My mom said I should write down what I want and the world will give it to me. I thought it was a good idea, but when I sat down I realized I don't really know what I want.
My whole life I've been goal-oriented. I achieved academically in grade school. In high school I worked hard so that I could get into a great college. In college I worked hard so I could get a great job. And now what?
I feel lost without any academic ambitions. It's all I've really ever known. A patient asked me what I wanted to do. And I was like, "Ummm, this, for now. Be a nurse on this floor." But I felt like he was expecting a better answer. And as I wrote in my New Years Resolutions post, I do want to advance in my career.
But here's the issue: Let's say I became a nurse manager at some point. I would lose the patient experience and gain paperwork and employee drama. Not what I want.
I like the excitement and rewarding feeling that comes with patient care. Perhaps ICU. Or being on the Medical Response Team...
But what do I ultimately want out of life? What would the perfect life in 10 years look like?
Rewarding, fulfilling career (Advance Practice nurse?), having a rich family life, traveling often to new places, having adventures, being healthy, energetic, and happy.
So as per my list-making passion, what are the steps I need to take to make this my life?
1. Act in a manner that promotes health and energy and avoids illness. This means suffering the pain of discipline rather the pain of regret (Pinterest). Being healthy is hard work. There is no easy, quick way. It's a lifestyle that I must have.
2. Be present in this life, in this moment. Each day is a precious gift. Waste not one single day!
3. Evaluate need versus want and simply want less. Make wise choices for the sake of understanding that happiness is not really found in a pair of designer jeans, but in the memories I make with my family and friends.
Go get it, Jess!
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