Just when you think you have it all figured out

In the early 2000s, when I was working a progressive yet conservative financial company, we talked about the business book, Who Moved My Cheese. In a way, in the years before 9/11 it made sense.

Then 9/11 happened, and that brighter, shinier future dulled and disappeared in a cloud of smoke and fire.

As I'm finishing up my work as a volunteer for a nursing organization this week (Happy Volunteers' Week!), I thought, "Wow. I've made it. There's really been nothing extraordinary that's happened while I've been the chairperson, so I can at least say, I did it. Add this prestigious title to the list. Check."

Until recently, when that "all set scenario" changed. It might have seemed like one meeting with some organization folks and some of us nurses, but as I look back, it could be the start of something big. We are changing things in the group that could change how people join the organization and get certified.

We are looking forward to how we can change to make things better, to help a younger generation grow and prosper in rehab. To me, it's as exciting as anything.

I can't wait to say one day, "Yes, I was there when..."

Hope you have your own moments of clarity this week, too. Stay tuned...

Read this

Several years ago, I was sleeping when I was suddenly awakened around 3AM. I went to work and found out one of my patients coded around the same time I woke up.

I thought of him when I read this post on the American Journal of Nursing's blog, Off the Charts today.

And I, too, thought of those family members who aren't around anymore. The pain subsides, but some of it never goes away.

Love, however, goes on.

Reflections on a year going past

The latest from Sunday Stealing...

Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection Meme:

From the archives!

What was the single best thing that happened this past year?  
I travelled halfway across the country and met some really awesome people I never knew in real life.

What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
I have had to start programs without any management support (because they either quit or moved on).

What was an unexpected joy this past year? 
Getting a financial windfall I didn't expect when my husband was unemployed.

What was an unexpected obstacle?
Not getting promoted. (The paperwork is still in the mail...)

Pick three words to describe 2013.
Fun, crazy, cool 

What were the best books you read this year? 
Biographies and stories about perseverance.

With whom were your most valuable relationships?  
Certain coworkers who support me in spite of challenging environments.


What was the most enjoyable part of your work?  
Making the impossible happen.

What was the most challenging part of your work?
Working with a "team" that refuses to accept reality.

What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? 
Meetings (about 90% of them anyway).

What was the best way you used your time this past year?  
I am creating programs to work with rehab patients in new ways.

What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?
Some people can see into the future, and some people are happy living in the past.
 
Create a phrase or statement that describes 2013 for you.
Hope for the best, plan for the worst, and savor every minute of joy you're given.