I mentioned in this post, culminating some of my favorite looks from 2014, that this year would be transitional one for me. I said that with hope, more than anything, but I hadn’t exactly “made any moves” yet. A few days later, I was looking at my schedule for the month of January and just immediately said “no” to myself in my head. It looked too familiar, the same exhausting familiar calendar I had gotten so used to seeing. Almost every single month of 2014 was overwhelming and the thought of another month going by running myself ragged was just too much. I decided that something had to be done, that something had to change, and that I would finally have to take the advice I so freely give to everyone with a dream: “Don’t talk about it, be about it.”
At 6:45am this morning, I will clock in for my last shift as a Neurosurgical Progressive Care nurse, and I have a lot of mixed emotions about it. I am excited to feel the weight of having “so much going on” to be lifted off my shoulders the minute I clock out. I am excited to be my own boss. I am excited to be able to spend more time with my friends and my family, and to enjoy their big moments like weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, and small moments like dinners, movies, wine nights, etc. I’m excited to not be consumed with “busy-ness”. I’m excited to have a little bit more down time. I am excited to see my Fish man more. However, I have to pay tribute to this wonderful profession of nursing. I have always always considered it a huge honor to walk in to a patient’s room and introduce myself as their nurse … that I could take care of them for the day, helping to facilitate their plan of care, while also helping them understand what it is that is going on with them so that they feel less anxious and less scared, educating them on how they can take care of themselves better when they leave, while also helping their loved ones understand what’s going on and what the plan is so that they feel less anxious and less scared. And, not only that, but to laugh with them and get to know them, learn about them, and learn from them … it’s a beautiful and precious honor. The hospital is not a glamorous place … it’s a very human place, a very vulnerable place … but, to be honest, I like all things human. I like the vulnerable, the tough, the sensitive, the uncomfortable. If you can’t show me your heart, I’m going to have a hard time understanding you. Being in the hospital forces tough people’s brick walls to crumble, forcing them to really feel, and it’s a scary thing for most. I’m going to sincerely miss experiencing these very human moments, these scary moments, with my patients and their families … when I’m sitting with them on their bed as they tell me how they lost their loved one and how it’s been hard since; or when they met Jesus; or how their children won’t help them manage their medications and they know they don’t remember things as well as they used to; or how they think they’re going to navigate through the decision of whether to try chemotherapy again; or how they’re going to decide whether or not to stay on a blood thinner and risk falling and bleeding to death or not take it and risk having a stroke; or how they met the love of their life (my personal favorite!) etc. Being a nurse has gifted me an enormous perspective on life, and love, and loss that I may not have been able to gain otherwise, and it is a perspective I am truly grateful for. It has helped me see God’s love when, on some days, it was really tough to see and it has taught me how to love people better … how to open up your heart and your arms to people, in whatever condition they are presenting in, and to just love them and serve them like crazy.
So, why the heck am I leaving if I love this unglamorous, yet beautiful, place …. for, what seems like, a super glamorous job like blogging? Well, for one, I’m “busy” for a reason. I am driven by passion. I know that everything in life is a choice. If I wanted to choose to spend more time with my friends and my family this past year, I could have made those choices, but I love what I do, and sometimes, when you have a dream, you have to make sacrifices to see them through. Y’all, I have so much fun putting this little blog together, and I’m so excited that those sacrifices were made because now I’m on the other end of it. I’m finally to the point where I can make this choice to do what I love, and have a passion for, and also spend time with the people I love more often! I want to thank YOU so much for taking the time to visit the blog when you do, however often you do. It means a lot. The wonderful thing about blogging is that I can still love people, right where they’re at. It’s definitely a little different, but I’m thankful that I can still honor God in my work by serving His people. And … the wonderful thing about nursing is … I can always go back 🙂 I fully intend on keeping my licensure requirements up, but am seriously excited to “be about” Sequins & Things this year! [Be sure to read the quote below … it is what made me feel completely reassured in my decision! With God on my side, I’ve got all I need!]
[the quote on a billboard that I read on my way to go put in my two weeks notice as I was starting to lean into my own fear and anxiety; I call these “God winks” when God is totally flirting with you!]
Such a wonderful post, Alyson! I've only started following your blog for the past month and am so excited to see where it goes from here! Your so right… do something you LOVE to do. I hope to do that one day too… i'll be looking for God's winks throughout the journey. 🙂
xo – Andrea
http://www.fancyherstyle.com
That is amazing!! I work in a hospital too and it can get super over-whelming most of the time. Burned out is an understatement. That is why I started blogging. For a creative outlet for myself.
ps- LOVE the layers!
xx, Ashley Rae
http://www.dress2byou.blogspot.com
i am super excited for your new 'old' adventures this year. i think it takes a huge about of self worth/ambition to just say 'no' to what you're used to everyday (the working, the schooling, etc) and to take the last step in the leap of the 'new'. i know you're going to do great things with S&T and can't wait to see what happens.
i need to write that quote down because i tend to worry too much.
You are amazing, Haley. You are absolutely going to touch people just the way you did in that hospital. There are just as many if not more emotionally hurting people than physically hurting, and I don't even know if you realize how much you minister to people who come to your blog. I love your openness and honesty about your faith and sharing Jesus. It is truly inspiring. You give a feeling of safety, just through your writing, and I bet most of these girls would share their life story with you in a heartbeat because you're so compassionate. So excited for you in this next step. A huge congratulations and a hope for less busy days ahead. You're a truly amazing and inspiring woman of God, and even though I don't know you, I respect you and look up to you! Thanks for being a wonderful example. Much love, Christine
Congrats and good luck! Very excited for you, wishing you all the best on your new adventure! Also love both those quotes!
-Karen
http://www.ladyinviolet.com
Congratulations! God will so bless your life and I'm sure you're right where He wants you!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Congratulations Haley! What an exciting time for you! 🙂
http://www.wearitforless.com
I recently followed you on Instagram and this is the first time I have visited your blog. I followed you because of your fashion sense (obviously) but became more intrigued once I discovered you are in the health field. I am a future pharmacist (1.5 years until graduation) and am inspired by your interest in both style and caring for people. I also admire your faith. Know you are an inspiration to many. Best of luck!
Tori
Life is all about choices in the moment. I hope you are happy with your decision and I think you explained your decision wonderfully. Good luck and have fun with it!
Gorgeous look! Love the coat 🙂
xx,
pslilyboutique.com
I am obsessed with you necklace and jacket! Such an amazing look!
Liz
http://www.liztheaustinite.com
Nice coat !
http://fruityandpassion.blogspot.co.uk/
Good luck!!! Loving the quotes too
The Fashion Forecast
LOVE LOVE LOVE that quote. So happy for you.
I'm so happy that you have enjoyed your time as a nurse and that you are able to pursue your other dreams. People don't realize how hard blogging actually is, and I applaud you for taking a leap of faith and pouring your heart and soul into Sequins & Things.
Congrats on your achievements both as a nurse and a blogger! Being both simultaneously is serious work! Wish you the best and can't wait to see what's next for Sequins and Things!
Stefanie | Petite Chic Girl
petitechicgirl.com
So happy for you! Major props for following your passion!
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and cannot wait to see what is next for Sequins and Things. It takes a lot of guts to do what you did, and for that, I commend you. Best of luck! I know 2015 is going to be a great year for you.
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
Congrats on your bravery! Such an exciting life step.
Yay for you! Isn't it just the best to know that Gods hands are on you and you are totally safe! Congratulations on being so brave in following your dreams, you are true role model!
xxoo
Melissa
Alyson,
I just have to say I absolutely love reading your blog. You are the sweetest most genuine person. I work in healthcare too and began a fashion & lifestyle blog last year. People are often surprised (just like they are with you!) that I live two very opposite lives! But also, like you, I am passionate and driven by both. I think it is wonderful that you are devoting all of your time and energy into one thing that will be the most fulfilling for you! Good luck with your new beginning!
XO, Ashley
http://www.ashleyerosalee.blogspot.com
P.S. That totally a lyric from The Fray and I've always loved it 🙌💗
Being a nurse is a profession that is very exhausting with long hours.. but so important and rewarding! It's a calling, so there could indeed be a high probability that you might go back to it. 🙂
Also, you look great in this outfit.. love those heels! 🙂
Geekette in High Heels
I love that you mixed this deep wine color with the pink kendra scott necklace! Such a great combo and to finish it off with that lovely camel coat and those SHOES!! So glad we connected on instagram! P.S. You would love our Blushing Pink Outfit Post that we shared on the blog today!
xo, Jennifer
Seek Wander Share
Follow Seek Wander Share on Instagram
Haley, This letter, and post, it was so amazing and touching! What a strong heart and determination you have to follow what you know in your heart is right for you!
I respect your hard work, belief in Gods plan for you, and sincere love and empathy you have for others.
Not to mention how articulate and beautifully you write!
You are truly an amazing, individual, and I hope you see that.
You also reminded me this morning to trust that God will be there for me when I make heartfelt decisions. And not be afraid to follow them. ❤️
Thanks so much for reading and for your sweet message! xo.