Nomadic Nurse Diaries

Dear Diary,

Today, I witnessed a scene that pulled me out of my routine and made me stop and think. It happened as I was heading to the gas station, a mundane task that became anything but.

Amidst the usual city chaos—the honking horns, frustrated drivers, and hurried pedestrians—I noticed a man. He must have been in his 50s, with an energy that seemed at odds with his age. He wasn’t just walking down the street; he was bouncing, dancing, and nodding his head to an unheard beat. His joy was palpable, infectious.

What struck me most was his “instrument.” He clutched a long metal grabber, the kind used for picking up trash, and played it like a guitar. His massive smile lit up the street, making the chaos around him seem irrelevant. There he was, a perfectly content man with nothing but a makeshift “guitar,” finding happiness in the simplest of things.

This man’s happiness contrasted starkly with the stress and busyness around him. It made me realize the importance of finding joy in the little things, even in the most unexpected places. Lately, with my new role as a nurse in a prison and the ongoing adjustments to night shifts, life has felt overwhelmingly hectic. Seeing this man reminded me that joy can be found in the simplest moments, even when surrounded by chaos.

His actions also exemplified the essence of mindfulness and being present. As I navigate this new chapter, I’ve been so focused on the future and the challenges ahead that I often forget to live in the present. This man, lost in his own world, showed me the power of being fully engaged in the moment, finding contentment right where we are.

Watching him, I couldn’t help but think about social norms and expectations. His carefree attitude challenged the typical behavior we see on busy city streets. It made me reflect on the freedom that comes with not caring about what others think. In my journey of traveling across the USA in my van, embracing a minimalist lifestyle, and now working in a prison, I’ve had to let go of many societal expectations. This man was a vivid reminder that true liberation comes from within.

This small moment also shifted my perspective for the day. It’s amazing how an unexpected sighting can change your outlook. It reminded me that life’s beauty often lies in the simplest, most unanticipated moments. With the stress of transitioning to a new job and adjusting to a different kind of nursing care, this perspective shift was exactly what I needed. Sometimes, the most profound lessons come from the most ordinary occurrences.

Lastly, the simplicity of the man’s joy stood in stark contrast to the complexity of modern life. My recent experiences—leaving the ICU, embarking on a travel nursing adventure, and living out of my van with my pets—have taught me that happiness isn’t about accumulating more but appreciating what we have. This man, with his makeshift “guitar,” was a perfect illustration of how we can find contentment in simplicity.

As I drove away, I couldn’t help but smile and feel a shift in my own mood. This man, with his makeshift “guitar” and infectious smile, reminded me of the power of perspective. Sometimes, it’s not about the music we hear but the music we feel that makes all the difference.

So, today’s lesson is simple: happiness isn’t about what we have or what we achieve. It’s about how we choose to see the world and the joy we create in our own unique ways.

This moment is a reminder to dance to my own rhythm, regardless of the noise around me.

Keep dancing to your own rhythm,

The Nomadic Nurse 🥰