Hey Y’all

I don’t have much to say because I can barely keep my eyes open. However, I will extend “well wishes” to everyone who is sick, getting sick, or just trying to stay well. It’s a scary time with all the COVID-19 business going on. But, if you follow proper hand hygiene and best practices outlined by the CDC, “YOU” can help yourself and others from getting sick. No matter whether you’re well or not, you play a role in the current pandemic. Make sure you’re doing your part, make sure you check in on the elderly and those with babies. Being a nurse, we have a little more insight. We can offer compassion, concern, and, most importantly, quality information on COVID-19 and other illnesses. Try not to panic and stay inside unless you have to go out. People can carry the virus without signs and symptoms of having it. Be careful and always air on the side of caution, everyone. Take care…

Until Next Time,

ShesThatRN

Mass Hysteria

While the world is scurrying about trying to deplete any and all resources needed for a mandated quarantine, I’m staying put. Everything and everyone is up in arms, and the COVID-19 has caused mass hysteria. I’ve watched videos of actual physical altercations over such items as toilet paper. I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things and one man an entire cart top and bottom full of water. While I understand that there is a concern and the problem is real, we must stop and be conscious of the decisions we are making at this time. Does it benefit you to have 100 rolls of toilet paper and other people have none? Is it okay to hoard all the water when there are populations of people without any?

And while I’m sitting here thinking about it, what about our homeless population? If there is, in fact, a nationwide mandated quarantine, who will take the homeless men, women, and children in and care for them during this time? Who will check on the elderly who live alone when no one is allowed to leave their homes? I think more thought should be put into the ramifications of all the decisions being made. As my father always said to my siblings and me, it would be okay if what you did only affected you, but it doesn’t. There is a lot to think about when making drastic decisions. Things such as any length of time being locked inside. What justifies who is mandated to still travel to work such as healthcare workers, myself, of course, being a nurse, am considered essential personnel, so we must report. Who pays the millions of people who will be out of work during this time? Who will supplement their incomes to pay their monthly bills? Are employers just willing to pay people for 2 weeks who aren’t at work, making them a profit? Who cares for the sick and shut-in who are already compromised and unable to get out? Like those receiving home health services, aides who provide cooking and cleaning services for our elderly.

All I can say is God’s word is true, and everything is coming to pass. My advice is instead of being focused on toilet paper, water, and amenities, please make sure your soul is right with the Lord. Clean around your own front door, make sure your house is in order, and the rest is up to God. I hope that the saints are praying. For no man knows the day nor the hour that the son of man shall appear, but I’m lying my head down tonight with a clear heart and mind. If He comes tonight, I’m going to be caught up to meet Him the air. I pray that you have a peaceful, restful, and unfearful night. Peace and Blessings to all…

Until Next Time,

ShesThatRN

What If God?

So, this weekend was long for me but really short. I know that contradicts itself, but it’s how I felt. I got my Etsy store open, and that took a really long time to upload a bunch of pictures and add all the things you had to put in it. By the way, please go check it out at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShesThatRNLLC. I feel like I’m fighting off a cold or something, but I’m still pushing through. I take all kinds of vitamins, Elderberry syrup, and a lot more. I usually can catch it before it lays me down on my back. I didn’t want to go days without blogging, but my body has just felt down for the count, and I’m trying to get it together.

Anyway, as I opened my Etsy shop last night, I wasn’t thrilled. I laid in bed, barely holding my eyes open, and started to talk to God. Tears welled up in my eyes because I realized that I still hold a lot of fear about being more than my mind can conceive. As I continued talking to God, I said: “thank you for just letting me do it, to just commit to getting it open.” Tears fell because I was so exhausted, but more so because I’m still trying to figure out why I’m scared of being successful. Why am I so quick to encourage and believe in other people’s dreams, and yet I’m so dismissive of my own?

As I got ready for work this morning, I was talking to God again, still with a heavy heart. I asked Him to help me to stop putting myself in a little conventional box. More importantly, I asked Him to help me not forget how BIG He IS and how He CANNOT be confined to my small thinking or little plans. Again, I dropped a few tears and thought of the poem “Our Deepest Fears” by Marianne Williamson that I’ll share right now.

Our Deepest Fear

By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness

That most frighten us.

We ask ourselves

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small

Does not serve the world.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking

So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine,

As children do.

We were born to make manifest

The glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us;

It’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we’re liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.

These words are SO, incredibly powerful, and speaks so candidly to me. My playing small and hiding under the radar serves no one, not even myself. I’ve lived in a shell, hiding from the world, trying NOT to be noticed because I was scared to be anything else. Scared to start a business, making excuses for why I can’t open the shop, why I can’t start the other business, why I can’t write my books. Hearing small whispers saying that I am not good enough, strong enough, powerful enough to emerge from the cocoon I’ve been living in. Well, to hell with that! Yup, I said what I said! I have to shine because someone else is looking at me. Someone else will break free after watching me. And someone will experience the fullness of joy by hearing how I overcame. I WILL FREE MYSELF FROM MY OWN SELF INFLICTED BONDAGE!

If you don’t remember anything else I’ve written, remember that you are powerful beyond measure. Live your life, write your books, open your business, sing your songs, dance your dance, make your millions. And even if no one supports you, likes your singing, approves of your dancing, buys a thing from your business, or purchases your book, you did it and pushed past your fears. I’m so proud of you, and I’m proud of me for holding myself accountable and getting out of this funk I’ve been in. Since I always keep myself from crying, I’m going to go ahead and lie down, and I give myself permission to release my tears tonight. So, until we meet again…

Until Next Time,

ShesThatRN

Let’s Get Into It!

As you know, if you read my blog yesterday, I didn’t exercise. I was going through some things. But today was much better. I woke up at 2:30am from choking and bringing up thick phlegm. Yuck, it was nasty, and I didn’t know what it was, but it woke me up abruptly, and I had to run to the bathroom. I tried laying back down but couldn’t drift off, and I cried some then got up and blogged a post to my troubled spirit. I had an even harder time getting back to sleep. And of course, once I fell asleep, the alarm went off. I felt off-balanced when I woke up, but I brushed it off. I honestly thought I was going to call out sick, but instead, I went on anyhow. While on the way to work, I started that coughing motion again, and before I knew it, I had vomited on my scarf. I had to pull over to the side of the road to get rid of the mouthful I had left. Gross, I know, imagine how I felt.

The rest of my ride to work was uneventful, but I prayed and listened to my favorite preacher, “Steven Furtick.” God used him to bless me with exactly what I needed after the night and morning I was having. Work was good, though. I altered my outlook and disposition, and in return, I was blessed with a good day. I came home and talked to my dad for a minute before he was leaving out for Bible Study. He reads ALL my posts, so even if we don’t speak, he can pretty much judge what’s going on with me. “Thanks, Daddy:)” We talked about my day. He said, “are you exercising today because I know you didn’t exercise yesterday, lol.” “Yes sir,” I replied, and once we got off the phone, I conducted some official business for my ShesThatRN, LLC, and got to it. I thought it would be harder because I missed a day, but it wasn’t. I hopped right back on the bandwagon and took off as if no day was ever lost. Now I’m enjoying pickles and chips while writing this blog, and then I’ll have a little supper and head upstairs to settle in for the night. Well, I hope you all had a beautiful day and let’s toast to a restful night’s sleep and a bright awakening to the morning. Peace and blessings all…

Look Sis

Do what you do, sis, be who you are. The world can’t always handle your sincere, complicated, kinda love. They may never get it, but you do, so. Let’s not let distractions make you lose your traction. Everything you do, every step you make is a calculated risk that may or may not pay off. But why do you do what you do anyway? You do it not just because you want to or because others may want you to. You do it because there are purpose and destiny attached to it. Because ultimately, you have these quaint moments of realization that it’s not about you. That what lies beneath has a higher purpose than what is seen on the surface. You can’t be thrown off balance so easy, sis. Keep your focus, keep your head in the game. Nothing or no one can take anything from you, and they can’t give it either. Remember the song you grew up on “The world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away?” Well, it applies, so don’t forget it. You were brought with a price, so your life is not yours. But the awesomeness of your savior is that He allows you to make choices that may affect or alter your course. Or at least how you get there and/or how long it may take you to get there. Stay focused!

Stay woke! If you allow the wrong thoughts to consume you, it will alter everything. It will affect your walk, your talk, the way you move, your attitude in situations and how you respond. I give your permission to fall, cry, to crash, and burn. But remember after all that…you are a Phoenix, and you always rise out of the ashes. Aht aht, no slipping into depression or beating yourself up. You’ve come too far for that, and why should it be that easy. You let things pile up. You’ve got to stop doing that, you’ve got to handle situations as they come. You’re not built for a mound of problems all at once. So, please stop it. You already know. You try to wish them away, throw them away, put them out your mind. But what does that get you? Hit by a hardball called life all at once. Look, you empath, you are beautiful, you have a genuine heart, and you’re a giver. Remember who you are and never let anyone or anything change that about you. Stay true to you at all costs, and whatever you do, don’t fall off.

Don’t allow trivial circumstances cause you to regress. You’ve come too far, and nobody knows that better than you. Be your own peace, and put things into perspective. You have too much in you to not give, to not be, to not love. All these things embody your essence sis. Besides, more prominent and worse weapons are already being formed to come up against you. So, suit up, put on your whole armor of God and always, always be ready. Now go and kick anything that takes you away from being who God says you are into the place where the sun doesn’t shine! You still have almost 2 hours before you have to be up for work so go back to sleep and rest.

Until Next Time,

ShesThatRN

Man Down:(

Well, today I’m down, and I mean that in the literal sense of the word. I’m skipping today’s workout. I don’t have the words to encourage myself. I’m tired, sleepy, extraordinarily irritable and need a mental health break. Exercise may help, but I just can’t, not today, ladies and gents. Therefore, keep me in your prayers and send some positive energy my way because I’ll need it to finish out this week and deal with Monday. When you’re tired, you’re tired, and it’s okay every once in a while to just let go. That’s what I’m doing today, but no worries, I’ll be back tomorrow sharing more about how much better I’m doing and what’s up next. But…

Until Next Time,

ShesThatRN

Keep Pouring

This morning I listened to a message by Steven Furtick about pouring out yourself. Pouring when you don’t feel like when things are not reciprocated, and even when you feel empty. God must have known I was going to need that word this morning because something happened just now that caused me to be upset. It was like I froze, and after the words came out, you could see my smile turn upside down. You saw my expression change and show that I was seriously pissed off. When questioned about that look, I gave a half-serious smile to say I wasn’t pleased with what had just been announced. I had to remember that message this morning because, at that moment, I realized I didn’t want to pour anything else out into that situation. I felt like I had had enough, and was looking forward to being done. My spirit was in a place where I felt a break would have given me just enough to come back and finish.

I guess God had other plans, and I can’t question his authority or decisions. I can surely say that I hate when people feel like they can toss me around at their discretion. I am not pleased, and all of me wants to respond negatively, and my thoughts are not that of Christ. BUT, I digress and will accept the assignment God has for me. I will push through another day. It is also a lesson learned for me because I will never do things this way again. I will not give myself away trying to please others, and all the while, compromise my own peace. Well, I’m enjoying salt and vinegar almonds and ginger ale until it’s time to leave for the day. Most importantly, I will remember that God requires me to keep pouring into others, trusting that HE will refill and bless me no matter what I feel like. Because it’s not about me, it’s about the God in me…BOOM!

Until Next Time,

ShesThatRN

My Day 21…Oh What Fun

Well, not really, but you get the rhyme, and I know the reason. It’s literally the last week of the challenge by all literal sense of the word. I don’t count the weekends so I’ll be done next Friday. So, just a thought I had about exercising. I don’t look forward to doing it by any means. I hear some people talk about how much they enjoy it, and it makes them feel so good and refreshed. Well, no sir, not me, bob. And with that being said, I can see how easy it could be to fall off, to stop doing it, and call it quits. Especially when you hit the scales, and you’ve plateaued or not met your original goals.

Some things I do to counteract this very counterproductive way of thinking is I think about me in the long term. If I focus on the short term effect, then yes, I’ll quit and say it’s not working because I don’t see the results I want to see. But that is called instant gratification. Instead, I think about why I’m doing it and the fact that doing things right often takes more time and a lot more effort. I didn’t get fabulously fat overnight. Instead, a lot of things caused the weight gain, and a lot of things will have to be done to combat the things I did to produce it. With that being said, I have no intention of stopping. I’ll be continuing on this lifelong journey regardless because it’s better for my overall health and well being. I see the benefits in it and know that with consistency and effort, I will prevail. So, when that negative voice starts kicking in, just remind yourself that you’re the freaking boss, and you are in control of your thoughts. Our thoughts can harm us or prosper us. What you and I choose to think will forever affect our progress and outcome. Have a wonderful evening…

Until Next Time,

ShesThatRN

Weekends Were Made For Michelob

Well, now I’m telling my age which I don’t mind. I’m blessed to be 47 years old and am grateful for that and so much more. That’s an old commercial I remember growing up. I just thought of it when I was sitting here, sipping my glass of Strawberry Moscato. I thought, “Sharon, what are your weekends made for?” And my response is “REST!” I know some critics will argue there is so much more to do besides rest. And I concur; however, my Saturdays are spent recuperating from the rest of my exhausting work week. I really do relax and be still. Now tomorrow I’ll get some things done and prepare for a new work week. I know I’m wasting precious time that could be spent on writing more of my book. I’m in the process of writing or getting my merchandise together or photographing my goods and uploading them on the website. BUT, that’s now what I am doing today. Today I’m giving myself time to heal from the mental anguish I experienced during the week. Let me tell you, it’s not at all easy being an EMPATH. Feeling every little thing, reading people, recognizing spirits, and BS. It really is an emotional rollercoaster ride that I have to find ways of stepping away from on occasion. I’m home alone this weekend with me, and my rest, and I’m okay with that. No guilt, no worries, no strain, just rest. I suggest you find ways to rest, and by that, I mean whatever that looks like for you. I barely sleep during the week, so Saturdays, I lye around and sleep a whole lot. So, (raising my glass), here’s to me, and you and finding our quiet space and our place of peace through the weekend. Oh, and it was National Give A Nurse A Bottle Of Wine this week, but of course, no one gave me one, so I gave it to myself. Have a great one…

Until Next Time,

ShesThatRN

Day 20…I Ain’t No Spring Chicken or No Easter Bunny LOL

I know I always talk about how tired and sleepy I am. I talk about how exhausted I am and how bad my allergies are. I won’t tell you all that today. BUT today, I woke up feeling pissed off. Please don’t ask me why, but I did. I had a mean spirit this morning. I felt dizzy and almost tumbled over at one point. I started to call out, but I went on instead. I prayed, and my best friend/sister called me before 6am and talked to me almost till she and I both got to work, I was vexed. My spirit wasn’t right, and I knew it. I couldn’t shake it. I know people say we choose our behaviors, but I honestly didn’t want to wake up feeling that way, but I did. And I didn’t want to carry it with me all day, but I did. At least for most of the day. Toward the end, it started getting better. Another nurse and I were having a conversation with another nurse who was making a great suggestion on team building. I was going to share some information but once again chose to be quiet so as not to disturb or make things any worse than they were. I’ll leave it at that.

The day ended well anyway and I went home. Well, not precisely because I made a few stops. I went to meet a business associate who partners with me to get things for my nursing product line coming out (Be On The Lookout For The Announcement). Went to get something to take home and eat, and stopped at the liquor store for some Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Moscato. I haven’t had a drink in a minute and just wanted one. And maybe it will help me to sleep throughout the entire night. So, I did it backwards tonight because I ate and had a drink. THEN, I STILL went and worked out. Yup, I sure did. I took my behind up to my loft/gym and worked it all the way out, honey, and didn’t feel sick at all. Afterward, I came down, took my shower and now I’m talking to my dad on the phone. And you know what happens after that, don’t you? As soon as I hang up this phone and my head hits the pillow, I’ll be out like a light. I wish for you that this weekend brings you and me productivity and rest.

Until Next Time,

ShesThatRN