Now that the dust has settled from yesterday’s decision to stop looking for nursing jobs, I’m starting to feel a sense of not only relief, but freedom. Thus, it seems fitting on this Independence Day to issue my personal declaration of independence.
I declare my independence from the expectation that I will always do the same thing because it’s what I’ve always done. Of course I’m terrified of pursuing a completely different line of work, but I’ve come to realize that there is more than one way to make a living and even more importantly, find satisfaction in life. I’m taking this giant leap of faith into the unknown, and since I don’t do the unknown well, this is a major opportunity to grow, even though it’s painful and costly right now.
I declare my independence from other peoples’ demands. I was not put here on this earth to cater to someone’s every whim, or be abused when I don’t do it perfectly. This is another reason I’m getting out of nursing…..there is the expectation that nurses must take whatever patients, families, doctors, and managers dish out, even up to and including physical violence. I didn’t get to this point in life or go through the things I’ve been through to be somebody’s punching bag, either figuratively or literally. Forget it!
I declare my independence from stereotypes. Just because I’m older and overweight doesn’t make me less intelligent. And having a mental illness doesn’t mean I should be denied employment or deprived of my Second Amendment rights. Don’t even get me started on this one. Grrrrrr.
I declare my independence from worrying about what people think of me. I didn’t live this long to allow the popular viewpoint to dictate how I think, vote, or do business. I don’t feel any particular need to force my values on others; I merely request the same courtesy in return.
I also declare my independence from conformity. I have always been the odd man out, even when I was young and wanted nothing more than to fit in with the other kids. Now I acknowledge the fact that I am an equine of a different hue, and that’s OK. I’ve got plenty of companionship on the journey because I’ve collected a batch of friends who also can’t be fit into a box. And we actually LIKE it that way.
Happy 4th of July!
bpnurse 