Seasons Change
I was taking down my tree last night (and yes, I keep all of my Christmas gear up through the 12 days of Christmas- what’s the use in rushing through the holiday if you can’t enjoy it? But that’s a whole other blog topic) So I was taking down my tree last night and realized that finding ornaments on a tree is a lot like being a nurse.
Some of the ornaments were hidden. At times I didn’t see an ornament at all. Many times I had to look from different angles, just to be sure I had gotten them all. And ‘just‘ when I thought I was all done- as I was taking off the lights- there was one last ornament still hanging on for dear life!
By now you might be thinking, “So how is this like nursing?” Well, great question. This came to me as I was staying present, in the moment, with the task at hand.
Look Harder
Recently it has come to my attention that nursing is not all fun and games. (Recently? OK, maybe I have known this for a long time). But in a follow up post later this week I am going to speak directly to the frustrations of nursing.
That being said, it seems to me we can find the good- even within nursing. Especially in nursing. Here’s what I’d like you to do try, based on the example of stripping the ornaments from a Christmas tree:
Find the Good
- In the case of ornaments that were ‘hiding’ from me- where are the positives hiding out in your work place?
- In terms of not seeing an ornament at all- how can you bring more joy, love, peace and appreciation to your job?
- Thinking about the ornament that was still hanging on, the one I totally missed and found when taking down the lights- what is it about your career that you might have forgotten about?
Each of these self-reflective introspective questions leads us to one common theme:
Being a Nurse is a Super-Duper Honor
And if you’ve forgotten that because you’re too tired, overstressed, stretched to the max or just plain unhappy with it all- think again. In fact, it’s your thinking that needs to be stripped.
It’s All About Perspective
Yes, nursing can seem bleak. Sure the work is hard, the hours are long and the appreciation is few and far between. But where are the sparkles? What is it about the profession have you forgotten? Why did you go into nursing in the first place?
“What you think about, you bring about.” -Rhonda Byrne, et al
Let’s hear from you. Leave a comment or question below. I’d love to have some sharing and discussion. And if you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it on one of your social media outlets using the links below. In gratitude, my friend.
Beautiful! I love that saying, “What you think about, you bring about.” Thank you for posting it. It came at a great time and I am going to put it to use. I love the fact that if you think positively, positive things come about. Conversely, if you think negatively that’s what you’ll get in return. As always, thank you!
Marti,
You are quite welcome. And you are so right! Want positive? Focus on it! And the same is true for the opposite. I am glad you enjoyed this and found it helpful. Thank you for reading,
Elizabeth
I read all your posts, Elizabeth! Most do hit a nerve with me or give me a wake up call. Some make me really think while others make me need to contemplate how I fit into a specific situation. I appreciate all you have to say and you need to know that each and every post gives me something to think about!
Thank you Marti. I genuinely appreciate the feedback. Knowing that you are out there reading, finding value and thriving forward inspires me to continue to write and share from my heart. Enjoy your week,
Elizabeth
Same to you. It’s beautiful here in SoCal and the days, gorgeous! I am always out there and if I don’t have a chance to read one of your posts at the time it arrives, I save it and go back. I always learn something and my brain gets a workout, too!