Thanksgiving

Image by missartem from Pixabay

Historically, I have been decent at writing something for Thanksgiving. I have to be honest, this year is just getting away from me. Time is moving so fast. So many things have happened. Nevertheless, it is important to spend a moment or two talking about things I am grateful for. In my mind, I have been in a more negative space mainly related to the losses I have experienced. Most recently, I lost my beloved cat Duke. I miss him terribly. He was such a good, sweet kitty. 

I had to work Thanksgiving this year. It's only fair since I didn't work a single holiday in 2021 which is really odd for nursing, especially in home care. Our client's needs don't take a day off. I felt somewhat obligated to pull my weight this year. Even though I didn't spend the day with my family, my job is quite nice and it was fun to see the excitement of the client I take care of. I did get to have a very nice breakfast with my Mom after the fact. Being in healthcare, you kind of get used to rescheduling holidays around a work schedule.

I am forever and always grateful for my family. I think we do a pretty good job of supporting and encouraging each other. I appreciate that my schedule allows me to see to my Mom a little more often and I even saw my sister and her family twice in one week! All of our schedules can be pretty crazy, so having the ability to see them more frequently is really amazing. Not to mention, the whole Covid isolation period prevented a lot of visits for a really long time. 

I am also grateful to the various friends in my life. Having lost a really close one reminds me to love the ones I have with me. I haven't been as social as I would like to be. Part of that is my decision to work nights. Part of it is trying to push through feelings of sadness and get out of the house. I have so many wonderful people in my life. So, if I have a "goal" for 2023, it's to connect more with folks. 

I am also really grateful for my job. After working several years at a place that nearly cost me health, happiness, and sanity, it is beyond amazing to be in the environment I am now. I started working home care in 2021. My school schedule got so wonky that I needed an incredibly flexible position. Home care can offer that. I had no intention of staying. Then, I get my assignments. Fast forward a year and half later, I am still with 2 of my 4 original assignments. I occasionally look around at other jobs out of curiosity. Yeah, I could earn more money. Yeah, I could probably get into leadership. But no. I like my clients. I like the stability. I like the comfort of the environment. I don't see anything that can offer the quality that I have no. I tell people often that I have chased money before. It never ends well. I am in a position to make my ends meet with what I do. Now I have benefits as well for which I am very grateful.

I am also grateful for school. I wish I didn't have such an expensive hobby. Alas, school feeds something for me. The type of education I am getting now is up my alley as well. When I went back to school for my first master's, I was excited about it as well. I felt a sense of purpose with that decision. I think I became disillusioned after a short while wondering if I had made the right decision. When I returned to school for my RN and now my MSN, it just feels right. The nursing stuff is my jam. I get pretty excited about the possibilities when I am done. Who know where this all might lead.

I am also grateful to all the folk who take time to read my blog. It means so much to me!! I hope you all had a great holiday!

​Julie