Monday Inspiration

"Fear is just a misuse of knowledge."

- Unknown

On the way to the hospital incredibly early one morning, I was feeling a little uneasy and turned on the radio to distract myself.  I don't really listen to the typical radio stations (to be honest I listen to news / talk radio or our local Christian station -- or I listen to what's on my phone).  So, I turned on the local Christian station (104.7 The Fish for all you Atlanta/Georgia friends) and one of their lovely messages was on, normally by a leader in the Christian community, like Andy Stanley.  I have no idea who was talking during this message, but he said those powerful words that really hit home for me.  I told husband them when I got home and he loved it.  I was in lunch with a friend the other day and I told her them, and she loved it.  It just speaks volumes, doesn't it?  And I was struggling a little bit with my pediatric rotations, so that phrase just spoke to me.  I just wish I knew who said it!!

Challenge: what invokes fear in your heart?  Why?  Is it because you are doubting yourself?  If so, pray, and remember God would never give you more than you can handle.  And if you don't believe in God, then that's fine, because you have made it this far in life because you are smart, capable, beautiful.  If you feel overwhelmed or fearful, breathe it in, then breathe it right back out.  Because you are the best person for the job, even if it may not feel like it at the time.

Monday Inspiration

JUST SAY NO

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Just say no to drugs and stay in school, kids.

Okay, I'm kidding this post isn't about that.

I'm talking about how sometimes being selfish isn't being selfish at all: it's being self-aware, cognizant, and therefore selfless because if you spread yourself too thin, then you're not able to give 100% anywhere -- and not only is that not fair to others, it's certainly not fair for you.

I assume that you've worked hard in your life at some point or another to get to where you are today.  

Before I was in nursing school, I was being all dorky in college because I was on the fast track to graduating top of my class in history for a Bachelors and then Masters.  I was in the Honors Program and was that student that was drooling over the opportunity to write my own 50+ page thesis on a topic of my choice ( oh and I still am -- haven't figure out how with nursing, though! )

Because of that, I was elected to become President of the History Honors Society, Phi Alpha Theta.  Then, on a whim, I changed my major to nursing and had to start all over again.  But, I still lead Phi Alpha Theta because I enjoyed it.  So, I was a President in one society, a member in four others,  volunteering at the American Cancer Society, always going to school year round, studying for nursing school, started nursing school, started clinical rotations of 180 hours a semester, got engaged and planned a wedding, all while having dreams to still write a book, get a minor, build a photography business on the side, and somehow march on to get my masters in nursing.  Whew.  Of course, I didn't do so hot after awhile.  I had to prioritize and take things off my plate.

No matter your situation.  It's just so important that you know what you can and can not realistically do.  I got to the point where I no longer even notice that I'm stressed.  Other people have to tell me to breathe and relax!  I wore myself out, spread myself thin, and first the first time in my life did very poorly in a lot of aspects.  Maybe that's what caused all my health problems at the end of 2011?  Regardless, I've definitely learned how to just say no.  I hate it because I miss out on planning things or doing things that sound like so much fun (I had to turn down a wedding photography job for an old friend because I just can't realistically do it), but my priorities right now are not failing out of nursing school, getting enough sleep, and spending time with my family.  If I have time for planning an event, doing a photography job, going away to Oktoberfest with friends, etc, then I certainly will.  But I really do need to plan for it, be realistic, and makes sure I get some me time as well.

Challenge

My challenge for you is to look at what's on your plate right now and see if there is something that you are doing that is a little more taxing for you and your schedule.
Is it something that you absolutely have to do?  Or is it something that can be passed on so that you can focus on giving yourself and your other commitments the quality time they need?  

If someone has something they need help with and you know you already have a lot going on, just say no!  It really hurts me when I know that I am letting someone else down, that alone is unnecessary joo joo, much less having the added stress of completing all kinds of extra tasks.

Monday Inspiration

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It's Monday.  The start of a new week.  Maybe you have a busy one or maybe it's a slow one.  Do you commute an hour or could you bike to work?  Would you say your job is high-stress?  Or maybe, it's the summertime and you're a teacher/nurse/student/artist/fulltimeblogger/etc that doesn't have a 9 to 5 job right now.  

Either way, it is extremely important that you make yourself a priority during the week.  Five minutes to breathe and do something for yourself every few days can really go a long way in terms of your health and sanity. 

CHALLENGE

I challenge you this week to take five minutes at least once this week, close your eyes, put on a song, breathe, and think about something positive that happened to you that day or something positive you might do when you get home.

"No one can get inner peace by pouncing on it."

- Harry Emerson Fosdick