Tag: writing
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Caring Without Losing Yourself: Boundaries, Burnout, and the Courage to Change Paths
The Moment I Realized Boundaries Could Save Me: Lessons Nursing School Left Behind When I was in nursing school, I thought I was preparing for a career built entirely on compassion. I wanted to help people heal, to be someone who could bring calm into chaos. And then the pandemic hit. Everything I thought I…
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Learning to Set Boundaries (and Actually Keep Them)
Setting boundaries can feel impossible—especially when the people you expect to respect them don’t. I’ve struggled with feeling unheard, guilty, and even “wrong” for speaking up. But I’m learning that boundaries are acts of self-respect, not selfishness. Here’s what I’ve discovered about setting limits, keeping them, and creating stronger relationships in the process.
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🏹 Upgrading My Bow & Rediscovering My Love for Archery
After almost 7 months away from the range (thank you, winter), I finally upgraded my bow — and I honestly couldn’t be more excited. The moment I pulled it back, I felt everything I’ve missed about archery come rushing back in. For me, archery has become something way more than a hobby. It’s healing. It’s…
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Gearing Up for Our 2024 Camping/Hunting Trip: The Ultimate Checklist
As the 2024 camping and hunting season approaches, it’s time to start gearing up for the adventure. Packing for a camping trip requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need for comfort, safety, and convenience. With that in mind, I’ve put together a detailed list of everything we’ll need to make this trip…
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From Silence to Strength: My Journey
I work at a small café, tending bar, serving food, and greeting the familiar faces of our regulars. Most days, it’s a decent job — I get to connect with people, make a few smiles happen, and earn a living in a space that feels almost like a second home. But there’s always a shadow…
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Finding Light in the Darkness — How Journaling and Meditation Have Changed My Life
The last few months broke me open in ways I never expected. I lost a parent. I faced conflict at work. I questioned everything — including myself. But through that darkness, I found two practices that helped me find my way back to the light: journaling and meditation. What started as a desperate attempt to…
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The Power of Letting Go: Why You Don’t Have to Be Perfect Every Day
I used to think that if I didn’t do something every single day, I was failing. If I missed a journaling session, skipped meditation, or took a rest day from working out, I’d guilt-trip myself into thinking I wasn’t committed. But here’s what I’ve learned: perfection isn’t necessary for progress—and, in fact, it often holds…
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Preparing for the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure: TAC and Camping/Hunting Trip 2024
As the Total Archery Challenge (TAC) approaches, it’s the perfect time to kick our minds into gear for the adventures ahead. This year’s TAC is just a couple of weeks away, and it’s been the catalyst for reviewing and updating our camping and hunting trip lists. Reflecting on last year’s experiences, we’re fine-tuning our preparations…
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Navigating Simulation Anxiety in Nursing School: It’s All Part of the Journey
I had a woman sit down at my bar the other day and ask me how I was doing, and I responded like I typically do when a customer asks, “Good, and you?” She responds, “I’m doing alright. I just got done with a simulation for nursing school.” When I hear her say this, I…
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Reconnecting with Nature: How Outdoor Adventures Saved My Sanity
In a world that often feels like it’s hurtling forward at a breakneck pace, I was, admittedly, a self-proclaimed homebody. The cozy embrace of familiar surroundings and daily routines had lulled me into a state of blissful complacency, where the idea of reconnecting with nature seemed a distant notion. That was until the seismic shift…
In Need of Nature 