Updated & Reblogged Post!!! Still reflecting and looking forward to 2017.
This review of my 2016 is to capture the essence of a year that, in my opinion, has defied the odds! My 2016 has been a roller coaster of a ride of fantastic highs and painful lows. Those of you who’ve stuck it out with me will have an understanding of what I refer to. I am truly grateful to be alive. For anyone who doesn’t get it, that’s ok. The most amazingly important thing is that I am still standing and I am now a calmer, kinder, more tolerant and stronger person. This ‘new and improved’ me is as a result of the challenges that I have had to overcome. You learn more about yourself in your darkest moments. I am grateful that God has blessed me so richly.
I hasten to add that the highs have far outweighed the lows in 2016. I’ve been successful and fulfilled in many areas of my life in 2016. I have achieved a few goals this year that I never dared to dream of before. There’s a risk of being accused of being a show off, however I’m taking that risk because this is my year in review and it should serve to remind others not to give up. So, to recap, in 2016 I have…
- Led the procession of the lamp at The Florence Nightingale Foundation as one of the Florence Nightingale scholars at Westminster Abbey.
- Achieved a major career milestone of being appointed to my first Head of Nursing post at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust. (As I keep highlighting, in the UK, only 3% of us are of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds)
- Co-authored an amazing book for current and future nursing and midwifery leaders with a distinguished group of healthcare leaders. I’m grateful to David Ashton (follow him on Twitter: @DaveAshton_ ) for this wonderful opportunity. There’ll be more details regarding this in January 2017.
- Been featured on the premier website of all things Jamaican – Jamaicans.com. (http://jamaicans.com/jamaican-nichole-mcintosh-head-nursing-national-health-service-trust-london/)
- Been showcased in the Jamaica Observer newspaper. https://twitter.com/mcintoshnichole/status/800646026952511488
- Commenced the ethics phase of my research journey. I now feel confident that I WILL complete my PhD.🙏🏾
I will leave 2016 behind with increased confidence, faithfulness, peace of mind and assurance that my goals are within my reach. I will work diligently to achieve these goals. “Like a boss” is a phrase that epitomises the winner’s mindset that I have now adopted. Yes, I know that there will be tougher times ahead, but hey that’s life. Everyone has them. I said to someone recently that “where there’s life, there will be struggles”. It’s all about how you deal with your obstacles that sets you apart as a winner. You have to rise up and overcome your challenges, like a boss! I’m from solid maroon stock, so being fearless is in my dna. Like the Jamaican National Heroine, Nanny of the Maroons, I shall rise! I claim victory and refuse to accept defeat.
I hope that during 2016, I have inspired at least one other person to rise above their obstacles and claim victory too.
I’m in a happy place. I feel fulfilled while I know there is much more to be done. I will work to break down even more barriers; break some more glass ceilings and release more shackles for those who look up to me as a role model.
There are still 5 days remaining in 2016 following which 2017 has the potential to be even more amazing.
In 2017, I will continue to inspire future nurse leaders to care for patients with care and compassion. I will collect data for my PhD research and start writing up my findings.
I look forward to giving back in any way I can to help others, spending even more precious quality with my family and friends in 2017. Without them, I would not be where I am today. That’s what makes it all worthwhile for me.
Wishing you all a wonderfully blessed Christmas🎄 and an amazing 2017. May all your dreams come true!
It truly is less about how you start & more about how you finish. So finish like a boss!
Featured image: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/50243352066074297/
#TheHumanTouch❤️✍🏾
Nichole McIntosh FRSA 