how to print 70 copies of the church newsletter with inserts (and why I only need 35 inserts) and how to use a paper guillotine, to the more complex "how do I devise a filing system that is intuitive, effective and sustainable".

Along the way, there's the self-talk and counterbalancing and the realization that I am responsible for keeping my energy up and making this work for me to the highest good. How I carry myself outwardly is a reflection of how I perceive myself. How I answer the phone, what I say when a colleague or church member asks, "How are you going?" - all these are externalizations of my internal self-image.

"As a man thinketh, so is he."

This is the first step of my journey towards a fulfilling career that involves being of help to my community in practical and spiritual ways, and that uses and builds on the skills, knowledge and talents I have.

For this opportunity and to the people who have made it possible, I am thankful.