2013 The Year of Raqui

Every year before the new year starts I write down how I want the year to be. I firmly believe in the power of words. You can either speak life into or bring death over your situations. Anyways, this year I labeled as a rebirth as myself personally and professionally.

The year started off with a bang with guest post,connecting, and writing. Then tragedy struck me and my family and things seemed to be going good for awhile and then joy came in the form of a little baby but a few short weeks later death struck at our door again. And it was hard.. hard to pick up the pieces and not completely fall apart in the mist of our circumstances. But we held on to our faith and the promises of Jesus.  It was not easy.. losing a child but without my relationship with the Lord  I would not be writing you today. And then a crazy thing happened I published my first book and attended the NNBA conference. I connected with so many wonderful people and I actually was smiling and feeling like Kimberly again..Then I  was blessed with interviews in print and radio and now with hope/plans for much more in 2014. Reflecting on this past year has brought me peace as I have truly grown and  truly embraced myself This has caused me to loose some people along the way but that's ok because its part of growing and evolving into the person I want to be. Writing this has me a little teary eyed because of all that we've been through this year. I am truly grateful to you all my audience from Florida to Saudi Arabia. Around the world and back again. I could never nor did I ever imagine the words God gave me touching so many people. Thank you. Thank you for visiting, commenting, sharing, and purchasing. Without your support writing here would not be successful. Writing  has been therapeutic for me and I hope a blessing to you. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity and I can't wait to see what 2014 brings.

To a Blessed, Prosperous, and Happy New Year for you and your family!

~Kimberly

Congratulations!

Four years ago this very week on graduation day I stood in your very shoes. Where did four years go...man I'm getting sentimental. A lot has happened and I've grown so much. The biggest change is my confidence and competence in self.  And while I still have my moments... we all do I know I rock as a nurse and stand in that truth!

Four years ago the world was ahead of me and the nursing school adventure behind me. I felt free..a survivor of sorts and all around happy. But reflecting back I feel grateful. The road to writing you now has not been easy - I went from rejection,wait-listed, harassed, unappreciated to peace, purpose, and perseverance. For me my faith and relationship with the Jesus got me through. So today I'm writing all the graduates a letter. (I have a special place in my heart for the nursing graduates!)That I wish I had wrote myself...or if did I can't find it lol.

Dear Graduate,

 Today is your day! You have survived tests of paper, pen, and human experiences.You have risen at the crack of dawn and gone to sleep after midnight all to finish your care plan. Then got up the next morning to do it all over again, providing excellent compassionate patient care. You have been uncertain and fearful- lacked confidence but triumphed them all! By believing in yourself; gaining strength with each new experience.  You have stood up for the voiceless and made a difference.Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed.  You have called the provider on the phone advocating for your patient. You have had open conversations with your preceptor understanding that they are human. Through it all you have preserved. Well done! Today celebrate your accomplishments and the fact no one can take your education away. In the days, months, and weeks ahead draw on what you are feeling currently as it will serve you when you are knee deep in guilt and self-loathing. 

You are a nurse at this very moment and although you may not have your license, right now you embody all the skills and characteristics you need. Yes there will be some obstacles, mistakes and growing pains along the way but you've got it! Congratulations and Happy Graduation Day. I'm proud of you and look forward to connecting with you soon.

 Take Care,

~Raqui

What advice do you have for the graduates today?

Holiday Rejuvination? No way!

I  must say I have met some awesome nurses online and in person. And Elizabeth is defiantly one of them! We have been collaborating with back and forth posts, radio, and guest collaborations. Below Elizabeth shares how to revamp your holidays. I love her practical and relatable advice that we can all easily incorporate in any holiday routine this season. Have a Happy Healthy Thanksgiving. ~Raqui :)

Nurses, 3 Ways to Rejuvenate Yourself and Your Health during the Holiday Season!

By Elizabeth Scala RN

Up here in Maryland with the chillier air, hats and jackets, and shorter days one thing is evident as I observe the hustle and bustle of my coworkers. The holiday season is upon us. And what does that mean? With the holidays, what usually comes hand-in-hand? You've got it:

Stress!

In fact I actually heard a woman in my office say: “Well, I looked at my calendar and I've only got three days to get this shopping done. If they (her grandchildren) don’t get me their lists soon- I guess they just don’t get what they want!”

Are you serious? Since when did the holidays become about going out, getting things off of a list, and not enjoying an ounce of the moment-to-moment joy?

As nurses we can also feel the holiday stress in another capacity:

On the job.

From lighter staffing due to holiday schedules to irritable patients who don’t want to be in the hospital for the holidays in the first place, nursing can be a demoralizing role during this time one wants to be most with family.

So what can we do about it? Because we know that nursing doesn't stop. The 24/7 care and compassion we share must go on. So how can we do it with a sense of joy and a hint of peace of mind?

 3 simple ways to rejuvenate yourself and your work during the holidays:

•        Get Creative. I’ll admit I was one of the saddest, most miserable nurses on my unit during holiday times. Being from NY and living in MD was tough as I missed my family and friends. Yet with the advancements in technology we don’t have to feel like we’re hundreds of miles apart. You can Skype, get on a Google Hangout, or find other creative ways to connect with family around the world. On top of that, tap into your artistic and childlike self. Go to a craft store and walk the aisles. Find something that brings out your holiday joy. Head home and turn on the holiday cheer while playfully creating your masterpiece.
•        Stay Healthy. The fastest way to feeling blue during the holiday hustle is a weak and compromised body. Body, mind, spirit, and emotion are all one. If you’re tired, poorly hydrated, or undernourished from nutrient weak foods you’re going to notice it in your emotions. Poor health equates to feelings of anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. Spruce up your health and enjoy an added benefit of some pep in your step as you walk into work to enjoy your patient care. 

•      Embrace Gratitude. This is the secret weapon behind all great rejuvenation. Our minds create our realities. What you experience outside in your environment is a mirror image of what you think and feel in your internal self. If you want a holiday filled with joy, peace, and love- it’s time to get grateful. Already practicing gratitude? A great way to up-level your routine is by, not only focusing on what you’re grateful for, but adding on a feeling. Here’s an example: Instead of ‘I’m grateful for my family’ you want to say something like: ‘I’m grateful for my family which makes me feel cheerful, safe, and full of love.’ 

Enjoy these simple strategies to rejuvenation and allow yourself to embrace your holidays this year and always. After all, happier staff makes for happier patients. Happier patients make for smoother work days. And I know we all want to enjoy our nursing work. Have a healthy and happy holiday everyone!

I’d love to hear how these tools worked for you, or if you have any others you’d like to add to the list. If you’re interested in finding out more, come visit me at www.livingsublimewellness.com. Sign up for my newsletter and receive my special gift, a 3-Part Video Series, “Here’s Time for Your Health”.

About the author:

Elizabeth “Coach” Scala, MSN/MBA, RN is passionate about helping healthcare professionals, nurses in particular, to embody holistic living and embrace self-care. Through her business, Living Sublime Wellness, she writes regularly on the topic of self-care, conducts wellness workshops, and offers both in-person and online seminars for busy nurses.

Elizabeth is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach and holds Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master’s degrees in both Business and Nursing. Originally from Carmel, NY, she now lives in Baltimore, MD with her husband and two dogs. Visit http://www.livingsublimewellness.com for more information.

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This month  I celebrate my birthday and in years past it has been filled with lots of drama. So this summer after a heartbreaking tragedy I reflected on why I celebrate birthdays. The short answer: they are worth celebrating, Life is worth celebrating!! Happy Birthday to you wherever you are!!!Celebrate!!!!!!!

Over the years I have been asked many times why I make such a big deal out of my birthday. While my family and close friends get it..others not so much. I have heard it is selfish or makes people uncomfortable depending on my plans..this as you can imagine has caused lots of drama around my birthday and for several years I have only spent it with those in my inner circle or my husband for fear of ruining a perfectly good day with others opinions.

 To understand my stance on birthdays you must understand how I was raised. .Growing up no matter what we had cake and ice cream on our birthdays and  my mom made it very special . My dad makes sure everyone knows and celebrates their golden birthday(the day you turn the same age as your day of birth).  So you can imagine my surprise when others made the above comments how I felt. It was shocking to me at least. But I'm done worrying about others opinions of me especially in regards to celebrating the day God blessed me. I have been through a lot and want to honor God with celebration of all He has brought me through.  Birthdays are very important: once that sperm meets that egg  its beautiful..I mean how awesome that what color hair to your personality is decided in an instant..and not to mention how many sperm never reach the egg in time..its perfect symphony. And then the baby, if we're lucky  is born alive, healthy, and thriving in this world. Lots of unforeseen circumstances such as miscarriage..stillbirths..

kidnapping... sudden infant death, and violence just to name a few can occur along they way,so why wait let's celebrate!!!! If you think about it its a miracle regardless of what you believe that despite all obstacles  we are alive and breathing.

How do you celebrate your birthday?  

This post is dedicated to all my friends who have recently had babies and those moms who will see their babies in heaven. So to answer the question: I ask one in return- who am I  not to celebrate my birthday?  Do what makes you happy.  For me that is  honoring the One who gave me life. The One who knew me before I was thought in my parents head. Not everyone gets a chance to live and I don't want to take that for granted. 

Take Care,

~ Kimberly