I’ve been selfish.
For those that don’t know or are new here, welcome to In Fine Fettle. A blog where we talk about all things… but mostly life.
The focus of this blog is to join together in living a life “In Fine Fettle.” Which means, good health and good spirits and in a world thats constantly changing, learning how to overcome, adapt, and become the best version of ourselves.
So, now that we at least all know a little bit about what to expect here… lets start by talking a little about the recent trip from Florida back to Ohio.
Back in November, I started my career as a travel nurse (and also a nomad…), traveling month to month somewhere new with no permanent place of residency. Doing whatever it takes to make every place feel a little bit like home.
I just finished a contract in Miami FL and yes, it was everything it sounds like and more. I loved spending time alongside the ocean every day, I loved even more the opportunity of exploring the creatures that live within the ocean scuba diving.
The people, the experiences, the opportunities, the adventures… typically I’m not a person that falls in love easily but I will admit Florida may have stole half my heart.
Onto today, waking up not alongside the ocean but in good ole Van Wert, Ohio.
Never heard of it? Well, that’s okay because truthfully most people haven’t.
These crisis contracts (“covid crisis contracts”) are not as plentiful as they once were. Therefore, with limited options available I accepted a 4 week contract in Oregon, Ohio. East of Toledo’s boarder (which, is where I went to college) and lets just say I wasn’t happy about it.
I’ve tried keeping a positive mindset, that I can do anything for four weeks.
Then God blessed me with 2 days back to back of no sunshine, it was 28 degrees on my way to work, I tried and failed 3 different times joining a gym with an indoor pool due to the pool being drained.. or merely schedule interferences.
I hate to be dramatic but I have always promised to be honest here, raw with you because with vulnerability comes relatability and I believe theres a lesson here we could all learn and be reminded of!
I missed my life back in Florida… I felt like I just got a taste of all this world has to offer, I felt alive and I felt free. Then, I came back to Ohio and felt like I lost it all… I felt like I just took 5 steps back.
I FELT STUCK. TRAPPED.
Surely I can’t be the only one. I know you’ve felt this before too.
Someone I was blessed to have meant in Florida, someone I now consider a friend recommended this book, Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols to me.
As I continued reading through it, something hit me.
How could I be so selfish?
“…what makes humans happy both in the moment and in their lives as a whole. Why do some people seem happier than others regardless of circumstances? … Research psychologists Sonja Lyubomirsky, Kennon Sheldon, and David Schkade theories that we each have a happiness ‘baseline; that is determined by 3 factors (1) a genetically determined ‘set point’ for happiness (2) spending time in circumstances that make us happy (3) CHOOSING happiness- generating activities and practices. They believe that while genetic predisposition accounts for around 50% of our level of happiness, circumstances (culture, country, demographics- age, gender, ethnicity, personal history, and life station factors like- marital status, occupation, health and socioeconomic level) contribute only 10%. The other 40% is shaped by voluntarily pursuing personal goals through meaningful activities.”
(Nichols 46)
Let me say this again for y’all, I don’t want you to miss this!
40% of our happiness is estimated to be shaped by VOLUNTARILY pursuing our own personal goals through meaningful activities.
I don’t believe that anything happens by accident. There is a purpose for every circumstance, every person that’s ever made an impact on your life (good or bad), purpose for your past, your childhood, there is a purpose for everything.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps
Proverbs 16:9
This is a verse I am constantly referencing because it’s constantly making way into my life, my heart. Although it feels as though my heart is anywhere but in Ohio… God has placed me here for a PURPOSE.
Whatever your current circumstance (again, good or bad), God has you there for a purpose!
Let me ask you, are you making the most of your circumstances today? Are you choosing happiness?
I’ve been so selfish and focusing on all the things Toledo, Ohio can’t give me that I brought myself into a slump and I let myself lose sight of my purpose.
I CHOSE to let my emotions get the best of me but now I am choosing to take back control and it’s time you do the same!
You are in charge of your own destiny.
To make a difference to be different you have to choose differently! Attitude will always take you further than skill.
So choose to stay or choose to go but no matter what, choose happiness because you deserve it! The people around you deserve it!
(nobody needs an Eeyore in there life)
My heart is to serve God above all things. Yesterday he reminded me that my purpose here on earth is to serve and not to be served. His plans are greater, his thoughts higher.
I am surrendered to his will and I am dedicated to making the most out of these next 4 weeks here in Ohio, serving others to the best of my ability. Although its a little chiller than I’d like it to be, I am blessed with so much and excited to be able to rekindle some old friendships.
Wherever you are today, whatever obstacles you face let this be your motivation to make the best of it! Chase those goals and follow those dreams.
Take control of your destiny.
Until next time
xoxo
Claire Zaleski
InFineFettle 