Where do I fit as a “Learner and Leader in the 21st century?

Listening to Dr. Patterson this morning I started reflecting on my own style of learning- Many of the attributes that she discussed in her talk resonate with me. I identified with students hearing about what makes them successful, learners, and what empowers me to be a successful leader.

It was not surprising to hear the speaker refer to the three as being connected.

She described how students  need to experience a sense of “ belonging,  safety and self-esteem, “ she noted that students need to have these basic needs met before engaging  and connecting, and only then can they experience a sense of value.  I see these essential elements to my own learning as a student and as essential elements to my workplace. Through my Med program and working in a cohort, I have discovered rich connections that have left me feeling safe, connected and that have empowered me as a leader.

I believe that my role as a Nurse Educator I have a responsibility to role model and demonstrate leadership.  I am hopeful that I exhibit the qualities that she describes as being “honest, forward thinking, competent and inspiring.  I believe that I exhibit these qualities in conversation and in practice; that being said, I need to keep on my toes and  revisit this list in an earnest attempt at self-reflection.

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Hello Healers!

Inspired by Marina, I have joined a Zumba class.  It runs every Friday morning at my local rec center.  I am hoping I can bring some of the energy to our Friday evening classes.

Taking Action

I was inspired by a group of grade six students at my son’s school, who did a presentation on the Plastic Vortex.  The kids researched the topic, did a beach cleanup, and did a bang up job on their presentation.  They took action as a class, by ensuring they all brought in their cutlery from home to gobble down their cafeteria lunch.

What could I do?   Start small.  Of course we all recycle, but reducing is seemingly more difficult.  I wanted to look for opportunities to contribute to our environmental health.

So this is me taking action this month (at home and at work)

First things first, my family and I went to the river and did a clean up.  Sadly, we picked up a full bag of junk, mainly plastics and metal.

Next I ordered glass water pitchers and drinking glasses for an upcoming nursing retreat.  Last year we consumed over 140 bottles of water!  It was so wasteful!

Lastly in keeping with healthy living and health education, I have organized a guided walk around Burnaby Lake for our retreat, and am still working on finding someone to lead our group in some Thai Chi moves in the morning.

Living well………Mary

Every day we have an opportunity

Winter blues and a bad cold

I wonder if my concept of health is affected by the weather. Not sure what came first my winter blues or my cold. Yesterday, I went for my usual swim and a quick walk.  I was bundled but still felt the dampness. All day long I felt cold.  Today I am fighting a cold and feel miserable.  Tonight I will curl up with a hot toddy and a blanket and try to get to bed early.  I like to keep it natural...anyone have any good ideas for fighting off a winter cold and the winter blahs?

I Am Breathing

If you recall in my first blog I said I need to do Thai Chi, Yoga , Deep breathe or something.  Well guess what? I am breathing!  I practice this every day.
I remember many years ago scuba diving.  On one particular occasion, I was on a night dive.  At one point we turned off our flashlights and just lay suspended over the ocean floor.  We were enveloped by total darkness, The only sound was that of my own breath.   It was calming and invigorating at the same time.
As you know I like to swim; I have been swimming for many years.  After a swim, my body feels more relaxed, my stiffness goes away and I feel fresh.  Over the years I have taken lessons and have joined a Masters swim program in attempts to improve my technique..  Timing and Breathing are important aspects of my stroke, but guess what?  My breathing technique is now improving my experience!.  I am now feeling that same sense of calm  and invigoration that I experienced on that dive many years ago. Now with every breath I take I use my breath for energy.  On exhalation, my arm reaches even further (or so I think)  I feel more powerful, although my time has not changed. I leave the change room feeling like I have accomplished something great.  Just Breathe!

Different Styles different messages

As I continue my journey through wellness, I have found myself thinking about the people in my life that help have supported me. Teachers, family and friends and coaches all help guide in this process.  Attending the Mane event really got me thinking about my own style in the classroom.  I  have started paying much more attention to the way I move amongst my students, role model interactions with patients and so on.
My daughter is a dancer.  she does hip hop, jazz, lyrical and ballet.  She loves them all, but struggles with one of her ballet classes

She describes her situation as feeling picked on.  She has two different teachers.  After Tuesday class, she comes home engaged, happy and thoughtful.  On her Thursday class she gets in the car with a negative energy.  It wasn't until last week that she described why she was feeling so low.
Tuesdays, my teacher  S says I am doing great.  "Today she really liked my point."  She loves me.  Then on Thursdays "I feel  really humiliated.  Ms R is always picking on me. "  It all came flooding out.  One day she put duct tape along the inside of my legs so she could watch them turn.  She didn't do that to anyone else."  Last week she took a video of me and made the entire class watch what not to do."  She continued with stories of classroom humiliation.
Now my daughters confidence is eroding and we  are both confused.  Is the first teacher giving false  praise and allowing my daughter to think that she is doing well?  I am sure that the second teacher is well intended, however singling a child out amongst others is having negative consequences.