Thursday, January 18, 2007

Today I had an exercise in Self Confidence...

I was booked for a CPR class today. I was running late, as per usual. I went in and sat down. I have been through so many of these classes in the past, it isn't like it was all new to me.

We were having a discussion about doing CPR and bagging a patient. He asked the class if anyone had ever done it, there were two of us who had. The discussion went on a little longer then he asked for us to get into groups of three to practice the bagger.

The two women beside me were both PCA's from the nursing home across the parking lot from my hospital. They said, "Oh, we will take you!! You have so much experience." I just smiled and joined them. The CPR instructor pipes up in his offhand humour way, "Oh, from being picked last for the team to being picked first!" Without even thinking I looked this man in the eye and said, "I have NEVER been picked last for ANY team." At first I didn't really realize the power in the statement I had made.

Only after a few minutes, when his respect for me had obviously shifted to the positive. When I found myself very at ease, did I realize how I had empowered myself by that simple statement. In essence, I had told him, "I am worthy, capable and intelligent, do not belittle me". After the class was done, I thought about this some more. I felt so good about myself. The fact that I didn't get 100% on the written test afterward didn't even matter anymore.

I relayed this story to my sweet dear friend, the one who has been the fuel to this fire I am creating in myself. The one that is always telling me how wonderful, beautiful and incredible that I am. As I told him the story, he just said, "You know, I love you so much". He was just so proud of me for taking that step, he so completely understood what a milestone it was. I know it was just a simple statement, but to me, it has given me a profound sense of self.

Today, what I like about me.......ME!

6 comments:

Desiree said...

Cool...way cool! You go girl! It's a beautiful thing to bear witness to a soul blossoming!

Anonymous said...

I was always picked last for all the teams. Now I'm an athlete which is weird, I waited until I was forty to become an athlete. As for being thin, been thin all my life, never caused me any great happiness. Sorry, having a bad day. Nice to find your blog, I'm a nurse in Alberta as well, in Edmonton.

OhTheJoys said...

Bravo, Iris!

livewithrealme said...

Funny, I could have written deb's comment (even the part about being thin "never caused me any great happiness."). When I was a kid, I was always picked last. Now at 35, in my cardio tennis class, I was made "captain" of a team! It was only for a silly drill but it felt sooo good! Good for you for standing up for yourself!

Desiree said...

Gee I sure do miss your posts!

B.S. said...

My hat's off to you for having the courage to stand up for yourself like that. I don't think I could have done that.

You are blessed to have a friend who is so encouraging and supportive.

Hugs,
Betty