Get inspired...

Have you ever had that giddy feeling after you've heard a really good speaker, watched a movie that pulled at your heart strings, or read a book that instilled some passion in you? Not the post-chick flick giddy feeling, but the one where you feel invincible and ready to take on the world along with your wildest dreams?

Lately I've been getting this feeling a lot. I don't know if it has anything to do with being finished university, but I feel so motivated and inspired to pursue my dreams and make a difference. I know the "I want to make a difference in the world" tends to be cliche, but I feel that most people if they look deep deep within themselves, would find there is a part of them that has this desire. I firmly believe that everyone has a purpose and something that only they can contribute to the world and finding out what that is can often be the most frustrating search of all.

It is essential to get inspired because often as nurses we give, give, give so much and don't necessarily receive much in return. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but what I am saying is it can often leave our emotional, mental, spiritual "tanks" feeling empty. When we are exhausted and spent it becomes easier to forget the reason why we do what we do or why we are striving for whatever dream. Purposefully taking time to do something that will refuel the fire or fill the tank will help keep our passion for whatever we are doing alive. There really isn't one thing that you can do to be inspired as it will be different for each one of us...whatever it is, take some time to rejuvenate that passion and remind yourself of the reason why you are doing what you do.

When I was in third year I was running myself so thin and very stressed. If someone had asked me the reason I went into nursing or if I was excited to be in the program I honestly have no idea what I would have told them. My mom had bought me the book A Nurse's Story by Tilda Shalof just because she thought it looked like a good read. During my third year I reread this book as well as another book she wrote called The Making of a Nurse. These two books helped me remember why I love the profession of nursing, helped me refocus and get through the rest of a very tough year, and ultimately inspired me to become a nurse like Tilda. My view of nursing was changed forever and I can't begin to describe all the lessons I learned. Her stories and the wisdom she gained from her experiences helped me to see nursing for what it truly can be and I fell in love with the profession all over again.

Since then, I've taken more time to "get inspired" in all sorts of different ways. Letting yourself be inspired takes time and practice, but I assure you it is worth it and so necessary to continue to strive for excellence in whatever you do. With that I ask...have you been inspired lately?

Yours Nursingly,
L