Blogging and Social Media

Anyone who knows me or has been here since the beginning knows I love to blog and post content on my social platforms.

This is not something I do for the “likes” or the attention, but instead to get out important aspects of my life or things I enjoy.

& lately it has been my work.

The last few months I have been learning more about my organization and have also taken on a second job.

And everything I have done since I have LOVED.

I have written professional blogs, I have been contacted by multiple people in regards to the content I have shared and I have been digging deeper into getting to know the ins and outs of the work around me.

As most people know, I have worked in simulation for the last 6.5 years.

Simulation is a passion of mine but the last 6 months it has also felt like a wall.

I know simulation like the back of my hand but what I have learned is that I lack experience outside of it.

& that is what I have been perusing the last few months with the help of some close friends, colleagues and businesses.

& within that work, I have been enjoying learning about other departments, learning how to grow personally and professionally, while also getting out of my comfort zone.

Now I still thoroughly enjoy helping others within the simulation and healthcare realm which has not stopped, but I also feel like I’ve grown in that sense as well.

But most importantly, I feel like I’m finding me again.

Instead of feeling stuck, I feel like I can fly.

I feel like I can breath again.

I feel like I can share what is on my mind without burden.

Now I’m not sure if I will necessarily ever leave simulation as I do love my job, but I’m very excited to see where this new depth leads me.

& while I’m doing all of these new and wonderful things, I’m going to enjoy being happy learning and growing so I am ready for that next step if it were to come.

Appreciation

Today I feel appreciated.

Like really really appreciated!

I came home to mail from Winona State that I was not expecting (see below 👇🏻)

& I wrote my first “official” blog AND they liked it!

PLUS I was asked to speak at our leadership meeting today as I was the one in the room with the answers.

If that doesn’t make someone feel appreciated, what does?!

#blog #blogger #appreciated #appreciation

ACEs

If you are in healthcare or education you may have heard of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

ACEs are essentially traumatic experiences – physical, verbal or dysfunctions within childhood that have a lasting impact.

When I am scored, I score a 4 which puts me at “high risk” for toxic stress physiology.

Again, if you know anything about ACEs, 0 is no risk, 1-3 is intermediate risk but 4+ can have associated health risks.

These risks can increase chances of disease, as well as social and emotional problems.

So why does this matter?

Because childhood trauma – whether that is abuse, neglect, family dysfunction – can have a lasting impact on someone who is less than 18 years old.

As a child I had a few of these issues due to abuse, divorce and experiences outside the home.

But fortunately for me, these experiences propelled me to do better.

Unfortunately this is not always the case.

But for me, it caused me to grow up faster than my classmates.

At age 18, still a senior in high school, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

I have no family history, was not a sick kid but ultimately lost the function of my pancreas.

Now I’m not saying this is due to my ACE score but it might be.

But it did create medical bills I couldn’t pay for.

Again, luckily for me, I had amazing providers who assisted me and introduced me to the Children’s Miracle Network who helped me pay for my medical bills, travel and other needs I had due to this new diagnosis.

Without them, I’m not sure where I would be.

But today I am here and I am trying to help others around me.

& like I stated before, it made me grow up faster.

It makes me fight for what I want because I’ve always had to.

It makes me determined, dependable and driven.

It makes me realize what I deserve and what others deserve.

I think it makes me a good boss and mother.

But it also gives me flaws.

I don’t have the best memory so I write everything down and live off of my outlook calendar (please never go down or I’ll be lost).

I’m feisty which can have its positives but also negatives.

It makes me overthink and question everything even good things.

I don’t sleep well which as many know, can throw off even the best days.

& sometimes it makes me emotional.

But even with my flaws, I believe my ACE score made me a better person.

I care deeply about my family, work and friends.

I volunteer.

I donate – especially to the Children’s Miracle Network.

I make change. Even if it’s little.

I never stop believing, growing and fighting.

And lastly, it makes me want to do better and be better.