A New Beginning…

Today is full of excitement, with a side of anxiety. Tomorrow, I start a new travel position at a hospital back home – after taking a 3-month break. I can’t wait for this new opportunity, but I also have the expected anxiety of starting somewhere new. 

Starting at a new hospital is always a little scary. The excitement of a new beginning comes with the anxiety of the unknown. 

Every new travel assignment is like walking into a new world. New faces, a different environment, and no idea of what to expect. 

My first thoughts on returning to work used to be filled with instant dread and anxiety. However this time, I have shifted my perspective. I now see opportunities to grow as a person, meet new people, and enact the change I want to see.

With every new beginning, there is potential to create and grow. Having a fresh start means I get to define my expectations. It is a clean slate, a new place, with new people.

Going in I know there is less responsibility on my shoulders as the “new hire.” I also know that all eyes won’t immediatly turn to me for help whenever something goes wrong. This combination is thrilling!

The stress of everything falling apart around me is now gone because I know I can handle anything after my last assignment. 

In this new beginning, I refuse to fall back into negative patterns. I will continue to break my own negative cycles and be the best version of myself. 

LOOKS LIKE IT IS TIME TO PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH! 

Today I affirm that I will approach this job in a way I never have before – with boundaries and confidence. 

I will not allow myself to become consumed with my job. There will be no more stressing about work on my days off. 

Working myself to death for 12 hours without stopping to eat or use the bathroom will stop. I will take the time I deserve for my own mental health’s sake. 

I will not allow people to abuse my kindness and compassion. 

Each day will begin with a positive approach and any negativity surrounding me will not affect me. My positive energy will outshine the negative.  

I will advocate for myself as well as my patients without fear. 

The thoughts of others will no longer linger in my mind. I will not allow the perception of others control how I feel about myself. 

I will put my needs first. The fear of speaking out for my needs no longer exists. 

The self-doubt will come to a cease. I will have more confidence in myself and my abilities. 

I will not be overworked and overwhelmed. Taking on way more than I can chew is no longer an option. 

The fear of anxiety no longer exists. I am capable of controlling my emotions and dealing with them appropriately. 

I will help change the perspective of my coworkers. The working environment and culture for nurses NEEDS change. I will be the change I want to see.  

I will continue to work on myself at home.

My mental health will not be placed on the back burner again. I will take time for myself and keep up with my self-care. 

I will no longer allow myself to be too exhausted to enjoy my days off. I will get the rest I need. Life is meant to be lived – I won’t be sleeping my time away. 

My physical health will not be affected by working long hours. I will make time to nourish and hydrate my body.

I will take time to slow down and keep my mental health under control. Keeping all my needs in mind, I will be more mindful.

The emotions from work will not be coming home with me. I will work through the difficult days and leave them at the time clock. 

I will continue to heal myself and help better others. 

The anxiety of a new beginning will not change me or my view of myself.

Anxiety no longer controls me – I control it. 

I will walk in with confidence, not fearing the judgment of others. Continue to be myself, knowing everyone will not accept it. 

My head will remain held high because I am the only one who can determine my worth. 

I will not allow the fear of starting something new cloud the excitement.

When you begin to fear starting something new, change your perspective!

Don’t be afraid of the unknown of a new beginning! Remind yourself of all the positive outcomes possible. Assure yourself you will succeed. 

Sometimes, we all need to be our own hype man. 

Next time you fear a new situation or a fresh start, sit down and dump all the thoughts you are having onto a piece of paper. Now, look at the words you have written. Mark through every negative thought you had and replace it with something positive – like an affirmation.

Affirmations are a powerful tool. I view them as a promise to myself. They allow me to give myself the reassurance that I know my worth and boundaries. 

I will admit, simply doing this process and writing these affirmations to myself gave me more confidence than I had before this post! I now know what I expect of myself. I now have less anxiety about the unknown. 

This week, I will take my own advice and be the fierce lion I am! 

With love,

-cg<3