Be happy

Today, I had a heavy heart.

When you work as a nurse, it happens every now and then. When I opened my eyes, all I wanted to do was pull the covers back over my head and sleep the day away. I was eager to not face the world. You ever have those days? I wanted that easy escape of falling down the well of warm blankets and soft, cozy goodness.

I chose to get up.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Anne Frank. In Diary of a Young Girl she says, “Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” In the midst of everything that she lived through, she was still able to see the goodness in the world! She could still embrace the positive. She is one of my role models… most definitely.

I did a part yogi, part grizzly bear stretch and growl before making my bed and feeding the mini tiger known as Makai. I ordered an onion bagel from my favorite bagel shop and cleaned up my desk to get some work done. I realized that I am so very fortunate. Two days ago, I would have asked you why I was silly enough to pay a chunk of money for grad school to be tortured, but really, I just needed to look at it from a different angle. I am in a fortunate enough situation to be able to study more and to have the tuition assistance that I do. Some, like Anne Frank, did not have such opportunities.

Part way through the day, I enjoyed a walk to the cheese shoppe with my friend Jorge. It was nice to chat and catch up as I don’t see him as much as I used to pre-COVID. Friendly banter and cheese? Winner winner afternoon dinner!

Spoke on the phone with a friend about life as a nurse. Having someone to sound board with who knows what your daily occupational activities look like is really special. Some things cannot be held on to or carried like the pendulous chains Jacob Marley forged in his lifetime. Sometimes word vomit is the best medicine!

After some more studying, I was able to sit down with dinner and a movie. I can’t study all day like some. I need brain breaks! Tonight’s movie was just lovely. “One Night in Miami…” follows Malcolm X, Cassius Clay, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown through a fictitious portrayal of what happened on the night of February 25th, 1964. What a beautiful film!

In the book Emma, Jane Austen wrote, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” This pandemic has tried this statement, but as a person who still leaves the house for work, I have to say that some pajamas, a comfy blanket, and a three wick candle really can lift the spirits quite high.

My recommendation is that if you happen to wake up tomorrow and have a heavy heart, remind yourself of all the good that is surrounding you! And if you need help, you can always turn to Mar’s Mini Tales!