In this blog series, we're introducing members of the Library's Synapse Team. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Matthew from Woods Memorial Library.
What do you do to turn things around when you're having a bad day?
I had a bad day yesterday with some miscommunication over email and hurt feelings. I tell myself that I am doing my best, that I am doing what I can for those around me, and that the only thing I can really do in life is to be myself, without fear, to make way for authenticity, compassion, and empathy.
What energizes you at work? What kinds of activities energize you in general?
I work with young people and the expressive arts. Writing from the heart and creating art helps put distance between the artist and their experience, allowing for new perspectives. The expressive arts are powerful. I’m energized every time I get to see a young person’s artistic creations. It brings me joy to help facilitate a process where people are not just creating art, they are creating themselves.
What motivates you most to come to work?
I like to feel a sense of accomplishment, that what I do matters to people.
What’s a common piece of advice you don’t agree with and why?
I used to hate it when people told me to ‘trust my gut’ because prior to my successful treatment for mental illness, my instincts were sometimes way off. My unusual thoughts fueled negative self-talk and feelings of shame. Healthy and in recovery, I now embrace that advice. I’m learning to trust myself.
Who is your hero? Why?
My hero is Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela bravely faced years of unjust imprisonment, with grace, hope, and humility. Deprivation and pain did not bow him, and he eventually won his freedom. He is almost universally respected for his integrity, patience, and optimism. I was once asked to write a letter to my hero asking for advice, and then write a letter back to myself from his perspective. Nelson Mandela told me that I am strong and resilient, that I overcame my challenges despite the depth of my pain, and that freedom was always there, within reach.
Why did you choose to share about your mental illness?
From the Health Action Team website: “Stigma and self-stigma prevent real communication, understanding, and empathy with those involved. . . Frank talk about mental illness combats stigma by putting issues out in the open, so that any reader faced with similar challenges knows they are not alone.”
What books would you like to share with us today?
Matthew says, "My favorite author as a young person was Ray Bradbury. He really knew how to capture a scene and put you in a unique and fantastic environment."
