This post was written by Lydia Miller, manager, Parkview Chaplaincy.
At the hospital, we have what we call “shift change.” It’s a time to reflect on the past few hours, regroup, make necessary changes, and move forward with a new team and a plan of care. Sometimes, shift changes are relatively seamless and more of a continuation of the good work that has begun. Other times, there is a dramatic shift change filled with twists and turns. These changes can be challenging for all involved.
If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that we can shift and change more than ever before. And, if we are being honest, it has not been painless, seamless or problem-free. It has required intentionality, perseverance, and, at times, a questioning of our life’s calling. Pivoting on a moment’s notice has become a part of our daily routine and has left us drained and exhausted.
However, it’s not been all bad. We have had the opportunity to be innovative in ways we never dared imagine. We’ve formed close bonds with co-workers. We’ve triaged, prioritized, and grown in our roles personally and professionally. We are learning the value of self-care. Thinking outside of the box has taken on new meaning and has expanded horizons beyond our wildest dreams.
A few years ago, my family of four faced an enormous life shift which completely changed life as we knew it. In a couple of short, long years, we embarked on a journey of epic proportions. A cancer diagnosis for one, a chronic, debilitating diagnosis for another, six collective major surgeries and a sudden career change left us scratching our heads and wondering if we should start a chapter of “The Book of Job Club.” While the days and months were often excruciatingly painful – physically and emotionally – our family learned some valuable lessons during that season. Many of those lessons came to mind at the onset of the pandemic and continue to be valuable tools to this day.
Take the time to grieve loss(es). We’ve all lost something during this season. Whether it is the death of a dream or a death of a loved one, we have all experienced life shifts that have left us reeling. Taking the time to mourn is not only helpful, but also essential. So, take the time to cry, journal, read the Psalms (there is something so relatable about the brutal honesty of the author as he cried out to God!), scream, talk to a friend or go to a counselor.
Consider finding three things for which you are thankful and write them down. On hard days, give yourself grace and space. As chaplains often say, “Some days, it’s enough just to breathe and that’s okay.”
Give yourself permission to get off the “hamster wheel of life.” Major life crises require us to be present and stay in the moment. There is little time for all of life’s extras, whether it’s unnecessary activities or toxic relationships. It can be freeing to let go of the pressures and demands you carried in survival mode. Focus on what requires your attention and let the rest go.
Make plans to do something that feeds your heart, body and soul. Whether it’s a day away to walk in the woods, a week’s vacation at the beach, or taking the time to read a favorite book, take active steps toward a goal. Having something to look forward to instills hope.
Control what you can. As a friend recently stated, “My house is never cleaner or more organized than when I am going through a crisis.” Routines, schedules and , rituals can help when all seems out of control.
Dare to hope that this too shall pass. The news talks of moving from pandemic to endemic. The book of Ecclesiastes talks about life having seasons for everything. So, we hold hope that good shifts are coming. Storms don’t last forever. Winter is nearly over, and spring is on its way. We know that if there is life, there will always be change. And we know that even good change can be hard. Yet, we dare to hope that, just as a shift change in the hospital brings a new energy and perspective from a new team, the shift change of life will bring brighter days ahead.
