I wish I'd known that decades ago! This is something many of us say through our lives. In this blog I share some of the top things I wish I'd known decades ago. And the best part? It was spurred on because I was asked by a new Nurse!

I was invited to a New Nurse Residency Graduation. This was a celebration for new Nurses who completed a year of additional training with their organization to support and nurture them as they began their new job and roles as Nurses.

Through the year I’ve been bringing them different healing modalities. My hope is they might consider using one or two for self-care and self-support. Some of the things we explored were;

• Healing Circles

• Sound healing with drums and singing bowls

• Aromatherapy

• Presence

• Movement practices to support yourself on the fly

• Awareness and gratitude practices

What an Honor

What an honor it was- to be with them as they explored! And now, to share in their celebration?! EEEEEEE!

A new-Nurse, in her second career asked me, what are the things you wish you’d known?

There were many times as a Nurse and wife that I felt ill-prepared, even after years of experience. And sadly, much of my self-care fell to the wayside.

It was only after I became burned out that I discovered some of the most potent and valuable ways I could care for myself, and they are what I wished I’d known decades before so I could’ve prevented burnout.

I wish all the kindness and self-compassion to you, and maybe something on my list below will support and hold you. I’d like that very much.

xo Nicole  

Stay open to possibilities around you and within you.

Sometimes you feel there is no answer, no way that you can get to a destination no matter how hard you try. 

May I invite you to take a breath when you feel powerless, or in fear, or in despair, and reconnect to your heart, and your true intentions. 

You will find possibility. A way to negotiate, a way to align, a way to shift and move towards the greater good.

Trust Your Inner Wisdom

Some people call this intuition, your gut, or inner knowing.  Your inner wisdom is the things only you know. This wisdom may be connected to your life experiences, or it may be connected to something far greater than you know.  And you know.  

This wisdom is very unique to you.  You see things differently than anyone one else, and that’s the beauty of inner wisdom. 

You are wise and wonderful, and your inner wisdom is connected to the Universe’s wisdom. 

Sometimes all it takes is a hand on your heart, a deep breath, or an intentional pause to reconnect to your inner wisdom- your YOU.

Be unafraid of this power that only you possess.

Use Your Breath

Your breath is connected to the Universe.  It’s with you every single second you’re alive.  And it’s one of the powers you innately have that reconnects you to your uniqueness.

Breath in. Breath out. And then insert that NG tube or hang the IV antibiotic. 

Breath in. Breath out, before you walk into a difficult conversation, or clock in or out. 

Breath in. Breath out, before you close your eyes to rest and restore yourself.

Connect with Others

We’re all connected, and there is power in community.  Find your people.  See their wisdom as it supports yours. 

There is no competition here. 

Be present with your people.  You are not alone.  You are never alone. 

Listen to Your Heart

Your heart is more than a 10-ounce muscle.  Your heart has a definite intelligence and is a connection to your true authentic self.   

When you reacquaint yourself with your heart, you will find more ease, more calm, more connection, more openness, more appreciation, kindness, compassion.  More love.  Dignity, patience, love, gratitude.

Connection to your heart helps you choose how to better respond to situations that are best for yourself and for others.

All you must do is acknowledge your heart, and yourself.

So, in summary… the 5 Things I wished I’d Known Decades Ago are;

• Stay open to possibilities around you and within you.

• Trust your inner wisdom

• Use your breath

• Connect with others

• Listen to your heart

I’ll leave you with a quote from Maya Angelou…

“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”

You are succeeding!

xo You are loved, Nicole

ps… what things have you learned that now support you, and you had to learn through life experience? Leave a comment!

Nicole A. Vienneau MSN, RN, NC-BC

Nicole is learning to thrive in mid-life too! She strives to honor her body, mind and spirit through these magnificent stages of aging, and wants to honor YOU too!

Nicole combines 20+ years of nursing experience with 30+ years of fitness + health coaching to uncover your most authentic expression of wellbeing.

She is a board-certified integrative nurse coach, menopause fitness specialist, brain health trainer, and a group fitness, yoga, and tai chi instructor. She specializes in protecting your health through habits and behaviors that support your brain and body health at Blue Monarch Health, PLLC.

Nicole is passionate about everything she does, and especially loves creating safe, restorative communities. She loves exploring nature, finding solace with her cat-babies and traveling with her awesome husband.

Email Nicole at nicole@bluemonarchhealth.com