The current landscape of society is one of fear, loss (of health, future hopes, business, finances, personal relationships), isolation, anger, depravation, and scarcity. So let me share with you some things from the last few weeks that have brought me encouragement and made me smile.
After being on shift for four days and getting off Monday morning, I observed Easter (really the Monday after Easter) by attending what I like to call "Bedside Baptist" (i.e. I watched a message online from North Hills Church in Greenville, SC). My personal practice of spirituality is the pursuit of Christianity. But whatever your personal practice,
focus on what anchors your soul, what stays true when all else changes. A big thank you to North Hills for including music in this latest message as it made for a more authentic experience. I found the song below a beautiful and encouraging reminder of my anchor. #NHC #BedsideBaptist
Rio de Janeiro's Christ The Redeemer
I have been astounded to watch the moving and beautiful tribute by Brazil and Rio de Janeiro on the magnificent statue of Christ the Redeemer, particularly the honoring of my brothers and sisters in healthcare as fellow healers under The Great Healer.
A Personal Thank You from The Queen
While our leadership seems to be divided, conflicted, and chaotic; I saw this and felt like from a world away, I (and all my brothers and sisters on the front lines of healthcare) had received a personal thank you and word of encouragement from this wonderful lady, this Queen of Britain.
Laughter is a Good Thing | Sharing Memes
Daring Greatly | A Company of Heroes
To all of my brothers and sisters on the front lines of this battle, we have much to fear in terms of losing our health (both physical and mental), in losing patients, and in the ability to provide care to others. The courage of this quote from Theodore Roosevelt really struck me while listening to a podcast this week . . . I am honored to serve with all of you, my heroes.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt
Great times of disaster and devastation (World Wars, 911, Katrina, etc.) bring out the best and the worst in people but I have been so encouraged to see the best. Times of difficulty have to power to draw and bind people together in kindness, compassion, and caring for others and we have seen countless examples of this in the last few weeks. We may have a long way yet to go but looking for the positive, keep smiling, and find the beauty in where you are.
Pomo Bluffs Park | Fort Bragg, CA
