And away we go...!

When I was a kid, I loved the first day of school.  I planned for it weeks ahead of time, selecting just the right copy books and writing instruments.  

 I found that the teacher quickly set the tone for the entire school year, and some years surely seemed longer than others.

In first grade, I was essentially petrified.  I put the 'Pee' in Perfectionist!  As kindhearted as Sister P. was, I still scratched a big hole in my first assignment from my eraser, striving for perfection.

By the 4th grade, Miss I. had succeeded in convincing me that my armpits stunk...!  Well, actually she was quite strict and was giving us all a lecture on good hygiene.  My egocentric interpretation was to immediately and delicately avert my nose closer to my armpits to see if I was the offending culprit.  Mom had a weird look on her face that night and told me she was pretty sure I wasn't.  

Asserting my voice in the 7th grade by chatting non-stop with my girlfriends,  Sister C. did the unthinkable.  However, I found that by turning my school desk sideways, I got to see things from a whole new perspective. And, really, that was a lesson to keep throughout life, come to think of it! 

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Many years have passed and today I am on the other side of the desk.  I am the teacher!

I still have a sense of excitement on the first day of school.

I greatly look forward to meeting my new group of students.  They are all nurses, with varying years of experience.  They work in all specialties of the field.  They are studying to earn their Bachelors of Science in Nursing.

I am always awed when introductions are made as nurses are typically master jugglers.  I hear about men and women who may have several jobs, caring for generations of family, while enrolled in an accelerated program.  

As talented and skilled as these nurses are on the hospital floor, they are the student in this learning environment.  Stress, insecurity and anxiety can stand in the way of the learning process.  

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So, on the first day of anything, whether a new class or a visit to a new website, I find myself musing, time and time again...

Certain things appear to be universal whenever we begin anew...

**  Time:  No one enjoys wasting their time.  Everyone is busy.  Time management is one of the greatest skills to master.  Tomorrow is not promised, so today needs to count.  
  
**  Compassion:  Even the meanest person has a story, a reason for their behavior.  This by no means is a free pass for rude or dishonorable behavior.  Respectful interactions have never disappointed when practiced consistently.

**  Growth:  It is impossible to expect that every subject would appeal or apply to every person.  Our world is blessedly too big and filled with too many choices!  How wonderful that we get to 'pick and choose' those areas that make us wild with excitement!

I teach nurses.  Believe me, I never assume that nurses take care of themselves the way we expect others to...

I am a whole lot better at self-care than I used to be.  Even still, I need a gentle (or not) nudge from dear friends to practice what I preach!

So, as I launch this new beginning of mar's desk, I invite you to come along for the ride...if you care to join me!  The environment is safe and we can nudge each other along the way as needed.

If you find this is not your cup of tea, please feel free to check out some friends whose writing I would highly recommend:

Sibling Synergy (flashnee.com)
Sib Syn is the web-based company of two sisters.  Angelia (femme) is the unassuming mentor of us all.  She is behind the scenes helping us at every 'techno-graphic' turn, while being a most gifted writer herself.  Alicia (Nee) is the photographer, poet and reflexologist of this simply stunning sister act...!  I look forward to doing a review of Nee's outstanding book which I recently acquired,  'Scribble Shots' soon on my Inspiration Station page.  

The Carolinian's Archives (alastarpacker.weebly.com)
My friend, Alastar Packer, is a Southern gentleman who writes on history, the paranormal and cinema  in a majestic and unforgettable manner..

Sunnie Day's Graceful Intentions (sunniedaysgracefulintentions.com)
Kim Thompson,  also known as Sunnie  Day,  is close to my heart, also a nurse and a most talented writer.  She has been a graceful role model and an inspiration, as I reach my silver years.

Mockingbird-Books (mockingbird-books.weebly.com)
Meet Michael Friedman, the man behind Mockingbird Books.  Check out his audiopods, book covers, poetry, as well as his growing Book Store, featuring some jaw - dropping fiction.

Bravewarrior's Feathered Pen (shaunalbowling.com)
Just one visit is all it will take to feel like you have been forever friends with bravewarrior (Shauna).  Soon you will be dashing off to purchase a pair of rose - colored glasses!

Grief Can Heal (griefcanheal.com)
I felt instantly connected to Vicki's place.  Her words have a way of embracing you, empowering you and making you feel that you are in no way alone. 

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Miss Sammie Hinton

In parting for this week, I wonder if you have someone in your life who has influenced you more than anyone else...?

If so, think and appreciate the many things you have learned...If you care to share, that would be lovely.

Mom, Miss Sammie Hinton, was the greatest influence in my life.  This was a photo taken of her in Washington, Georgia when she was seventeen years old in 1944.

She was always a beauty to me. More importantly, she shared her inner beauty with me so generously.  She shared her amazing wisdom.

One of the most important things Mom believed was that we could learn something from everyone we encountered, whether positive or negative.  She taught me there were everyday opportunities to improve ourselves, to be our best, for ourself.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and check out my musings.  I will do my best to see you weekly on mar's desk and one of my other pages:  Inspiration Station;  Compassion Corner or Poetic Ponderings.
Until then, be happy and peaceful,mar

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"Treat yourself at least as Well
 as you treat other people."
Theodore Rubin