In her latest post, Corey Ann Rotella, CNA, shares her thoughts about mindfulness–going through the day being truly alive and aware of each moment. Please share your thoughts on this subject below!
As CNAs, one of the biggest benefits of our job is the gift of awareness. So many in this world seem to sleepwalk through life, unaware of how quickly it passes. We all have our moments of wasting time. A difficult shift, troubles at home and the daily struggles of living can make it so easy to wish minutes away without giving it a second thought. However, those of us who care for the sick and elderly are more in tune with how valuable each moment really is. After all, we are surrounded by people who would give quite a bit to have wasted moments back.
Often, as I go through my shift assisting my residents with their activities of daily living, I listen to them as they reminisce about times gone by, both good and bad. They talk about family and friends and joys and heartbreaks. They tell me their stories, some of which I have heard dozens of times. I never tell them that they are repeating themselves. I just smile and listen. Each story they share with me has countless lessons.
It is no small feat to reach the age of ninety-three, outlive everyone you know and love and still find both joy and humor in the little things: a good, strong cup of coffee, a hot shower, a purple blouse. The simple, tiny little luxuries that we so often take for granted matter greatly to my residents. This is important. This is worth bearing in mind.
We live in a fast paced world. It is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of our own lives, to run full speed through the times that matter most. Who has time to “stop and smell the roses” when we have friends, families, jobs and obligations? And yet, it is those who live in the moment who make the most of life.
We CNAs are gifted to care for those who have learned this in hindsight. We work in an environment that is a constant reminder to BE IN THE MOMENT, to keep our head where our feet are. Time spent regretting yesterday or fretting tomorrow is time wasted. My residents teach me that every single day. They remind me to never take my time for granted. Do I do this perfectly? Of course not. But I do keep it in the forefront of my mind and when I do forget, this little saying helps remind me:
Yesterday is HISTORY. Tomorrow’s a MYSTERY. The gift is TODAY, that’s why they call it the present.
All of us at In the Know agree with Corey. Life is fuller and richer when we live in the moment! Take a look at how living in the moment affected the 20 cancer patients in this video…
