Enabling your future

Do you ever wonder why un-certainty causes so much worry and fear? What is it that we are truly afraid of? When we are facing possible changes in our career or a big move, why do we not view that as an endless possibility of future happiness? Why, instead, do we wrap ourselves up in continuous worry and anxiety about all the "what if's"; waiting for something to go wrong?

These are some thoughts that have been in my mind of late. As I near the end of my nursing studies and begin to embark on a new adventure as a registered nurse, I have been faced with many uncertainties. In New Zealand we are highly encouraged to enroll in an after-graduate nursing program that allows us the opportunity to work for a year as a registered nurse, but at the same time continue our education and work with supervision and guidance from more experienced nurses. These programs are highly competative to get into, and unfortunatley it's not very easy to obtain employment without having completed the program. Because of this, a lot of student nurses find that in the final year of study a lot of anxiety is triggered by the upcoming applications to these programs and the fear of not getting a place. On top of that, you add the stresses of finding employment in the location where you wish to live. (Not to mention the added pressure of having a spouse who must also find a job in the same location.) It is all rather intense.

I like to believe about myself that I am not an overly stressful person, but that I am somewhat easy going and take things as they come - It has occured to me lately that I might be kidding myself! I think it is natural that all of us have a tendency towards worry and stress when we feel that things are out of our control, and the future seems un-known/un-certain. We all like to be in control, ae!

I read an article about Embracing Uncertainty that really made me re-think how I view this upcoming change. It reminded me that I can either look towards the future with fear and anxiety, or I can embrace the possibilities that these changes will bring and allow myself to have control over my emotions in the process. I am the only person who can control how I feel about the situation and I have a certain self-responsibility in that. I have the opportunity here to enable myself to find happiness in this present moment even when there is chaos and un-certainty around me. I have control over that part.

So, for me, the lesson here isn't that there is some magic answer around how to stop stressing over the future; but rather, that in amongst that stress I have the ability to find peace and to just embrace all the posibilities that will come in their own time.

Are you facing some big changes ahead of you? Try letting go of all the anxiety and un-certainty and just allow yourself to find peace in knowing that YOU have control over how you react to this present moment. You have the ability to enable your own happiness.

Mantra: "I allow myself to rest in the peace that is mine in this present moment, and to look upon the future with ease, knowing that the possibilities ahead are enabled by my calm of mind."  ~ Namaste

Finding Relaxation

I have had a bit more time lately to indulge in one of my most favourite hobbies - Art. I find painting so therapeutic and relaxing. These past few months have been quite busy between school, clinical placements and home life. So, I find that taking a few hours out every now and then is really good to help stay grounded and keep from getting too stressed out.

This painting of a seascape around the Honeycomb Rock area is one of my most recent paintings.

I find that painting at this particular time in my life is much needed as I have had some pretty intense clinical placements this semester. I am currently finishing a three week placement with the mental health crisis team. That placement has been one of my favourites so far. We are nearing the end of our first semester of this final year of nursing, so it is getting pretty exciting.

I was honoured this semester with being a recipient of the Freemason's scholarship which has helped support me through this year of school. It was such a humbling experience recieving this and feel so priviledged to have earned this award. It has also allowed me the opportunity to spend some extra time volunteering and getting more involved in my community - which I really appreciate.

As for my healthy living, well, I have really changed some things in my diet and have been cooking some new foods to incorporate more beans and different grains into my diet. I am still running, but have been out sick for two weeks so it might be hard to get back into it. I am hoping it won't be too bad. I am still swimming and enjoying that time with my swim buddy, Linda. It is awesome having a workout partner to encourage you and to just be there with you when you are working out - just makes it more of a social time rather than a struggle.

I have found that eating healthy and exercising, while challenging when on placements, is really worth the effort!! I feel a lot less stressed and more energised to give of myself to others. That's what it's all about anyway, ae?!

Mantra: "Allow yourself to be renewed in this present moment so that you can be a support and shinning light to those around you." ~ Namaste