I once heard a story about a baby elephant who, just after she was born, was kept from wandering by having her leg tied to a stake in the ground. At first she struggled to pull her leg free, but was not strong enough and eventually gave up trying. After a few months, she had grown big enough to pull up the stake any time she liked; but experience had taught her it couldn’t be done, so she never bothered to try. She was conditioned to believe she was too weak to succeed, and continued to let the stake hold her prisoner.

      This parable demonstrates how we, as people, tend to let long-held beliefs control our actions, even when the conditions that created the belief no longer apply. Some of the greatest obstacles to growth we face are our own biases, expectations, and habits -- “stakes” that could be pulled up if only we acknowledged, and embraced, our own inner strength.

      To help readers tackle the “stakes” that may be hindering them in own their job search, I’d like to share some local resources that can help address specific life challenges.

      - Mental health or substance abuse: Help is available from Alcoholics Anonymous (250-723-1177), Drug and Alcohol Prevention Services (250-724-6166), and Mental Health and Addictions Services (250-724-3554). Additional counseling support, depending on your needs and circumstances, may be available through Family Guidance (250-724-0125), Kiya Counselling and Consulting (250-723-9440) and Community Counselling and Consulting (250-723-9392). The Vancouver Island Crisis Line (250-723-4050) is always at hand to talk you through personal crises and refer you to the help you need.

      - Child care: Subsidies for child care may be available through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (250-720-2650). Pacific-CARE, a non-profit society helping connect families with child care facilities, can be reached toll-free at 1-888-480-2273.

      - Re-training and financial assistance: North Island College (250-724-8711) is the major provider of post-secondary training in our area, providing a host of courses from Adult Basic Education (also available at the VAST Centre: 250-723-3744) to academic, trades, and continuing education programs. Thompson Rivers University (1-800-663-9711) offers various options for distance learning in BC. There are also several program alternatives for financial assistance, including student loans and grants (1-800-561-1818), possible band funding for Aboriginal applicants, and the Skills Development benefit for EI-attached clients.

      In addition, some service providers offer help in more than one category. The Port Alberni Friendship Centre (250-723-8281) offers First Nations-oriented programs including addictions counseling, health care referrals, family and youth services, and legal advocacy. And of course there’s our office, the A.V. Employment Centre (250-724-4560), an ideal starting point to learn more about the other resources and services mentioned above. Reaching out for support during hard times is an act of strength and courage… and an important first step to achieving your life goals.

      THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: “Within you lies a power greater than what lies before you.” (Anonymous)