This whole process is new for me. New and more than a little bit scary. Website, publishing a book, getting active on social media. It's ironic that for me, self-care means unplugging and spending time outside, while sharing about self-care (to more than just my immediate friends and family) means that I have to spend some time and effort sharing what's going on. Yesterday was busy at work, not in an uncontrollable way, but just busy. It felt good to be engaged and able to help my patients. It felt good to be in a place where the culture can be fun and entertaining also. The facility I work in celebrates Halloween and dressing up at work is something that is encouraged. One of the things I really love about nursing is the ability of nurses to be stone-cold serious about their patient-care, but to have a sense of humor about so much else. I think for me, my sense of humor has buoyed me during some of the most difficult shifts. How many times have I said, "if you don't laugh you'll cry"? I personally really like Halloween, dressing up can allow us to live out some fun fantasies, and to express our alter-egos in ways we don't get to the rest of the year. How would you like these characters caring for you?
No matter how we are dressed, we still bring the same attitude and skills to our jobs, what's most important is on the inside. While we were working yesterday, each one of us brought humor and compassion to our patients and their family members. Yes, we wear masks all the time now, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun with it. I've seen news items that it will be a full moon, a blue moon on Halloween this year, and as nurses we all know what a full moon is like! Whatever your plans are for Halloween, take some time out for fun and enjoyment, and let your creative spirit shine. In closing, I'm going to leave you with this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, "Do one thing every day that scares you".