ç'est la vie RN

Tag: Self-care

  • Handcrafted by the Creator

    Handcrafted by the Creator

    Reflections from the Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum

    Yesterday, my sister and I decided to take advantage of a beautifully sunny and cloudless fall day in Seattle. It was the first time I was able to visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. Walking through the museum is like stepping into a living kaleidoscope. Every curve of glass, every swirl of color, every beam of light refracted through a hand-blown vessel tells a story of creativity, patience, and purpose. As I stood beneath Dale Chihuly’s massive glass installations—delicate yet bold, fragile yet strong—I couldn’t help but think of how beautifully this mirrors God’s handiwork in us.

    Each piece of glass begins formless and colorless, shaped by fire into something breathtaking. The glassblower’s breath gives it life and direction, much like God’s breath of life infused meaning and purpose into humanity (Genesis 2:7). No two pieces are identical, and even the tiny imperfections add to their beauty. Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) also reminds us, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” In the studio, the artist must trust the process. High heat, turning pressure, and time allows the glass to reach its full brilliance. Isn’t that true for us as well? Life’s heat and pressure refine our character. They teach us patience, humility, and resilience. What may feel like breaking is often shaping.

    Jesus reminded His followers in Luke 12:7 (NIV), “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” That verse resonated deeply as I watched the glowing glass cool into perfection. God’s care for us is just as detailed, intentional, and loving. We are not mass-produced souls; we are one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Like the glass suspended in Chihuly’s galleries, we were designed to reflectlight, not our own, but the radiant light of Christ. Each of us refracts His glory in different colors, textures, and stories. The beauty of the kingdom is in its diversity of vessels, all made by the same Master Artist.

    Call to Action

    The next time you walk through a gallery, a garden, or even your daily routine, take a moment to marvel at the craftsmanship around you. Whisper a prayer of gratitude to the Creator who shaped you with intentional love. Then, let His light shine through you, reflecting grace, kindness, and purpose wherever you go.

    Remember: You are God’s masterpiece, hand-blown by His own breath.

  • Gardening 101

    Gardening 101

    At the beginning of the year, I made a list of 10 books I would like to complete before the year is out. Some on the list I have started and never finished. Some are new. I barely read everything I’m supposed to for my classes, let alone fit anything in for pleasure or personal growth. I just finished The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips. I did not know much about Dr. Anita. I knew she was a trauma therapist and a woman of faith. Binging on social media around Thanksgiving, I came across a YouTube video of Oprah’s Super Soul Podcast where Dr. Anita was the guest. During the episode, the pair explores some of the content from The Garden Within. I had not yet heard of the book, but I am a science nerd and trying to become a Jesus junkie, so this was right up my alley. I knew I would not have time to read it just then, but it made me think of a friend. I purchased her a copy and wrote a nice note on the inside cover and gifted it to her for Christmas. (Little did I know someone else had the thought to do the same thing for me, different book, as a parting gift…that’s a-whole-nother post).

    I downloaded the audiobook version (read by the author) for myself, but it’s just something about the feel of a book…taking notes in the margin, chocolate fingerprint smears, wrinkly spots where the drink of the day or silent tears fell. I purchased a hard copy for myself and finally started reading the end of February. I know you may be thinking, it’s the middle of March AND you ain’t got no job, why did it take you so long to finish the book??? BECAUSE, I read through it once while listening to the audio version and marking the spots I needed to pay closer attention to. The second read through, I made notes and highlights of things I wanted to expand my thoughts on. The third time, I took a section of a notebook and hand wrote answers to all the questions that moved me and wrote extensive notes on some of the topics I felt were applicable to my life. That’s just how I do things. I guess it’s the academic in me.

    There are two things in this book that changed my perspective and will help me lead a mentally/emotionally healthier life. The first is the idea of legacy. All of my life, I have heard people speak of legacy as what you leave behind (to be inherited by your future generations). Even the most intelligent, well-intended speakers say this. Every time I hear it, I cringe. You can imagine how that definition is problematic and has a certain level of sensitivity for someone who is single and does not have children. There are some people that choose not to have children, so does that mean their life will be void of legacy? Dr. Anita says no, “Legacy is anything that leaves the world a better place” (p. 41). I put the emphasis on anything because I remember a time when I felt the only things that mattered were things that had a tremendous amount of impact (things that are clearly seen). As I have matured in thought and being, I realize it is “all the things” (like my beloved Texans say), seen and unseen. Even the smallest things can plant a seed that has the potential to bear fruit beyond our expectations and our lifetime.

    The second thing is the idea of purpose. Generally perceived as the ONE thing you were made to do. Many of us spend over half of our lives trying to figure out what that is. And when we don’t figure it out, it can make us feel as if we have failed at life. Consider this…what if it’s not just one thing (the noun)? What if we see it from the action/verb stance? Dr. Anita describes purpose as the why (p. 38).

    Purpose:

    • Meets a need
    • Is productive
    • Is relational

    From this viewpoint, we can find purpose in so many things! The best part is that you will find that when you live on purpose, it is usually through the gifts and talents God has gifted to you. If you are struggling with anxiety, where you fit in life, not ready for a therapist…try reading or listening to The Garden Within. It is an influential work designed to cultivate and flourish the garden of our hearts. Thank you, Dr. Anita Phillips.

    “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” – Ephesians 2:10 NASB 2020

  • Living solo, yet connected

    Living solo, yet connected

    Every now and again I like to experience new things. I usually drift towards the arts because I’m kinda clumsy and not really in the mood to injure myself by being physically adventurous. This past Saturday evening I attended my very first live orchestra event at The Meyerson, home of the Dallas Symphony. There was a link on Facebook to see Sphinx Virtuosi. The 18 member group is a self-conducted, chamber orchestra comprised of Black and Latinx professional artists. I have a whole new appreciation for anyone who plays a string instrument. I tried to teach myself guitar in high school but my metacarpals revolted. Anywho, solo date night is one of the ways I love on myself. It gives me the opportunity to get cute and go out into the world. A little girl (no more than 6) gave me goo-goo eyes and said she loved my jacket. I’ve been to a couple of nice events suggested by Facebook. The candlelight string quartet concert playing Beyonce was probably my fave. It was a vibe. So, if something comes across your timeline, don’t be afraid to try it out!

    On Sunday, I went to church quite early before service. I wanted to get a good seat. Usually in the 30 minutes prior to service, prayer warriors are positioned at the front of the sanctuary for anyone needing prayer. Although I had been praying for discernment regarding the future of my career, I decided it was time for me to engage the community of people I’ve been blessed to fellowship with. One of the ladies in the church had introduced herself to me a few Sundays ago, so when she became available, I headed her way. I gave her a very brief rundown of my prayer request. She asked what area of the hospital I had been working in. I told her. She asked one more question, and after I answered her, she shared she was a retired nurse executive, and said, “I got you.” When I tell you God is always on time…He knows exactly when and how to give you what you need. That woman prayed over all the emotions and circumstances I had been dealing with AND requested for me all the things I had secretly been praying for myself. This was without me going into any detail about why I left my job or what I was hopeful for in the future.

    I believe I have shared before that I am an introvert. Too much “peopl-ing” can drain me. There have been days where I would get home, and I did not have the energy to gather my own thoughts because I was so exhausted. That being said, I am aware of the power of community. I think the key is to be intentional about the people whom you connect with. If there is value added, it makes you less likely to disengage. To all my fellow introverts out there, or even if you are just someone stuck in a social rut, give thought to what type of social/community scenarios give back to you in a way that makes your energy expenditure worthwhile.

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    “and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 NASB 2020

  • S.M.A.R.T. Goals

    S.M.A.R.T. Goals

    Specific – Measurable – Attainable – Relevant – Timely

    Here is the list of goals I have vowed to work on in 2024:

    • Personal:
      • Schedule event with the girlfriend group at least every other month
      • Do something new once a quarter
    • Professional
      • Maintain positive progress (pass each class the 1st time with a B or better) in my DNP program to stay on target for a December 2025 graduation
      • Secure employment by May 1st with an organization that is a 30 minute commute or less, does not interfere with my extracurricular activities (choir, mentoring, board participation), AND does not threaten my sense of well-being
    • Spiritual
      • Join the Unity Choir for 2024 (Done – consists of weekly evening rehearsals and a two Sunday per month performance requirement)
      • 1 hour quiet time daily with the Lord (devotionals, praying, reading the word)
    • Physical/Health
      • Limit eating out to once a week (because it’s getting pricey AND they tryna kill us with everything they put in our food anyway)
      • 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days a week (will use Fitbit tracker)

    Simple enough, right? We shall see. After reviewing these with the therapist, the conversation landed on self-care. She sent me the link to this awesome self-care wheel, because sometimes people have a limited view of what is considered self-care. What are you doing for self-care? If you’re not doing ANYTHING on this wheel, I challenge you to make a S.M.A.R.T. goal or two of your own. Self-care is a form of love. I understand some of us may occasionally have a difficult time loving ourselves because we don’t feel worthy of love. Remember this…

    “And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” – Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT