As we finish one of the most difficult years in history, particularly for nurses, I’m wondering how you’re feeling about the new year -2021?
Do you wonder if you have the stamina left to continue your work as a nurse or a nurse leader after all that you’ve been through this year?
I’d like to ask you to pause, reflect, and consider the elixir that re-energizes your body, mind, and spirit and helps you connect with who you are and why you became a nurse in the first place. This elixir is simple to understand but can be difficult to swallow. It’s the habit of taking care of yourself, being aware of your emotions, showing yourself compassion, and lastly, learning how to live in the present. Why’s that difficult to swallow? It sounds perfectly natural. Well – that’s because life is hectic. And as you know, living a hectic life while working as a nurse or nurse leader during a global pandemic is overwhelming. Surviving and thriving requires developing the habit of self-care practices and mindfulness.
My colleagues and I at uLeadership, teach the power of Human-Centered Leadership in Healthcare. This is a contemporary leadership approach that requires nurses and leaders alike to start with themselves, and then to lead in service to others. In short, It starts with you but it’s not about you! You’ve heard sayings like… you can’t give what you don’t have…or… you can’t pour from an empty cup. Human-centered Leadership starts with you but it’s not about you!
Let 2021 be the year that you learn the value of self-care, self-compassion, self-awareness, and mindfulness. Let this be the year that you learn new habits that become the way you live a resilient and wholehearted life. A life that is connected to your purpose. Let this be the year that you learn …It starts with you but it’s not about you!
