BUTTERFLIES: Change and Growth

Often we get comfortable in one spot in life. Why not? You perfect your craft and sometimes become an expert in your field of study. Weather it's home and/or work, change is needed for growth. Unfortunately, most of the population loves a routine. Why? For many, growth is an uncomfortable process. Then why do we get bored, feel stagnant, and hesitate to go into a change process? Comfortably...lol. What's nice is everyone experiences growth at their own pace. Here are 4 helpful tools to help you get through a growth process. They are as follows:

1. Take your time- No one says you have to make a transition over night. Take your time with transitioning. 
2. Allow yourself to make mistakes- Mistakes means you are trying. Most people do not accomplish their goal on the first attempt. Not accomplishing your goal on the first attempt doesn't make you a failure.
3. Write down the main goal you are trying to accomplish- This will help you organize your steps and see where you are in the growth process. You can determine how comfortable you are completing the current step. Are you ready for the next step? You may not be, so complete each step at a pace that is right for you.
4. Reward yourself for every step completed- This step is very important. For every mini-step you complete reward yourself. The reward doesn't have to be big. The reward can be as small as getting a fingernail polish change. You will feel a since of accomplishment, and it will encourage you to go on to the next step. 

* These are a few goals I find useful. Let me know what tools you use to go through a growth process. Please share in the comment box below, and subscribe via e-mail to the right column. Thanks in advance for reading and sharing*

DIY: How do you prepare for a DIY project?

People engage in DIY(do it yourself) projects for many reasons. Some people do it as a stress reliever.  Many say it helps them express their creative side. DIY projects are used as a bonding tool to bring people of similar interest together. But I am thinking, what is the thought process that goes into a DIY project? How does one prepare? Here are 5 steps I found useful to prepare for a DIY project.

1. Find an item you want to change (ex: a chair, a wall, a pair of curtains)- Start small if it's you first project and build up to bigger ones.
2. Get inspiration from items and places around you (ex: magazines, the internet, local stores).
3. Decide on how you want the item to make you feel- Color and texture give you a different feel to your surroundings.
4. Obtain materials needed for the project of your choice.
5. Have fun and go at it!-If the DIY project you are doing doesn't excite you, then try a different project. Don't give up, you will find the right project for you!

* How do you prepare to DIY? If you like this post please comment in the comment section below, and subscribe via e-mail on the right. Thanks in advance!*

BUTTERFLIES: Bucket list and Goals!

Do you believe a bucket list and/or goals are important for growth? Weather you call it one or the other,  your focus is kept on the prize. Although exploring these 2 areas may take you out of your comfort zone, but achieving either one feels rewarding and is down right gratifying! Sometimes, completing goals one by one gives you the realization you can achieve anything. Accomplishing small goals make you feel you can achieve goals you thought were unobtainable. Since this pandemic is allowing us time to self-reflect, why not make a new bucket for 2021! A few ideas to go on your bucket list are:

1. Learn a new skill- A few examples of new skills are: learning how to sew, learning a new recipe and/or learning a new language. Any one of these are sure to provide gratification upon completion, and can be useful in the future.
2. Complete a DIY project you never would have attempted- Of course this is my favorite! Not only do you get to complete an awesome project, you obtain new skills along the way while completing this goal.
   

   

   
   
3. Read a whole book series- How many of us have a list of books to read and/or CEU's (continuing education credits) to complete and never get around to it? This pandemic is a great time to complete this goal and expand your knowledge base.
4. Do something which takes you totally out of your comfort zone-Weather this is public speaking, getting over your fear of heights, or getting over your fear of animals. Completing something you never thought you could, may allow you to gain new confidence you didn't know you had.

                                          

*Of course this list is not all-inclusive but are a few suggestions to get you started. Please share one of your goals you have achieved off of your bucket list in the comments below. If you like this post please subscribe via email in the column on the right. You will receive notification of future post. Thanks in advance!*

LIFE: Friendship/Family Circle of Positivity

Do you have a friendship/family circle of positivity? In order to achieve your goal(s) in life, you need to be around positive people who will push you to be your best. As you evolve and grow, your circle may change based on your needs. For many change is looked at as a negative concept. Although uncomfortable for many, change in the circle is needed in order for growth to occur. Here are 5 attributes to look for in a positive circle. They are as follows:

1. People who give guidance without demeaning others- These are individuals who can encourage you without making you feel bad about your failures. And weather you realize it or not, their influence goes well beyond the moment (Leslie Becker, Phelps, PHD. Retrieved July 8th, 2020 from http://www.WebMD.com/4-ways-your-friends-shape-your-future). 
2. Individuals who supports you- These are people who supports each others goal(s), although their personal goal(s) may be different.
3. Persons who lends a helping hand- These individuals assist others without needing a reward.
4. A circle which gives others a sense of belonging- Every individual is unique in their own way. Each person in the circle provides a sense of belonging, even with differences.
5.  People who tie it all together- "These are people in your circle who have a huge impact on your success. They want to ensure strong unity and professional working relationships to create great things for everyone involved. Success attracts success, and they strive to make everyone around them that much better, while asking them to do the same" (Matt Machacek. Retrieved July 8th, 2020 from http://www.modernimpact.com/success-starts-with-your-inner-circle). I couldn't have said it better!

   

   My positive circle makes me glow like this! Plus a little makeup..lol ;-)!

* These attributes are not all inclusive, and some people posses more than one attribute. That is what makes every friendship/family circle of positivity unique! What is your favorite attribute of the circle? You are welcomed to add a positive attribute to the list in the comment section below. Thank you for reading! Please subscribe to the e-mail section on your right to receive notification of new post. Thanks in advance:-)!*

LIFE: Happiness in healthcare! Is it possible?

Are you the healthcare provider who tries to make sure your patient receives the best possible care? You thrive on the satisfaction of knowing you did your best job during that 12 hour shift , which usually turns into 14! You may be wondering, if happiness is even possible in healthcare? Especially during this Covid-19 pandemic. With all the rules in place for safety for Covid-19, other avenues are being explored to apply great healthcare. Here are a few strategies to ensure happy nurses, and happy patients. They are as follow:

Food Appreciation:-)!

Food Appreciation:-)!

1. Use alternate ways to communicate- There is a plethora of technology that allows alternate ways to communicate with a patient(ex: call light, phone, and IPAD). With Covid-19 being very prevalent, using an alternate form of communication with your patient will make the patient feel valuable. Also, it will assist the healthcare provider in feeling they are giving adequate care.
2. Set up a regular communication schedule- This can be a very valuable tool. Weather you are setting up personal time to chat with each patient, and/or just completing a regular round. This tool indirectly builds trust between the healthcare provider and patient. The patient views those particular times as being just for them. Also, this strategy applies to healthcare employees. Healthcare workers need regular check-ins with a superior to reinforce a job well done.
3. Make the patient feel they are the only one that matter- Don't appear hurried as a healthcare provider. This can backfire on you. Have you ever spent 20 minutes with a patient, but the patient feels as if you didn't spend anytime with them due to the fact they felt you were distracted. Weather its 5 or 20 minutes, give the patient your undivided attention. To them 5 minutes feel like a life time, if they are the center of your world. As a healthcare worker, this same one on one attention is needed. Five minutes with a supervisor can make the employee feel superb at their job, and reinforces trust.
4. Make time for yourself during the shift- I know this is difficult, but it can be done. As a healthcare provider your regrouping time is important! If you set up times for your patients, your 30 min break should be achievable. If you are having difficulties achieving this goal, it is OK to ask for assistance to take a break. You are no good to a patient if your emotional fuel is low. You do not get an "F" for the shift because you need assistance to have a break. Again, you are meeting patients at their lowest, so they need you to be your best as a healthcare provider. Who better to take care of a patient than a fully recharged nurse:-)!

* Of course, these strategies are not all inclusive:-)! Let me know how you achieve happiness in healthcare! Thank you for reading, please subscribe via e-mail on the right, and leave your comments below (comments may be left anonymously).*

LIFE: Death-Coping in Healthcare

As a healthcare worker, we deal with life and death on a daily basis. Some areas in healthcare deal with death more than others. There is a misconception that healthcare workers do not grieve. We should be use to it, because we see it frequently. That statement cannot be further from the truth. My question to you is, how do you cope with loss? Here are 5 coping mechanisms that can assist you with dealing with death:

1. Be Vocal About Your Needs- Not everyone deals with death the same. It is OK to be vocal about your needs. Weather it's a 15min break to regroup, and/or backup to provide the dying patient adequate care during the dying process.
2. Have An Outlet- Speaking to a counselor, senior nurse, and/or love on a regular basis may be a good idea. You never get use to death, but receiving pointer from someone more experienced in this area may assist you in the coping process. It is OK to speak up and say you are uncomfortable.
3. Have a ZEN Place- A ZEN place is your little get-a-way place to reflect. This solution does not have to be expensive. Weather this is a She-shed, a special room in the house, and/or a getaway place to reflect(Ex: Hiking). This will surely allow you to regroup and deal with your feelings.
4.  Make Your Healing Unique To You- Each nurse and dying experience is unique. There is not one grand solution to coping with the dying process. Certain situations are more difficult than others (ex: Unexpected death, suicide, and/or the death of a child). There is no distinct time line for the healing process (Aieda Solomon. Retrieved July, 1, 2020 from http://healthynursehealthynation.org/the-tough-stuff-how-to-deal-with-the-death-of-a-patient). Take your time.
5.  It Is OK To Cry- Yes, I said it! There is a misconception that healthcare workers do not cry and/or grieve. Showing that you are human doesn't make you any less capable of taking care of a patient and/or family member. Crying is a stress reliever and may show that you have empathy.

* These are 5 coping strategies that are useful in healthcare. What are some coping strategies that work for you?*

LOVE: A COVID-19 ENGAGEMENT- COUPLE SURVIVAL TIPS!

What? An engagement during the pandemic? We all know living in a house with others can be challenging! Add a relationship, working in healthcare, and Covid-19 restrictions: You may be headed for disaster. Here are 5 relationship survival tips my fiancé and I use during the pandemic. They are as follows:

Surprise 2020 Pandemic engagement dinner!

1. Allow each other personal space when needed- During this pandemic we are forced to see each other on a continuous basis. Providing each other with personal space will make the time spent together valuable.
2. Validate each others feelings- Emotions are at an all time high. Although you cohabitate space, each persons experience through the pandemic is uniquely their own. Validating each others feeling can make cohabitation easier.
3. Schedule couples time- Continuously seeing each other can take away from couples time. It may devalue quality time spent together. Continue to schedule couples time during the pandemic (ex: A movie, a new recipe, a game, and/or DIYing together:-)). Blocking off time for each other will surely keep the flames going!
4. Develop an new normal- Living with Covid-19 is going to be the "new normal". Developing a new daily routine can decrease anxiety and stress in you and your spouse. It will take trial and error to see what works for the both of you.  Be patient and give yourselves grace during this time. You will be happy you did.
5. Laugh- Whoever said laughter is the best medicine was correct! There are many life changing situations going on during this time. Using memes, funny text and discussions with family/friends can give your mood the positive boost it needs!

Covid-19 engagement!

*What are some of your Covid-19 couple survival tips? Please subscribe via e-mail, and place your comments below.* Thanks in advance!

BUTTERFLIES: My First Blog- Covid-19 Pandemic

Hello everyone! I hope your day is gong well. Today we are going to have a discussion in the butterfly category. The butterfly category represents metamorphosis and change. What better time to speak of change and growth than during the Covid-19 pandemic. The experiences during this time has been anything but easy. From worries of continuous safety, work, health, and mental well being. To happy moments and continuous growth! You may wonder how people are keeping sane...lol. Here are 10 things that are helpful to get through the pandemic.
They are as follows:

1.  Mental Health: Weather you are speaking to your spouse on a daily basis or using professional counseling: these 2 choices are great resources.
2. Religion: I know religion can be a sensitive topic. Everything happens for a reason and there is a life lesson in every experience. What ever your religion is, believing in a higher power can assist you with getting through the pandemic.
3. Face-timing with friends and family: This is a great way to feel socially connected, while keeping a social distance. 
4. Self-Care: From trying out new beauty products with your spouse, making a new recipe, and/or a hot bubble bath. Your stress level will surely decrease!
5. Accepting feelings during constant time of change: Accepting your feelings during this time is crucial. It is quite OK, not to feel like yourself. 
6. Physical well being: Physical activity during social isolation is needed. The internet has a plethora of information on working out at home. Also, hiking in your local area is always a good option.
7. DIYing: Not only is DIYing physical, it gets you out of your own head space. It's a 2 for one. You can make it a 3 for 1 by speak on the phone while completing a project!
8. Asking for assistance: It is quite OK to ask for assistance. Especially with everything going on with the pandemic. Asking for help doesn't devalue you as a person.
9. Speaking with your spouse regularly: Talking about your feelings with your spouse on a regular basis, decreases stress build-up. Other sources of release are: speaking with friends, and keeping a journal.
10. Knowing your limits: It is OK to say NO! It doesn't devalue you as a person.

*What has been helping you get through this pandemic? Please post your comment in the comment section below, and subscribe via e-mail in the right column. As always, thanks for reading and subscribing!*