She's Nifty- She's Turning Fifty!

In just a few short days, the fabulous forties are coming to an end for me.

Time to reflect- I have loved, I have lost. I have grown, and I have matured, all while having fun at the same time. I have achieved a few things and are still working on others.

My forties started off rough- drama that I never asked to be a part of.  My forties are ending in peace and quiet. The middle, the good stuffing, was filled with many laughs, good times and great people. 

I found my tribe. I found my people half way through, through a really awesome concept of an "adult Girl Guides" of sort.  At Camp Hoo Ha, it does not matter what you do after our get togethers or who you are/ are not outside of the space.  We are all campers. We wear our comfy t-shirts, sweatshirts and joggers as we enjoy a great meal, fabulous wine, fun craft, a lesson or experience: as we earn our badges. From self-defence, glam camp, high tea, sailing on the Glenmore, reading good books, learning how to survive the Christmas dramas to winter camp and Jamboree in the spring. I have met and come to love different women, whom I would not have met otherwise, and call those dear friends. Friends that just love you and accept you- build you up when you need it and remind you how awesome you are- from different walks in life, backgrounds and life experience. Forever grateful for this experience, as we come to grips of the wind down and closing of this group. Just because this group is closing and will not be having any more "camps" or get togethers- I know my friends will be there when I need them, and afterwards too. 

Friendships in mid life are hard.  They are work. Everyone is busy with work, family, volunteering, and keeping up with the changes that are handed to us. It's the text from my very busy oil and gas girlfriend of - "hey, you up for a walk?" to making sure that my Nurse Practioner girlfriend and I laugh as much as possible to just deal with the stress. It's the last minute invite to a play when tickets are given free and knowing just who to invite. It's sharing meals while volunteering together and just talking.  It's being there to listen and just give hugs when words fail.  It's accepting that I am kooky and weird- but my posse knows that and loves me anyways.  Late night phone calls and early morning text messages to show love and concern. Priorities shift, people leave your life. Thank them for the time together and move ahead.  There are the short timer friends, the good times only friends, the long haul friends and all the in-between.  Grateful to learn about this and share life with many different faces.

Finding lasting romantic love may come or may never come for some.  It never hurts to be open. I took a chance, put myself out there and found the one that I will love forever.  I know that he is a gift from God, my lovesong from my higher power.  This man has lifted me higher, encouraged me in my lowest, loved me when I was hard to love and continues to help me grow.  Sure, I pull him along to some things- but others, he jumps into it all in.  Going out to volunteer at a children's summer camp in a work day to get the camp ready for the season- painting, cleaning, organizing to him now being one of the main cooks for a week.  He supports me out there too- not just by creating this beautiful food for the campers and staff, but filling my cup with hugs and his words of encouragement.  This filling of my cup then allows me to be able to continue on as the camp medic- being on call 24 hrs x 7 days can make this gal tired physically and emotionally. He is the same in every day life as well- making sure I can give all to my patients, physician boss and all involved. He is a great listener, offers advice when requested or gives the best back rubs after a hard day.  He gets me- understands, loves, supports and encourages.  He is the first to celebrate a victory, and the first in line to pick me up after a loss/disappointment.  He shares my non-work stress load. He helps to fight for me when I go dark and black. He is my hiking partner who will wait while I wheeze up the hill, and is my camping buddy.  His support lifts me higher, makes me feel lighter and all while he creates a home space for Buddy the Cat and I. I cannot imagine my life going forward without him. 

I now have had the same job for just about 12 and a half years, not always at the same office location, always with the same physician.  Going through a season of the unknown with her has brought us closer and open realizations for both of us. I have come to enjoy her as a friend and as a boss.  Starting a new clinic can be scary, and I hope my support of her only spurs her on the greatness that I see in her.  She is an amazing cardiologist- highly trained, compassionate, intelligent- this woman is so smart and competent, I am in awe- and cares. I love my patients, as I now have been serving some of these lovelies for 12.5 years, learning about their lives and families have been a privilege. I only hope they feel how special they are when they come in for their visits. 

 In my next decade I want to make it count.  I want to look back and say, what a ride!  I want to give back and make a difference in the world.  I want to empower women to feel their 100% true self.  I want to heal the hurting, lift them up.  I see myself rising like a phoenix- with women rising around me.  I want to laugh more that I cry. Travel more. Spend quality time with my partner in life, creating more memories, experiencing more joy and supporting each other as we age gracefully together.  Enjoy the spoils of life- good food (wine, cocktails, spirits and tasty coffee and tea drinks), good friends, good music and good times. 

Looking out through the window into a dreary, rainy day- reminds me that clouds will come and that just makes the sun shine brighter.  May my fifties be the sunshine- bright, energizing, uplifting.

Fabulous Forties turn into Nifty at Fifty! 

Life - 41.10

I can't believe I've done it again--- and left my blog for a couple of years!
Yikes!
It's amazing that any of you are still around here! Thanks for that!


Winter 2017- a time of change, realizations and enjoyment.


I find myself alone in the world once again, with a desire to love and to be loved. Romantic love is a goal, however, so is sharing the love of the soul with all who dare to step out to do so.  I give of myself to my friends, family and coworkers... I also give back to my community by volunteering at  a treatment center for addictions.  This is one of my favorite nights of the week-- I get to just be me and love on these guys who are fighting to gain back everything they lost.  I inspire and get inspired, I see growth and depth...  things that in my past career that were a part of my daily work life.  I can make it through my work life, knowing that I am making a difference somewhere else.


I have not been this alone in the world for  nearly 17 years.  Just looking at the number, I have so many memories of roommates, past loves, and friends that flood my heart.  It is during this time of solidarity living that I am able to give my soul, heart and head the time to get straightened out and back on track.  I am studying, reading, meeting with mentor and praying.  I am dedicating and scheduling time for just me.  I am finding that as I spend more time with me, I like who I am becoming.


 Music soothes the soul or fires it up, depending on what you are looking for- I am finding that I am spending more time with music that travels with me and less time in front of the television.  Music can set the mood, change the mood or  soothe the beast within.  It fills the empty with atmosphere, a sense of home and quiet companionship.  I find that my music tastes are developing into different areas that they have been before- opening up many new windows into the soul of the artist that is touching mine.  I love my Bluetooth speaker that can connect to my smart phone... I can carry it around my very own apartment or even have it connected while I swim away my loneliness.


I have found myself in the pool of my complex more than I thought I would... and doing lengths and laps over playing around in the water.  Water has always been a comfort to me, growing up around lakes, rivers and creeks it was just there.  I remember going to Mexico during a Christmas break- not realizing how sick (depression, anxiety, burn out) I really was until I hit the beach (15 minutes after check in) and found myself sobbing and shaking  with emotions.  The ocean was used to  healed my soul then, so why not a pool now?  I step out of my comfort zone and just head down to the pool and spend my evening swimming, thinking, praying... and if I am lucky I will have a conversation with a member of my complex who is also swimming with me.  The results?  This chubby cuddle bunny is slowly becoming less chubby and more lioness like.


My confidence in who I am is bouncing back.  I am finding that my social anxiety is lessening, as I choose not to see myself through someone else's eyes.  I am stepping out for coffee dates, reconnecting with those friends that I love and cherish, and meeting new people.  I would never find myself heading out to dinner with 11 other complete strangers a few months ago, however, I did just that.  The results? People like who I am and what I stand for.  I can handle myself in a conversation if not a few.  I found a great new restaurant to share with the people already in my life.  Where I thought before that I would never be welcomed or wanted, I see that I am welcomed with open arms and reassuring hugs. 


My past relationship has taught me many things and I am grateful that it happened.
I am also grateful that it ended and that I am on this journey that only could happen now, at this time of life.


Did I really just say that I was grateful it ended? I did.  I still don't believe I wrote it, however, it is a realization that came just as I write this out.


I am impatiently patiently awaiting the next chapter of my personal life... where will it take me? what will I learn? who will it be with? who will I become because of it?


I am letting go... letting God.
I am opening to possibilities that come along.


I am entering with a guarded heart, a patched heart, but one that longs to love back.


He who has started a great work within me... continues to do so.  May He never stop!

Have Mercy!

 Have Mercy- as quoted by Uncle Jessie

Definition:  a compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power; a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion; compassionate treatment of those in distress

Synonyms: charity, clemency, forbearance, lenience, leniency, lenity, mercifulness                    

Friday nights prior to joining a youth group in my high school days consisted of good tv and junk food.  One of the shows was Full House, a show about a widower, his three daughters, their uncle and his buddy who all lived together in one house.  Uncle Jessie always had a saying when he got a good kiss or something great happened for him- Have Mercy.  Elvis has been heard saying the same thing in his movies and interviews.  Believe it or not, that has stuck with me for the past decades. 

Mercy.  It is a good personality trait for a nurse.  Imagine what a health care professional would look like without the ability to show compassion, or to be caring?  How would that promote healing and health management?  Would you want to stay in a place, like a hospital, when the staff treated you like a piece of meat?  I shudder at that thought.  Putting mercy into the mix, allows for compassion- a genuine sense of concern,  caring and relationship building.  These are the basis to healing- be it physical, emotional or spiritual.  Mercy means that you look at at a person and feel sympathy for them and you act based on that.   

While preparing to write today, I learned of three degrees of mercy: 1. Acts of mercy 2. Words of mercy and 3. Prayer (to reach out where acts and words can’t).  Acts of Mercy could be as little as a shoulder squeeze to a hurting co-worker, buying a cup of coffee for a coffee lover who is having a bad day, a smile to a grumpy fellow commuter, a back rub for a loved one who is stressed.  Words of mercy can be as simple as “I forgive you,” “blessings upon you and yours;” and “I care. I am here.”  Prayer is an important one- when you cannot act, cannot find the words- pray.  Your Higher Power will take care of the needs of those of whom you are praying for. 

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=video-+sweetness+of+mercy+gary+chapman&FORM=VIRE1#view=detail&mid=ABFDA8D0271D5B00A91BABFDA8D0271D5B00A91B

 

May you experience mercy today.  May you show mercy today.

“Teach me to feel another’s woe, to hid the fault I see, that mercy I to others show, that mercy sow to me. “ Alexander Pope.

“I believe in the equality of man, and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and and endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy.” Thomas Paine

“A bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.” Pope Francis.

Chill, Dude... the art of being laidback

Being Laidback Can Be a Good Thing for Some...

 

Definition: Relaxed and easygoing

Synonyms: Free and easy, casual, nonchalant, unexcitable, imperturbable, unruffled, cool, even-tempered, non-confrontational, low maintenance, calm, unperturbed, unflustered

Boy, oh boy is this topic ever one that I learned how to become, and did so in a hurry!

I once was the complete opposite: excitable, lead by emotions, and could unravel at a moment’s notice.  I had to become the easygoing person that I am, because not being so cost me friends, promotions, love, trust and much more.

A good example of this would be about 7-8 years ago.  I was working at a remote location of a homeless shelter.  It was close to the time that we woke everyone up and got really busy taking care of their needs.  I had been scrubbing and cleaning all night, with disposable gloves on.  I had looked down and found that my engagement ring was not on my hand.  I went into panic mode- as my co-worker and I had taken the trash out and I had no clue where my ring was.  I began to cry, begged my supervisor to let me go home and see if it was there and just started to think all the negative things that could have happened to my ring.  He was patient with me, set me up in a quiet room to gather myself and allowed me to call home to ensure that I had actually had not worn it that day.  After a series of phone calls back and forth from home, I learned that it was  indeed safe and sound at home.  This experience caused me a promotion and it went into my yearly review as I was not able to be in control of myself.  After working with a life coach, I learned that I was to just breathe, carry on and let my day continue- then at home, panic and react in a private location, out of the sight of many eyes.

I never realized how much I learned from this until I started a new job.  Little things didn’t bother me as much as some of my colleagues and peers. A good example was when  we had a patient fall in the hall.  I didn’t go running out there and make a scene- I was able to walk in a fast manner, use my visual and hearing senses to see that patient was indeed ok, offer my assistance and back away when asked to do so.  When the patient was able to, he came to me and thanked me for showing my care and concern, sharing that it was nice to be cared for. 

Being laidback in a health care setting is beneficial to the health care provider and to the patient.  When we are relaxed in our work with our patients, we are able to connect and gain trust.  It opens the floor for discussions that can lead to health promotion or a health counselling session.  How we are affects how the patient feels; if we are relaxed, our patient who may be stressed, worried, concerned, scared, overwhelmed will feel less so, or may be even able to relax.  We can be confident and relaxed at the same time: which gains a professional relationship with those we are to care for.   

Being laidback as a private citizen can assist in our relaxation and enjoyment of life, in a “Don’t sweat the small stuff”, kind of way.  Ever find that if we are unflustered about a decision we are to make, that the solution comes clearly and swiftly?  Being peaceful brings peace to a household full of chaos.  We can still be busy and productive.  However, if we are calm about how we tackle and do things, this can lead to more enjoyment in what we do. 

There are times to worry, to be concerned and excitable.  Don’t let these times take over the rest of your life.  Breathe.  Let it be.  Break it down and tackle small portions and the larger problem will disappear.  Talk it out.  Reflect.  Rest on it. Pray.  Slow down.  Don’t be a perfectionist.  Refocus on the positive things in your life, not what has to get done or the negative thoughts that pop up. Be flexible.  Get creative. Let it go.

 

”Right now I am trying to be in a place of calm, a place where I can chill out and then handle the chaos of life better. You don't just get it overnight; you have to work at it. It's a daily struggle.” ~ Jackee Harry

 

Let Go and Let God.

Kind-heartedness~ bring love into the world

Kind-heartedness- Something to help the world go round in a more loving way

Definition: having or showing sympathy or kindness

Synonyms: kind

Kind-heartedness is a feeling you feel when you are helpful and sensitive to others.

Kind-heartedness comes naturally to some individuals, while it is a learned trait for others.  I believe that this was innate for me.  I cannot ever remember a time that I wasn’t kind-hearted.

This is who I am and how I express that.  I believe that to be effective in the world as a world changer, you must be sympathetic to the others to whom you share your world with.

Do you see the same person during your commute, who smiles at you?  Is there a co-worker that will check in with you, just to see how you are?  Are you lucky enough to find an upbeat email that changes your day around?  You must know someone who is kind-hearted!

This is not always easy to be.  There are times in life where you must put aside this, and be the opposite in order to be effective.  I once had a job where I was able to let my kind-heartedness flow; I was able to express myself fully with my patients and clients.  This is also the same job where I had to enforce rules and regulations.  At first, it was a hard thing to do, pull away my kind-heartedness and play the rule enforcer, knowing that someone may not be able to have shelter for the night, or be as comfortable as they could be, if they had made different choices.  It was my sympathy that was able to ensure that they had food in their tummies and at least a warm blanket to take with them.  It was this kind-heartedness that was able to welcome them back and shower them with love.  Being helpful and sensitive to others brings a reward of kindness, which is a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Someone wise once said, “ Co-operation comes from friendship, friendship comes from trust, and trust comes from kind-heartedness. “ (Dalai Lama)    Kind-heartedness is the one of the basis of friendship, of love, of a happy relationship.  Having a real genuine sense of concern for others, and acting on it only makes the world go around more brightly.  Imagine if we all started to be genuinely concerned for our fellow man?  Would there be room for bullying, cheating, exploitation?

How can one be kind-hearted?  Look for ways to make a difference in someone’s day:  A nice smile, a cute card or even a shoulder to cry on.  Just to love on someone in an intangible way is the best way. Love without having to be right about anything. Be more considerate- hold open the door, be polite to those who walk by.  Listen, and meet the needs of your loved ones.  Treat others as you would want to be treated.  Help them in a tangible way.  Care for them in a way only you can. 

“A gentle word, a kind look, a good natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.”  ~  Zahid Abas

In All Things, Count It As JOY!

Count it all as Joy

Definition:  a feeling of great happiness;  a source or cause of great happiness; something or someone that gives joy to someone ; success in doing, finding, or getting something

 

Synonyms: beatitude, blessesness, bliss, blissfulness, felicity, gladness, happiness, warm fuzzies

 

Some say real joy is a good box of chocolate, or a tasty glass of wine.  Other will say that joy is a look of happiness on a newborn child's face.   Or is it that Joy is finally getting that long paper finished and handed in during those long years of education?

What is Joy to me?  This is what I will be reflecting on today.

To me, joy is a state of being.  It means to look for the good in all those troubling times and being thankful for that. It is something that can happen at any time, on any given day, during any task at hand.

In the Bible, it is shared that we were commanded to Count it ALL as Joy- James 1: 2.   (http://biblehub.com/james/1-2.htm) This is not a natural reaction, it is a learned and practiced one.  In James, James was telling us that we will be experiencing those taxing, hurtful, struggling times in our life.  He was sharing that to get through those times with perservance was to count it all as joy.  Look for the positive in those moments where you just wonder if there is anything positive that could ever happen again.  When we are being tested, it gives us a chance to grow, to stretch, to become the person we were meant to become. 

Need a real life example? Read on...
My best friend is currently looking for Joy in his present state of living.  His middle child, a son of teenage years, has decided to move out and move in with his mentally ill mother.  There is much back stabbing, lying, deceit, and trouble brewing for my buddy.  This is affecting his mood, his time spend with his other children and even his loved ones.  The situation looks dire.  The relationship with this particular child is strained and is on the verge of collapse, at the child's choice.  B has tried and tried to make things better with his son.  He has asked for advice, reached out for assistance and has done much reflection on this.  This is a great sorrow for him. 

Where is the joy in this situation?

He has learned that he can handle much more stress that he thought he could.  He was able to try and make his own, new stress managment

Joy in death? It can be so...

No one wants to die.  No one likes to be left behind when a loved one passes on.  There are those patients that I see that are enjoying their every moment of life prior to passing on, leaving lots of smiles, hugs, kisses, kind words behind for those living to hang on to. 

Joy is to me....
To me, I experience great joy when my Buddy Cat comes to me when I am still in bed and crawls into my arms, wanting to be cuddled and held. 
To me, I experience great joy being at the oceanside.  Being in the ocean restores my soul and that reconnection to me, helps me see joy and heal of my hurts.
To me, I experience joy with the simple taste of mango, as there are memories attached to it.
To me, my joy comes to me when I have accompished a great task or something as simple as having a patient in my workplace tell me that I made a difference in their life for the few moments that I spent with them.

Joy is out there for us to experience.  It comes to us if we look for it at times, when it doesn't seem possible.   It can come from a smile, a telephone call, a memory, a taste, a thing, an experience or just a realization.

Look for joy in your life today... and share it!

WOW! Update time!!

Howdy there! 
I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted anything.  I have been busy and new things and people are in my life... Not only is my job new, I feel like a new person.

To start, with my new job, I also cut my hair off.  I went from lovely ponytails to spiky hair in one cut. It has been an adjustment!  Side note: I am now growing out my hair as I just miss it too much.

I grew braver and I put myself out there.  I started dating again.  I went on a few dates that I thought were great... some that were okay and some that were "just get me out of here".  I have met a few men that I enjoyed time that I spent with, and a couple have become friends.  One has caught my attention long term, and I am now spending a lot of time with him and his adorable children.

Having children, age 17, 13 and 8 in your life is interesting.  The 17 year old is now living in a different province, and he is missed.  The 13 year old and I have have a few things in common and one is cooking.  He wants to be an Italian Chef and enjoys Italian food outings with me. I always tease him that once he is done becoming a red seal chef, that he and I are going to run off to Italy together to eat food, drink great wine and grow fat! I think he sees the humor in it all.  Little Missy is 8 and loves to swim.  We go swimming at least 3 out of 4 weekends! She is a princess and sure knows how to act like one! :)  Just when you think and resign yourself to not being a parent, life throws you a new plan.  I enjoy spending time together as a 'family".  We aren't quite there yet, however, we are making our way there.

You will all be interested in the guy.  He's an amazing man.  He gives his heart and all he has to his children.  He has included me into his busy and hectic life, making time for us to be alone together as well as with his kids.  He is 5 yrs older than me, is mature for his age, and yet can have fun. He is cute: taller than me (which isn't hard but I appreciate it), dirty blond hair, a goatee which I love, and is built.  Like a brick house. His hugs send me to the moon and I experience pure joy at his kiss.  I have never experienced such a balanced relationship in my life, a true give and take. A true love affair.

How's the new job? It's going great! I have had a lot of extra responsibility added to me over the past 5 or 6 months, which is fine with me.  I am hosting my first learning opportunity for my co-workers, as the billing expert.  I have grown so much in this area... learning tricks of the trade and all.  I have made some very valuable connections that I appreciate every day.  I love having clinic days, days when we  (my cardiologist and I) see patients all day.  I love being with my patients, using my skills and feeling useful.  I am learning to love the reception duties, however, I just hate making the mistakes that cause everyone so much trouble.

Book reviews.... They are coming, as I am constantly reading.  My new guy reads with me, and there is nothing like cuddling together while lost in our own books.  He does read what I suggest, which is a nice turn.

Well, that's part of the new me in a nutshell.  Time to run off and be a "step mom in training".

Life is what you make it.. get out there and just do it!