Becoming Active

A Call for Involvement

Powerlessness is a fallacy. It is an excuse to accept the status quo. We all have the freedom to improve the environment in which we work. This freedom is not just a dream. It is just beyond the fences and we build those fences all by ourselves.

There have been so many that felt powerless in their roles in life: Thomas Jefferson, Harriet Tubman, Golda Meir, Helen Keller, Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Margaret Sanger. The list is endless. But there is a lesson to be taken from their lives – that none of us can afford to be onlookers. None of us can stand to be critics on the sidelines.

There are days when I witness more than one nurse stating, “I think about getting my realtor’s license more and more.” “I’d love to have my own florist shop.” “I only have this many years left before I can retire.”

Recognize the fact that we mold the future to our will. Our state of mind, our quality of imagination, the love of adventure over the life of ease, the conviction of our possibilities in this evolving arena of health care is what will prompt us to create positive change.

This profession of ours is sustaining multiple twists and turns every day, coming at us from every direction.

One does not have to get angry to be heard, but when the one who always has much to say says nothing, that silence can be deafening.

When you do share your knowledge with another about your profession, send forth a ripple of hope. Display courage. A wave of courage that will sweep down the walls of mistrust.

Our profession is that work of art and each one of us are its creators.

There is a story of a wise man in India who was riding on the back of an elephant. He was sitting in the howdah beside his traveling companion. Their elephant was fourth in line in the procession. Each elephant before them was taller and wider than the one before it.

The companion turned to the wise man and asked, “Is this the right way?”

The wise man turned to him and answered, “How would I know? If you are not the lead elephant, the scenery never changes.”

Debra Colvin, RNC
Board Member