Just checking in to let all my followers know, that I am indeed settled in the beautiful South, and remembering what it feels like to be "home again." The transition was not without it's challenges, tears, and questions. There continue to be days where my heart aches just a bit for the job, friends, and life I left behind. However, I continue to find new opportunities for my heart to be filled, including a wonderful job that allows me the opportunity to create opportunities for patients and families, while allowing myself to prioritize my physical health. I have been blessed with feelings of renewed energy and strength, and increased peace in the daily adjustments my health still requires me to make. Thankfully, my new co-workers have welcomed me with open arms, and are eager to make me feel as if I've been part of their team for years, rather than months. My daily opportunities to advance programming, and utilize my previous experience to enhance patient services are numerous! My work life has completely changed, and I still need reminders to adjust my own way of thinking and communicating. For instance, one of my new tasks is working with children who are experiencing the illness or death of a loved one in an adult Intensive Care Unit. This is quite a role reversal from supporting parents of pediatric patients. I continue to be amazed and empowered by the strength of children and adolescents and their resiliency. How I wish I could bottle that for times when I am experiencing my own struggles!
Returning to the South, I have been able to visit my family more in the past several months than I did all of last year. I've been able to celebrate birthdays, out-of-town visits, and relaxing weekends at home. Sometimes I feel that I am a completely changed person after my experiences of the past two years. However, walking through the doors of a childhood home tends to ground me and remind myself of where I came from and where I draw most of my inner strength. My wonderful boyfriend also makes life in the South sweeter than before. We are enjoying time together, exploring what our small town has to offer, and envisioning our life together. We joined a church that is beautiful and welcoming, and makes every Sunday feel like home. We talk about what the future holds, about houses, families, and puppies, and continue to feel blessed that we have been given this opportunity to be together.
To all of my friends, family members, and former co-workers in the path of Hurricane Sandy: Please be safe, think clearly, and follow the instructions given by city officials. To my hospital friends, thank you for the sacrifices you make during times like these to ensure that patient care is uninterrupted!
Finally, to share some of my new favorite ways for some daily smiles, check out the following links:
http://dog-shaming.com/
I literally laugh out loud every single day, and I don't even own a dog. Seriously, your bad mood has no chance against these hilarious pups!
http://www.earthcam.com/usa/southcarolina/greenville/?cam=giraffe_int
This is an amazing live-feed of a baby giraffe born at a local zoo. I keep an eye on this little guy throughout the day and think that it is absolutely fascinating!
To my fellow blog followers: Wishing you physical safety this week, opportunities to provide support to others, and something that "grounds" you or reminds you of home. Blessings to all you love in this world!
