![]() It’s amazing to think that the students I’m teaching today are about the same age I was when I entered the field of behavioral health nursing, back in May, 1983. I wasn't quite prepared for the hospital environment I entered as a graduate nurse. I was 21-years-old, not at all ready for the psychiatric diagnoses and the staff personalities I was about to encounter. It was fairly easy to get me to blush furiously or burst into tears, sometimes within the space of five minutes. A terror of a nurse, named Jeanette, took me "under her claw". I grew to both fear and respect her simultaneously. One of her first lessons to me, no matter what the circumstance, was to rise above it! In my early years, I remembered this mantra as I gained confidence in dealing with all types of staff and patient behaviors. Through the years, as I was promoted into educational and managerial positions, Jeanette, who always remained an excellent Charge Nurse, would respectfully remind me to rise above it, when she was in a Union capacity or at a Committee meeting. Many of us sadly attended her funeral in the mid-90s, shortly after her retirement on medical disability. She had left a large void at the hospital. This nurse was grumpy on the exterior but soft on the inside. She taught all she knew from her heart and soul. Little did Jeanette know that her words would be my mantra during the darkest 46 hours of my life, when a colleague and I were held at gunpoint by man who could not be reasoned with. I knew that I could not speak or I would be shot again. He was way too volatile. The only choice I had was to keep telling myself to rise above it.
And I thought about other strong women in heaven like my mother-in-law, Arlene, Lillie and Clem and how they would all be helping me rise above it. Our thoughts are more powerful than we realize. Only we have control over them. I know there were other variables at play that resulted in my ultimate survival in 1999. However, I stand firm that positive thinking throughout the ordeal helped me to keep my inner strength and to survive remarkable odds. As such, I haven't given up on Jeanette's mantra. Whether the speedy roadster who cut me off on the way to work or the gentleman at the Mall who slams the door in my face as he is rushing to enter, it’s probably best to rise above it. The offending party probably has something heavy on their mind or could just be rude. It isn't worth ruining my day. Mom and Jeanette were "cut from the same cloth". They both taught me valuable life lessons. Most of what offends us is truly minor in the grand scheme of things. Think about how much effort you want to expend on petty grievances. "WHEN I AM HASSLED ABOUT SOMETHING, I STOP AND ASK MYSELF WHAT DIFFERENCE IT WILL MAKE IN THE NEXT TEN MILLION YEARS, WHICH HELPS ME GET BACK MY PERSPECTIVE." ANNE WILSON SCHAEF Someone else who is great for giving me perspective is Andy Jordan, my rowdy Black Labrador puppy. Please indulge me as I share a collection of our boy playing with some Easter treats from his Auntie Elyse: Before you go...![]() Here are some of the latest worthwhile posts circulating the Weeblyhood... Until next week, take good care of yourself and ‘rise above’ the stuff! Hugs, mar
24 Comments
Dear Mareer,
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Maria, you are beautiful inside and out! How often people give advice but have no experience in what they are trying to tell you. Its like opening an egg shell only to find it empty. Your advice is never empty and always comes from the heart! Your strength, whether garnered from Jeanette, or your inner strenght itself, is a beacon for all to see. God bless.
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Maria......Incredibly wonderful words of wisdom you have shared with us, dear lady. So very true, we need to embrace this mantra and reap the benefits. It fits so well with, "Don't sweat the small stuff,.....and it's all small (in the big scope of things, as you say)
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Dear Paula,
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Theresa
4/8/2015 06:12:07 am
Dear Maria, Thank you for sharing about Jeanette and her wonderful mantra. It certainly has served you well. Yes, let us choose our battles carefully. At times we can become so upset and get into such an emotional state that does no one any good and then we are spent ...and for what? Important message, sweet friend. Hugs and much love, Theresa
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Mike
4/8/2015 07:35:17 am
That boy Andy sure looks like he had a nice Easter and got some toys to keep him mildly entertained. He looks quite comfortable, and does not look like he is going to rise above any mischeive.
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Shauna
4/8/2015 08:18:06 am
Mar, there are so many circumstances in life that we must rise above. If not, we don't grow, move forward, or thrive. It still amazes me that you got through your ordeal and have the heart you have today. Although, now that I think about it, I've done the same after having been blindfolded, held at knife-point, physically violated, then stuffed in a closet with the door barricaded. My claustrophobia and determination to get the hell out of there got me through it, although I was never again able to enter my tiny cottage apartment.
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Certainly not 'nuf of that, my dear Sha...before I tell you how much strength and inspiration I derive from you. Despite the horrors of your past, you remain beautiful and optimistic inside and out.
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Shauna
4/8/2015 11:52:22 am
I love you, my sweet friend. You help me be strong. These are the nuggets of life that can get us through most circumstances even when they are beyond our control. You had more than your share of trials and endurance at the hand of a maniac for such an unendurable amount of time. It is amazing that you came through it and still shine so brightly. As for Mr. Andy, he looks like ten pounds of dynamite in a five pound bag. What a cutie!
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Dear Peg,
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Sunshine
4/8/2015 11:50:33 am
Andy looks so content with his treats! :)
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Dear Mar, 'rise above it' is something I have to tell myself almost every day. Nowadays this is quite easy, but I remember a time in my life when pettiness could keep me in a flat spin for days. What I love about all mantras - the more you practice them the better you become doing it.
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Dear Martie,
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4/9/2015 08:59:40 am
Dear Prof. Mar ☺
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Dear femme,
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Gail Sobotkin
4/10/2015 05:22:59 am
My Dear Maria,
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Dear Gail,
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