2022 Year-end Reflections, Hello 2023

 

On this last day of 2022, I reflect on the year that was. In the grand scheme of tragedies, wars, poverty, and the continued menace of Covid-19, I can truly say that I am blessed beyond belief. 

At our year-end Thanksgiving service in the church, I remembered the moments of blessings and happiness, and I gave thanks for the spiritual guidance from the Almighty God. My gratitude abounds. 

I have my own share of ups and downs, disappointments, and trials, but I am hopeful that 2023 will be a better year for all of us. I wish to share and pay forward all the great things I received.

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

Vacation in the Philippines, September 2022

The best thing that happened in 2022 was that I hugged my mother again. Finally, after three years of video calls, I held my 91-year-old Nanay in my arms. She is the reason why we endured the long arduous plane ride to the Philippines; why we suffered through turbulent rides and backside-numbing pains.

In the picture, my mom was actually trying not to laugh because she didn't have her dentures in. She was conscious of her appearance, making sure to wear her perfume every day even though she did not often leave her bedroom anymore due to her weak knees. As long as her favorite tv shows are on, she is content.

Whatever her heart desires, I will always try to give in to her, except on staying at her side for good. Unfortunately, I have to live apart from her and work far away to provide for her. Thankfully, her mind is still sharp as ever. She playfully hinted at a new watch from her grandson Jordan.

All good things had to come to an end. I had a great time reuniting with my extended family, friends, and classmates. My heartfelt thanks to family and friends who made our vacation a fantabulous one. 

It was not easy to kiss my mom and the rest of my family goodbye, to wait until the next vacation. But wipe the tears we did, for we had to get back to work.

Beautiful Philippines

Being a tourist in my native country. There are so many hidden gems in this country of 7,100+ islands.

Birthday celebration with family

Far away from the somber 9/11 ceremonies in the US, my birthday this year amongst family and friends was most significant for me. This was the first time I celebrated my special day in Manila after 39 years and the first time since 2001 (21 years) when I didn't feel a smidgen of guilt for celebrating a day more remembered for the attack on the twin towers.  In the haze of purple attire and a standee of BTS Jin, there was just peace, happiness, and contentment to be with the people I love.  

Life is simple, after all. There is joy when you're surrounded by love, there is no need for an ostentatious celebration. Just celebrating life, although I still cringed when I saw the number 64. I just have to remember that age is just a number and that I am much wiser and more blessed.

 

Publication

My article “Finding My Joy: Fighting Nurse Burn-out” was published in the Journal of Emergency Nursing November 2022 issue. It was a personal account of my own challenges and journey as a nurse leader during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. I believe that this will resonate with other nurse leaders out there.

Finding My Joy: Fighting Nurse Burn-out

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0099176722001842?dgcid=author&fbclid=IwAR3NTcIkMBZtepK83vnnA_6g-nGp3TqUu5j7Q0cpJbfhLN8igB9D1yQH1VE

 

Los Cabos, Mexico, for the 1199SIEU Continuing Education Wellness Conference

So thankful to be part of the Instructor team from the #1199SEIU Continuing Education group. The Wellness of the Mind, Body, and Soul conference at  Los Cabos, Mexico, offered the topics on Self-care: Building a path to healthy kidneys, DM: Prevention & Health Maintenance,  The Search for the true self, and my topic Finding Joy in Nursing. This conference proved that nurses (or any healthcare worker) deserve to take care of and love themselves first to fight burnout. One cannot run on empty. 

After the challenges of Covid-19 as front liners, nurses need to recharge and invigorate themselves to find their joy. We all need help to find our purpose and meaning, our "Ikigai."

 

 

 

Hello, 2023. 

We all enter the new year with a little uncertainty about what the future holds. But it is full steam ahead for me. No matter what, we will persevere. I will let God take charge of my life.

'Let God Take Charge of Your Life' (No. 457)

 

My Happy Pictures: Mood-lifters

 

Yesterday, I should have been happy to have a day off from work. But the gloomy scene outside my kitchen window was not a great mood-lifter. The hard rain was beating a staccato rhythm against the window pane, the morning skies were cloudy, and the yellow leaves from my backyard tree were valiantly holding off to dear life.

I turned my back from the melancholy and checked my pictures on my phone from my recent hike in Alley Pond Park, where I basked in all of Autumn’s glorious riot of colors. The vibrant red, yellow, and orange foliage filled my heart. I was transported back to those magical moments where the only sounds I heard were the leaves crunching under my feet, the chirping of the birds, the susurration of a brook, and the soft camera clicks from my niece. I was happy.

On my recent trip to Los Cabos, Mexico, I was one of the instructors for the Wellness Conference organized by the 1199 Union organization for their RN members. I taught about finding joy in our personal and professional lives to fight nurse burnout. As the world rises out of the chokehold of the pandemic, healthcare workers are still struggling with the nursing shortage and other hospital inefficiencies. 

There are many problems in life, and in healthcare, that may be beyond our control. There are also many ways to cope. Sometimes, the nurses are so consumed with taking care of others that they forget to care for themselves. To continue caring for others, I urged the nurses to love themselves first. Be mindful of self-care and mental health, and actively seek and find joy. Embrace your joy triggers,

I showed photos that make me happy. Pictures are excellent memory prompts to reminisce about happy occasions and serve as our emotional bubble against the troubles of this world. Numerous research has shown the connection between pictures of beloved family members, pets, beautiful scenery, vacations, and the reduction of cortisol and adrenaline hormones. Of course, nothing beats the real thing of feeling the Boracay breeze on your skin, but the picture of pedicured toes on the white sands brings on happy memories.

According to a 2021 Environmental Research and Public Health article, even looking at pictures of nature can calm the brain's orbitofrontal cortex, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. I surreptitiously checked the audience's reaction when I shared my happy photos with the class. The audience reacted as I expected. They ooh’d and aah’d and smiled at the stunning images of nature, cherry blossoms, a beautiful bench in Home Goods, coconut trees and flip-flops, rainbows, and lavender fields. 

Happy Kids/Young Ones

Sunrise and Sunsets

Beaches

Fall Foliage

BTS

During the class, I could not help but fangirl. When my favorite band BTS flashed on the screen, a few looked confused (they must be living in a rock if they don’t know the biggest musical group in the world), but several squealed in delight. Of course, I went to my fellow Army and high-fived them.

So, yes, pictures can heal the mind and spirit. They are instant mood-lifters during a gloomy, rainy day. Post pictures in your office, save them to your phones, or buy those digital photo frames to enjoy those reminders that life is wonderful.

"Happy"- Pharell Williams

The Astronaut- Jin of BTS, featuring Coldplay

References:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-happiness-project/201301/7-reasons-why-photographs-can-boost-your-happiness

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/happiness/selection-of-happiness-images-and-why-they-make-you-feel-good/