Many firefighters spend years learning how to fit into the culture, often without realizing how much of themselves they’ve left behind in the process. In this week’s Friday Truth, I explore the difference between fitting in and belonging, the cost of hiding parts of who we are, and why bringing more of our authentic selves to the job may be one of the most important shifts we can make for our mental fitness and well-being.
Perhaps one of the most important things we can offer is a place where the person no longer has to perform.