Miscellany | A beginner, of the older variety

On being an old beginner

Sometimes at my job, I feel like a very late bloomer.

Every single one of my educators and preceptors has been younger than me, sometimes by decades. Several of them could be my children, because they are, in fact, the ages of my children. (!!)

It is an interesting feeling, being a beginner at midlife; while it’s the expected state in your first couple of decades of life, it is a less familiar sensation in your fourth decade.

In a recent issue of James Clear’s newsletter, he said:

Intelligence isn’t just about what you know. It is also the ability to avoid being your own bottleneck.

• If you lack the skills, be willing to look foolish while you learn them.
• If you lack the connections, be courageous enough to reach out and build them.
• If you feel uncertain, be bold enough to figure it out along the way.

Many people have the ability, but they talk themselves out of trying.

And I found this encouraging!

Yes, I’m an older newbie, but I have not let my age be a bottleneck; I’ve been willing to look foolish, ask questions, and figure it out along the way. 

This cornstarch packaging: 10/10

Every time I use my cornstarch, I am reminded of how much I love that it comes in a lidded container vs. that stupid bag-in-a-box situation that is more common.

I have never managed to use the latter without making a mess, so I am wildly appreciative of this container.

It’s the small things. 😉 

Reminder: do a fridge sweep

Yesterday, I gave my fridge a look-over to find all the odds and ends that needed to be used up.

 So today, I’m reminding you to do the same! 

Out of sight is out of mind, so go lay eyes on your fridge contents. 😉 

Second reminder: it’s hard to get to zero food waste

Despite the fact that I have been actively fighting food waste since 2008, I still rarely have a week with absolutely no waste. 

case in point

And that’s because going from 90% waste-free to 100% waste-free requires a disproportional amount of effort. 

I have made peace with that because, honestly, if most people on the planet cut their food waste even in half, that would make a tremendous impact. 

Close enough is good enough, in this case. 

Today is my first day nursing on my own

I have one shift today, and then starting on Halloween day, I’ll work five shifts in six days (which is actually my own fault; I scheduled myself this way so I could cover Halloween and the day after, since I don’t have small kids!)

Anyway…I’m a little bit nervous.

But I am reminding myself that I have been thoroughly trained. Also, nursing is a team sport; there are always experienced nurses nearby who can help me if I get stuck. 

I can do this. 

Got some random things in your brain? Share your own miscellany in the comments if you’d like to join me!