Surrendering to Support

If there is one thing "burnout" has taught me it is to surrender. Over and over again I had to lean into the current moment and lean into others. These supportive people have ranged from medical professionals to family to strangers that I have interacted with. What started as shameful, embarrassing and triggering is now challenging, thoughtful and still sometimes triggering. Sharing with other women that I am menopausal and not able to keep up with other women in their thirties can easily make me feel not enough. Not to mention the nurses that I coach working bedside 12 hour shifts up to 48 hours a week, I am exhausted just writing that sentence.

How do I stay in service, gratitude and knowing of my self-worth?

Saying yes to support is often step one. Step two was the mother of challenges for me...actually absorbing the support. Knowing I am not weak or not enough of a valid person because I need support was and is sometimes challenging to this day. What kind of support I am talking about?? Surrounding myself with people who see me and see my joy then inspire me to dive deep into it! Saying yes to what makes me happy, healthy and whole in the moment! Saying no to things that do not serve my highest purpose so I can say yes to things that do. THE SKY STAYS IN THE PLACE AND I NO LONGER FEEL LIKE CHICKEN LITTLE. Running in circles chasing my work goals while ignoring my body and joy.

Where do YOU feel joy in your body?

I am determined to no longer ignore the possibility of a joyful rich life. Yes I am Nurse, I am a Coach, I am a EntrepreNurse,but I am a human as well. I love the beach, painting, reading, nature, my family and friends. I have emotions and reactions to the stressful situations I deal with at work, I need support and time to process.

How would your life be different if you had a safe space to process what being a nurse really means? I do not mean this as time to come together and reflect about the (truthfully) broken medical system. It is a crucial time to self-reflect, build resilience and treat/prevent/recover from Burnout, moral injuries or caregiver role strain.

I am not saying that there is not a time and a place for nurses to feel empowered to change our medical system. I believe in that whole heartedly! We are the biggest group of professionals within the system, through all fields, levels of management and also on the front lines. Our knowledge is priceless and crucial for the eventual upheaval of the current system. Now that has been addressed back to the current state of affairs and what we can do to support you in the now!

Saying yes to support is often step one. Step two was the mother of challenges for me...actually absorbing the support. Knowing I am not weak or not enough of a valid person because I need support was and is sometimes challenging to this day. What kind of support I am talking about?? Surronding myself with people who see me and see my joy then inspire me to dive deep into it! Saying yes to what makes me happy, healthy and whole in the moment! Saying no to things that do not serve my highest purpose so I can say yes to things that do.

My support system is a mixture of paid professionals, soul sisters, family, friends, coworkers and one amazing husband! I now speak openly about my two year battle with burnout and menopause and all the dark dreary symptoms they brought into my life. I also speak openly about my extensive support network and how I still rely on myself and feel empowered every day.

To be clear a support system is not an enabling system used to please our egos. It is there to push us in our paths. For me it was my path into self-care, what I really needed and how to best give it to myself. From this and from me digging through all those dark places Nourish was born and I am so proud of what it is becoming.

Nourish is here to provide that support and show other people suffering from burnout or just lack of self-care they are worth it. They are worth all the love in the world. That there is a reason to embrace the dark sides of taking care of others; the exhaustion, emotions, spiritual and community separation that occurs. Once we shine a light on all of this we can address it and find the joy again. So here is to walking the path less traveled, even if we are afraid. Here is to you, your wellness journey and your amazing support system!

If you are feeling alone after reading this I want you to know you are not alone. I am here I witness you and if you want me to digitally see you as well comment below.

In honor of your joy,

Casey-Lee Flood, RN

Integrative Lifestyle Coach, YT200

Founder of Nourish the Nurturer