Good afternoon family and friends! Welcome to my blog! Some of you may wonder why I chose the name Healing You. It is a portion of the title of the book I am currently writing. I feel that everyone, everywhere has a portion of themselves, either physically, mentally or spiritually that can use some amount of healing.
For those of you that are not familiar with me, I am Tracy Hauke, wife, daughter, sister, mother and friend. I am a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner of 13 years. My story is long, but you can find out more about me later.
As a Nurse Practitioner, I am interested in helping others. I have spent years in school and thousands in dollars preparing for this job, but the NEED to help has been in my DNA since birth. Caring, tenderhearted, loyal and optimistic are just some of the words that have been used to describe me. (I can’t get through a Disney movie without a few tears at the happy ending!)
I hope you will find this blog meaningful helpful and encouraging. Thank you for taking the time today to read my first blog post! I invite you to enjoy many more in the years to come!
Happy Spring! Is anyone else as excited as me for the upcoming change in season? Spring is a way to see your world through a new lens. All the things that you wanted to do but didn’t because it was too gloomy or too cold….. you can do those now! But the “Spring” on the calendar and the “Spring” outdoors can often be misaligned. In some areas there is still snow on the ground, cold temps in the air and clouds in the sky.
Spring also invokes a sense of renewal in us as well. Just as the new blades of green grass start to poke through the brown cover of leaves, we start to feel an exciting change in our lives. We’ve made it through the holidays and those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are starting to feel the weight of the winter lifting. Longer days and bright sunshine have been shown to improve our mood and lift out spirits.
Throughout different cultures, spring includes some religious celebrations that mark renewal. In Christianity there is Easter, Judaism has Passover and Holi is celebrated by those following Hinduism. Those in Thailand mark the New Year (Songkran)with water fights and purification rituals and Persians celebrate the Spring Equinox (Nowruz)with bonfires, spring cleaning and gathering with family.
Male cardinal at birdfeeder
Generations ago our mothers and grandmothers would throw the windows open, pull all the rugs outside and do a whirlwind spring cleaning. Opening the windows can have many benefit: improving air quality, reducing chemical compounds from cleaning products we have used, as well as lowering the concentration of airborne particles such as viruses that have been circulating in our homes.
But more so than all the practical reasons to open the windows and let the fresh air in, the prime reasons are that it can improve our physical and mental health. Increased oxygen and fresh clean air has been shown to lower stress and anxiety, improve focus and cognitive function. It can improve our physical being by allowing introduction of outdoor micronorgisms, thereby allowing our body’s immunity to strengthen. Often, we sleep better after an afternoon of fresh air and sunshine.
Enjoying a (cold) spring day!
So even if just for a few minutes or if you can get away for the afternoon, go outside, enjoy the fresh air and get some sunshine on your face!!
Second chances are great! I mean, who doesn’t feel refreshed and renewed after starting over?! I have started over more times than I can count. I have started and restarted crochet, sketching, needlepoint, baking, and exercise just to name a few. Seriously, my hobby closet is full of hobbies that I have started and ‘set aside’.
On one hand, I feel some guilt and a bit of a ‘failure’ when I restart something, but then I am encouraged by the fresh start. A new skein of yarn, a blank page, a new pair of running shoes can give us a boost to jump right back in. Even a blank webpage waiting for the fresh words of a new blog post is exciting.
New Year’s resolutions are an example of the ultimate second chance. On December 31st, folks around the world make promises to self, friends and family on changes they plan to make to become the person they want to be. It has been estimated that only 8-12% of people that make resolutions they actually are successful in keeping. We want to be better and January 1st
The early cycling days!
Perfection is the goal, but we will never achieve perfection, we can only hope to become an expert. In nursing school, I learned the theory introduced by Dr. Patrician Benner discussing novice to expert. The first stage is novice, then advanced beginner, competent, proficient and finally expert. Moving from one field of nursing to another then places you back in the novice category. At no time while traversing through the stages will you obtain perfection. Perfection is desired but never achieved.
So, here I am again. Restarting my blog life. I initially started the blog to begin my health/life coaching career. Now, I use it to provoke thought, keep you moving forward in life and most of all, maintaining your (and my) mental health.
I’d love to hear your ideas for future blog posts, any questions you would like to investigate further for physical, mental or spiritual health. I’d love to keep this going at least until 2026, let celebrate our 4-month (re)anniversary January 1st.
Brett and I spent one delightful Sunday, exploring the back roads of Eastern Florida.
As most of you know, I work in healthcare. More specifically, I am a nurse practitioner. As any nurse will tell you, we have a ‘favorite’ pen. I know this sounds silly, but all work must stop if we misplace this wonderful writing instrument until it can be found. Sadly, I have a LARGE collection of various pens I have purchased, ‘found’ and have been given throughout the years. I recently grabbed a new pen for work from the collection to use at work. The inscription on the pen was ‘AdventHealth One Epic Journey’. These pens were handed out as we were implementing a new electronic health record system several years ago, aptly named EPIC. It has been a journey; nevertheless, it has been anything but epic!
This started me thinking about our journey in life and how many people would describe their journey as epic. A few months ago, I was sitting in the back of a Cracker Barrel restaurant and thinking to myself, ‘ I wonder what their story is?’. Looking at all the tables filled with people interacting with each other; laughing, talking, engaging. As I looked at each table, I began to wonder more about what their story was. Did they come out to celebrate a happy occasion? Are they traveling on vacation as a family? Or maybe, they’re merely stopping for breakfast after visiting a family member in the hospital that is sick or dying.
Each table has a story about their journey, and each individual at that table has a story about their journey. This got me thinking, ‘Why are we here?’. Not in the way I was looking at the people or the tables. But why are humans as a species here on this planet? What good have we done, what good will we do?
This table has some of my favorite people!
Two such stories come to mind in my life. Two people who were taken from this life too soon, and I often wonder what wonderful journey they did not have the chance to finish. The first person I can recall is a wonderful man I worked alongside in my medical clinic. His name was John, and he was so very full of life. He embodied the definition of Italian and New Yorker as if he were the template by which all others were drawn. His smile was infectious, and his hugs enveloped you to the point that you felt the energy they produced. John passed away almost 10 years ago, and each time I remember him, I recall the fact that I wish for more days with him. His caring demeanor was palpable in each and every interaction with our patients, and if he had a bad day, they never knew it.
The second person that comes to mind is my nephew by my former marriage. Ryan was only 23 years old when he was struck down by a drunk driver. He was pursuing a career in law enforcement, continuing in his father’s footsteps. He had survived a tour to Iraq as a US Army Reservist and been with his employer only 3 months. It was clear to those that knew Ryan or spent any kind of time with him that he was ‘different’. He LOVED the Lord and knew that his job on earth was to make it better, simply by living his life and service to others. His family has started a foundation, ‘Live Like Ryan’ to help those young adults that wish to spend their lives in service to others.
That seems to be the common denominator…. Service To Others! Both of these great men, at different time periods in their lives living to serve others. There is so much that i have done, but so much I have left to do. I look ahead to new experiences and wonder how I can continue making a difference, bring peace to the world. I want to be thought of as an encourager, a cheerleader.
Virginial Creeper Trail…….talk about an epic journey!!
I feel at some time or another in our lives, we all get restless, not happy with who or where we are. Or who we are with, at work, at home, with family and friends. Moving forward is such an important part of nature. Take for example the shark, if it is not constantly moving, swimming forward, it cannot get the oxygen it needs. If we aren’t constantly moving forward, we cannot continue to grow in our personal or professional lives. I know I have to keep moving forward allowing myself to work toward the things I want to live the life I want. I genuinely wish happiness for each and every one of you whether you are at the table alone or with your friends and family. I hope that you continue moving forward to make your life everything you want it to be.
Stay tuned for exciting news……. WE ARE MOVING FORWARD!!!
I am writing a series called ‘Changing from Provider to Patient- one NP’s journey’. At one time or another, we have all been patients within the medical system. This is the sixth installment of my patient journey- follow along as I balance being a patient and leave my ‘provider hat’ at home.
Day 7:
It is the seventh day since my injury and the day after my ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) of my left lower leg fractures. I have a nerve block to two of the major nerves of my lower legs to control pain after surgery. I have been able to get some rest with occasional use of oral pain medications. I’ll be keeping the nerve block pump in for the next 3 days or until the infusion is completed. Brett and I have been sleeping on the couch and love seats in our TV room; mostly because I can get into a comfortable position, but for Brett it is so he can be near me if I were to need assistance.
Brett is not ‘medical’ in any way, but he is a very hands-on kind of guy. One of the phrases that Brett has used in the past that our daughter Kelly and I giggle at is “I’m more of a PM (preventative maintenance) guy”. And anyone that has spent any amount of time with Brett knows, he loves to prevent issues before they are issues. I can’t tell you how many times we have left late for a road trip because Brett was making last-minute checks and changes.
All that being said, he could not be a better caregiver. He is not aware of what medication does what and I may need to explain why I need to increase my water intake while taking pain medications; but he has been very attentive to my physical and emotional needs as well aa making sure I am getting plenty of rest. He would not be a great nurse, but is an amazing husband.
When you are looking to find a mate, not only are you looking for someone that you are compatible with, but also someone who has your best interests at heart. Most wedding vows contain ‘for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part’. And while we are young and in love, we don’t think of the worse,poorer or sickness portion and definitely are not thinking the ‘death’ part. Most marriages start with that one person that you want to spend the rest of your life with. But again, we aren’t thinking about those years when we aren’t able to be an equal participant in the relationship.
I have found, through the help of my injury, that I have chosen the absolute perfect person to spend the rest of my days with. In the small amount of time that I have been physically dependent on another person to help me do the most basic tasks such as bathing, dressing and fixing my meals, I have seen into the future. This injury has been more involved than when I was quarantined during COVID and Brett’s caretaking has been reassuring and soothing. I have had trouble letting go of control, I feel I should help in order to not be a burden. But Brett has been able to help me let go of the need for control and allow him to care for me.
Being a healthcare provider, this is what defines me! I ‘care’ for people, I care for their health. Now I am dependent for my care on this person I adore. My entire being is made up of caring for others; my love language in my marriage is ‘doing’ things for Brett to show my love, whether it be cooking dinner or picking up one of his favorite drinks when I go to the store. By not being able to ‘DO’ things, I find myself feeling inadequate, therefore trying to do for myself.
My fracture is on the way to healing, but the best part of this process is knowing that my partner in life will care for me ‘for richer or poorer, for better and worse, in sickness and health until death do us part’. Thank you, Brett, for being the absolute best husband and nurse in the world!
I am writing a series called ‘Changing from Provider to Patient- one NP’s journey’. At one time or another, we have all been patients within the medical system. This is the fifth installment of my patient journey- follow up as I balance being a patient and leave my ‘provider hat’ at home.
Day 5:
And…..GOOD MORNING! or rather, good afternoon! Surgery has been completed and I wake up in Post-op recovery. Surgery took longer than the 1 hour that we were initially told, but Brett says that Dr. B told him the surgery went well!. I did well with anesthesia, but waking up from the medical slumber can be unnerving. Not knowing where you are, or when you figure that out, not knowing how long you’ve been knocked out is a difficult thought to wrap your woozy head around.
I have a nerve block to two of the major nerves in my left lower leg. The two catheters in the front of my thigh are pumping numbing medication to keep the post-op pain under control. Problem is…my leg feels like a rock, a REALLY BIG, HEAVY rock. So here’s the thing, I have a huge anxiety problem with my big toe. Little known fact, my big toe has to be touching something in order for it to feel normal. Either a bed sheet, a shoe, a sock or other tactile stimulation, otherwise I feel like it is the center of attention with makes me super uncomfortable. It has been this way since I was a kid. My dad used to tease me by saying ‘Big toe, big toe, big toe!’ in a fun-loving way until I covered it up. Well now, I can’t feel my big toe and even if I grab my toe, still not there!
I am wheeled to the lobby of the hospital and assisted into the truck. We are on the way home and now to rest. I have to give credit to Dr. B; the nerve block is taking care of the pain; I am hoping to use the prescription pain medication sparingly. We have set up a make-shift medical room and Brett has set up a perfect healing area. I have a side table with my Surface tablet, my Nintendo Switch, my cell phone and all the appropriate cables to plug into a small power inverter to keep me charged and occupied.
Now I have to admit, I am super SUPER worried about pain. The really unbelievable thing about my initial injury was the amount of pain was surprisingly bearable. I was able to find a comfortable way to lay my leg/foot in the ED to minimize the pain and after the splint was placed again able to prop my leg and foot to sleep with minimal pain. Now, the bones in my leg and ankle have been fused, I have metal plates and ties bringing all the fractured parts of the bones together. Am I going to be able to rest let alone sleep? Will I have uncontrolled pain?
Other worries that enter my thoughts as well as controlling my pain are constipation from needing pain medications and blood clots. I am so worried about getting blood clots; how will I know if I’m sleeping? Should I warn Brett or will that worry him more? I try to move my left leg around to prevent clots but the nerve block keeps me from moving the muscle in my lower leg effectively. I know the dangers of blood clots, the risk factor of a ‘recent long bone fracture’ and the complications of blood clots. I decide to keep watch for concerning symptoms and to try to get some sleep. Wish me luck!!
I am writing a series called “Changing from Provider to Patient- one NP’s journey”. At one time or another, we have all been patients within the medical system. This is the fourth installment of my patient journey- follow me as I balance being a patient and leave my ‘provider hat’ at home.
Day 4:
It is Thursday – Hurricane Nicole is paying a visit to Florida and today Brett and I will be spending the day watching TV and eating our hurricane snacks. I was surprised when I got a call in the evening that I will be having surgery on Friday, the very next day. The scheduler from Dr. B’s office advised me that the hospital will be in touch to let me know what time to show up at this hospital. The hospital registrar calls me and let me know that I am to show up at 10am the next day to have surgery. This has been a whirlwind of events today, but in order to get on the road to recovery, I will need to get surgery completed. Now I begin to get nervous!
Day 5:
IT’S SURGERY DAY! I am supposed to be at the hospital at 10 am. I again have Brett help me shower and get dressed to head to the hospital. I really don’t have time to allow my nerves to bother me, I’m too busy wishing I could have a snack of some sort! We arrive at the main entrance of the hospital and are asked to have a seat in the lobby. One of the registrars will be calling us to get registered to have surgery. After registration, we are instructed on where to proceed to the pre-op site.
I was a bit disappointed that we were not escorted to the area by a member of the staff. I am aware how stress can affect the ability of people to process instructions. We had to travel down several hallways before we were able to find the pre-op area. At this time, there is a waiting room, but no staff member to check in with. We had to ask a passing staff member how to check in for surgery. Now I am becoming a bit more anxious. I know (from a provider standpoint) that there are several steps to check in prior to surgery. We are advised to pick up a phone located outside the waiting room and call a listed number to check in.
We then sit in the waiting room for a staff member to come collect us and take us to the pre-op area. The pre-op nurses were very sure in their care and made me feel much less anxious. Their personality and ability to use small-talk to help us relax was definitely welcomed. Luckily, I am aware of the steps to prepare for surgery, but the nurses do explain the steps to help Brett understand the what and why of each step. I am waiting to see Dr. B prior to being placed under anesthesia. A ‘time out’ has to be completed in order to correctly identify the body part being operated on.
Dr. B arrives at my bedside and puts me even more at ease with his amazing bedside manner. Jokes were told and we spoke of some common likes in music taste. I am able to meet the OR nurse and she answers questions from myself and Brett. She appears to have a great attitude and I am pleased she will be my ‘eyes and ears’ in the OR. We agree that country music will be playing as I get ready for general anesthesia.
My medical history has been reviewed multiple times and the anesthesiologist explains how my nerve block will be completed and that I will be going home after surgery with two pumps to control my post-op pain. The anesthesiologist is able to start the procedure to place the nerve block catheters. A little Versed later and …….GOODNIGHT!
I am writing a series called “Changing from Provider to Patient- one NP’s journey”. At one time or another, we have all been patients within the medical system. This is the third installment of my patient journey- follow me as I balance being a patient and leave my ‘provider hat’ at home.
Because I had to make a public appearance, I needed to make myself presnetable. This meant I needed a shower. This was going to be difficult. I have a long leg splint to my left leg that does not allow me to bend my knee. This meant I needed some help in the shower. Help taking a shower is not something I have needed since the birth of my last child. I have helped many people with bed baths while working as a nurse in the hospital. I was initially uncomfortable allowing my husband to help me with my shower, this was an even more intimate act that goes beyond the usual intimate moments a husband and wife have in their marriage. I had to give control of my care to my husband, something that is not easy for most healthcare providers to do
As I sat in the back seat of the truck on the way home from NC to Florida, I realized that this was going to be a lesson for me. I was going to have to learn to allow others to help me, something I was not used to doing. Sure, I would let Brett help me make dinner or go grocery shopping, but for the most part, I had to have control. Now, I had to ask for help, to get dressed, to go to the bathroom, or even to get a snack in the kitchen. This means you have to give your trust to another human. This has allowed us to find a different level of our relationship. I always thought I would be the one caring for Brett, not the other way around.
Day 3:
Today was an early day- I scheduled my CT scan at 8:00 in the am because my initial Orthopedic appointment was at 10:30. Unfortunately, due to my first appointment being with a physician that was not in my insurance network, that appointment/physician had to be rescheduled.
Not only does Brett have to take me to the various appointments, helping me in and out of the truck, but now he has to fit his other activities and errands in between those appointments. He is still working to keep folks on thier bikes and building some amazing bikes for his customers. I am now dependent on Brett for travel and care. Where I would usually go to church on a weekday, take the dogs for walk or maybe do some window shopping, this has now been taken out of my daily routines.
I was able to visit one of our newer facilities for my CT scan. It is a state of the art faciltiy with imaging, physical therapy, primary care and orthopedic care. There are facilities for the professional and semi-professional athlete to recover from injuries. This excites me as I would like to return to my normal activities of cycling as well as return to my trainer at the local gym.
My visit to Dr. B was very informative. He was a livley fellow that met my energy with some of his own. He really made me feel that the changes that were made in the physician was the best thing to happen for me. Dr. B was able to discuss my injury, let me know that the surgery could be a early as the following day or two and the post-op progress and plan. I am very excited about the way my fractures will be fixated (if able) and the nerve block pain pump for management of post-op pain.
In the urgent care setting, my care often ends with the application of the splint to secure a fracture. I will often tell my patients when they ask me if they will need surgery that the specialist will be able to give them more information. This experience has given me some insite into the next steps my patients will have to travel. Always looking for blessings and lessons, I realize that I will be able to pass along more information to those I care for that have fractures.
So now we wait to see when surgery will be….oh and by the way Hurricane Nicole is just off the coast of Florida. How exciting!
I am writing a series called “Changing from Provider to Patient- one NP’s journey” At one time or another, we have all been a patient within the medical system. This is the second installment of my patient journey- follow with me as I balance being a patient and leave my ‘provider hat’ at home.
Day 2:
We’re back home in Orlando from our visit in NC. The initial plan was to return to Florida the day prior to my work day to rest and recuperate from our travel day. But you may have heard the saying, ‘If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans’. In healthcare, you learn to be flexible or you can become frustrated and burn-out.
Today, Brett and I went to the new Orthopedic Urgent Care to begin my care in Orlando. I knew I would need surgery based on what Dr. S (the ED doctor in NC) said and I wanted to get on top of the process. Having been on the provider side of the referral process, I knew it could be time-consuming with insurance approval and scheduling; both the medical office and our own schedules.
The urgent care staff were very friendly right from the start. I was envious of the ‘new’ urgent care and the enthusiastic attitudes of the staff working there. It’s refreshing to see this in the current healthcare climate. The gentleman at the front desk was helpful with registration, but unfortunately, we were not updated on the delay in our appointment time, this had caused some irritation with Brett. There had been a patient in the treatment area that needed some extended time with the provider, so this threw off all other appointments. This is something as a provider I often have to balance; giving the patient in front of me the time they need all while taking into consideration the number of patients that are waiting for me in the waiting room. I am now navigating the waiting room side of healthcare with a spouse that is very time conscious. This will require some gentle guidance from me to help him understand the balance of time that is taking place.
Once we were called into the treatment area, the clinical staff were efficient, but I did miss some of the ‘southern hospitality’ of the staff in NC. There are those patients that want to know ‘just the facts’, those that want to have their hands held and those, like me, that are a combination of both. As providers, we have just minutes to assess what type of reassurance and comfort the patient in front of us requires to feel safe and cared for.
After a new set of x-rays (post splint application) for the provider, we waited in the exam room to be evaluated. Ms. T, the smart and caring PA, came in and began to review both the original and current x-rays as well as the treatment that would be needed. We discussed the referral needed and we were discharged home. At this appointment there was not a lot of discussion of the actual surgery needed, but it was confirmed that surgery would be required to make sure this healed quickly and efficiently.
After a few hours, Ms. T called and let me know that she placed an order for a CT of the ankle/leg that should be completed before I see the Orthopedic doctor. This would allow the doctor to assess the injury more completely and determine the appropriate surgery to schedule. Later in the afternoon, we had appointments made for both the CT and the Ortho doctor, set for the very next day! Now we wait……
I have decided to write a series called “Changing from Provider to Patient- one NP’s journey”. I think at one time or another, we have all been patients in the medical healthcare system. Not just when we were children getting our routine vaccines, but whether it was for a simple UTI or the flu, we’ve all had that interaction between being a patient and being cared for by medical provider.
On November 5th, I became a patient. I’m not talking about the usual ‘Here for my routine physical’ with my Primary Care Provider visit.
The visit to the emergency room was familiar, even though I was on the opposite side of the desk. I was in North Carolina for my father’s funeral service. We planned for possible mountain biking if the time was available and our spirits needed to be lifted up. I injured my left ankle at the end of an exciting ride through Brown Creek Mountain Bike Trail. I had been working very hard on both my cardiac endurance and muscle strength and the ride was turning out to be a very successful trip. I crashed, planting my left foot and turning my leg, injured my lower leg. We were able to make our way out of the woods after being piggy backed out by my hubby, and made a quick drive to the closest ED to be evaluated.
I went through the routine registration, having my identification arm band put on and waiting in the lobby for my name to be called. I asked for an ice pack of some sort, but was told, ‘we don’t’ have those up here’. I’m guessing the pain on my face nudged her enough to seek one out.
When the triage nurse called my name, she began a process that I have performed thoughts if not hundreds of thousands of times. Taking vital signs, asking pertinent medical history and allergies and discussing the reason for the visit. I did have an advantage versus the ‘normal’ emergency department patient. Not only having worked in the emergency department for 10+ years as a nurse but now working in the urgent care setting as a nurse practitioner, I was certain in my diagnosis of having broken my leg. I described the events leading up to the injury and the nurse was able to place the appropriate protocol-driven order for me to have an x-ray of my left lower leg.
I was taken then to the radiology room where x-rays were performed and confirming my initial diagnosis of a broken left leg. The radiology tech was not only kind in her concern for my pain, but she was very kind in the care she provided. I was taken into an exam room, where I was assisted onto a stretcher.
Here was when I needed patience. I was lying on the stretcher, trying to be as still as I could be, this helped reduce the pain. I was able to find a comfortable position for my leg, but it contorted the rest of my body. My initial nurse was friendly and kind, He took time to make small talk in order to distract me from the obvious pain I was in. He did let me know the name of the doctor on duty and that he would be in to see me momentarily. This of course was delayed by an overdose brought in by EMS and another unit brought in a respiratory distress patient. I knew this would push my evaluation back to allow for the more urgent needs to be taken care of.
Unfortunately, I needed more x-rays to further evaluate the break. This was very painful as I was not able to find that ‘sweet spot’ of comfort any longer. I was ordered an IV with pain and nausea meds. This made the 2nd set of x-rays more tolerable.
Then came shift change. It is now almost 7 pm, we have been here since close to 5 pm. My nurse came in to inform me that we should see Dr. K again in a few minutes for an update. We informed him that ‘No, we haven’t seen Dr. K even once!’ Now that charge nurse came in a gave us an ‘update’ and advised Dr. S would soon be seeing me. Dr. S soon came in, discussing the findings on my x-rays and the treatment plan. Due to the hospital being a tertiary center, any surgery could require that I be transferred to the larger hospital in the next county. We informed him that we would travel home and seek further treatment in Orlando.
Now I wait to get a follow up with an Orthopedic surgeon to evaluate my injuries, review my x-rays and determine the next step in the plan of care.
I’ll share the next step of the journey with you; Hope you all are safe and I hope you all enjoy my series.
* I have decided to write this podcast series to share my experience in the healthcare system from the patient perspective with the background of a healthcare provider. Please stay tuned for the next installment of the series.
Two of the four grandsons caught taking a nap-the only time they are really quiet!
Happy Fall Y’all!! (In the ‘south’ y’all is known as singular with the plural forms being ‘all y’all’ and ‘all y’alls’! LOL!) I don’t know if you all are excited, but I for one can’t wait for the ‘fall’ temperatures to drop into the mid 80’s! In Florida, we don’t get very much cool fall weather like I am used to in N.C., but I’ll take low to mid 80’s any day!
As much energy as the fall season seems to give me, I find that lately I am tired. And not the tired that can be solved with a quick nap or an 8 hour night of sleep. I am talking about being mentally and emotionally tired. I find that my fatigue is not physical, but rather more spiritual and it got me to wondering if anyone else is feeling this type of tired.
This fatigue comes from the daily barrage from the nightly news, the social media feeds and other daily contacts with the public. I have heard of physical altercations over vaccination cards, wearing or not wearing masks and assaults and murders that are generally evil. The latest news that has me in a mild state of despair is the recent location of Gabby Petito found murdered. She was a vibrant and dream-filled young woman that had taken a chance to enjoy her life with whom she thought was ‘her person’. Although I was initially hopeful that she was found alive and well, my gut told me that she was murdered.
This too disturbed me because the likelihood of her being found dead was greater in my mind than her being found alive. We sat in the living room, trying to put together a ‘timeline’, lists of motives for her being harmed/murdered as well as where she might be found. This made me wonder when I became so cynical and jaded by the past evil acts in the world and how it affected my outlook.
I have always been an optimist, much to the annoyance of my husband, Brett. Disney songs are often my favorite to blast in the house while I clean! I often play ‘devil’s advocate’ and look for the best in people, even when the situation may look bleak. If I get yelled at by someone that appears angry, I chalk it up to that person may be worried about something or having a bad day. I rarely take someone else’s actions personally. But as the assault on my sensibilities continues daily, I find myself more tired of the Human Race.
Disney Princess Moana with Maui- probably some of the best Disney songs to sing while cleaning house!
How do you stop being tired when a nap won’t help? An article from December 2019 on psychcentral.com suggests ‘Six Simple Ways to Rest the Mind’. I’m sure that when this article was published, they had NO IDEA that 2020 would be the year that the Pandemic wound hit and people’s mental health would take a huge hit. The 6 ways include exercise, people-watching, getting out in nature, meditation, animals and play. This sounds like a pretty comprehensive list to get your mind reset and give it a break from the daily grind.
The Hulk Mountain Bike trail in Myrtle Beach, SC
As most of my friends know, exercise in my case is mostly cycling. So the first and third on this list is pretty simple for me. I like to get outside every available opportunity and would eat all my meals outdoors if I was able. This one is not as difficult for me as for others I know, but finding or rather making time is what I find the most difficult portion.
The second suggestion of people-watching is pretty simple as well. One of my favorite movie scenes is in ‘Date Night’ when Steve Carrell and Tina Fey are in the restaurant and begin to tell the story of a couple at another table. Just by watching the couple, how they interact and their body language, a story can unfold. Even if the story is not true, it’s fun to imagine.
The next suggestion is meditation. There are multiple scientific studies on the physical benefits of meditation and it’s use for physical and mental disease. Reduction of blood pressure, help for insomnia and relief from anxiety are just a few of the benefits of meditation. Unfortunately, medication in its best form takes work. You can not just sit in a dark room, away from people and ‘meditate’. You must practice getting in the right mindset and blocking all external stimuli – not easy for someone with ADHD like me. I do however enjoy sitting in church prior to the service starting and just letting my mind wander were it will and allow those thoughts, mostly things that are bothering me, to come to the surface and be acknowledged. This permits me to unload those concerning ideas, situations and emotions that bring my mental state down.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Lake Underhill, Orlando Florida
St. James Catholic Cathedral, Orlando Florida
Lake Whipoorwill, Orlando Florida
Find a place that allows you to find a quiet time within your mind.
The final two are animals and play. This too is easy for me. Brett and I have 5 dogs of all sizes, shapes and colors. They each have their own personalities, energy level and benefits in our household. They love to play and (mostly) make us laugh at their silliness. Play is something that comes easy for me, but I do struggle to get those around me to enjoy their playful side. I have begun to play board games with Brett in order to disconnect from external stimuli from cell phones, television and social media. It feels good to connect on a ‘fun’ level and to revert back to those simpler days.
There is a quote that has been making the rounds on the internet and social media that says ‘Your job would replace you before your obituary was printed in the newspaper.’. This may not be completely true, but know that to your employer, you are replaceable; to your family, you are not. So take time today to enjoy one of the 6 ways to give your mind a break….heck, enjoy all 6!
Healing You 