Sometimes you just need to retreat. Retreat from the stress, retreat from the due dates, retreat from the daily grind. My idea of retreating this weekend was a two hour drive up in to the mountains of Estes Park where I helped lead 100+ teenagers on their confirmation retreat. Some might consider this the farthest thing from a relaxing weekend, but I found it nothing but peaceful.
There is something about being surrounded by the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, tall, green trees, and clear skies that puts my heart at rest. No cell service, no schedule, no time...basically Hakuna Matata. Not only was I surrounded by gorgeous scenery, I was blessed with the company of fellow adult leaders who brought me nothing but laughter, joy, affirmation, and love. In a 48 hour stent on this mountain I felt no stress, no insecurity, and no doubts. I felt only love.
The first talk given to the teens Friday night asked Who are you? The speaker spoke of her journey through high school and described the activities that, at that time, defined her. She then said something that stuck with me. She described how all these activities became boring over time because there was no meaning behind them. Because she was only defined by what she did, which was never connected with who she was.
I marveled at this and thought back to my high school and college days. Who was I? Yes, I was an athlete, the oldest child, a youth group leader, a good student...these things described me, yet they did not define me. Thus the difficult transition when health issues ended my collegiate athletic career. I had defined myself as the athlete, yet had to nurse my bruised ego as I evaluated who I really was when the court, the cheers, and the adrenaline faded. Sports made up a huge part of my life, but what defined me wasn't my reputation as an athlete. What defined me as a person was (and still is) my competitive spirit, my passion and drive, my desire to love, the joy I find in living, my compassion for others, and my love for my faith. It was recognizing who I really was that allowed me to enter in to the next chapter of my life with a fresh perspective.
Being a nurse describes me, but it is these other characteristics that define me and make me the nurse I am. If I defined myself as a nurse, what would that mean? What would that look like? Without knowing who I am first, I would likely burn out and look for something else after becoming bored over time in a profession backed with no passion. Because I identified who I am, I understand why I chose the profession I did and am able to find consistent purpose and joy in my work.
How do you define yourself? How does that influence your daily work? Let your passion shine through what you do and you will rediscover meaning in your daily life and daily work and you will come to understand and love yourself.
