Do you know what happened today? I became a published author! Granted, it’s just an essay in a nursing journal, but it’s kind of exciting to me. Not only because it’s validating, in regards to my writing, but because it’s a story that changed my life and I’m just full of joy it’s being shared. Maybe, just maybe… it will change someone’s perception. That’s how we change the world…one person at a time, one story at a time, right?
I find I do my best writing when I’m being honest. Not necessarily honest about other things and other people, but about myself. When I strip down to the raw details, exposing my flaws, owning my deficits… being real… it doesn’t matter if anyone else likes it, or praises it, or praises me. All that matters is I’m being true. And I think everyone can relate to someone being honest and vulnerable, whether they agree with them or not.
My essay tells the story of a difficult nursing experience I had with an alcoholic. Spoiler alert: I’m the asshole in the story. If you want to check it out, you can read it in the American Journal of Nursing by clicking here.
This shameless plug of my newly published essay was written in response to Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Social Consciousness Saturday.
The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS September 30-17
Oh, it’s “just” The American Journal of Nursing! That’s impressive. Be proud, Jami! This is not just an essay. It’s a moving story, a lesson for all of us, that we are all human. I felt tears well up several times while reading it. Well done! I shared it on FB and on twitter.
Ha..well, I meant it’s not a book or anything. Thank you. I can tell you, there were lots of tears on the third floor of Cape Cod Hospital that day. And thanks for sharing. I’m hoping the story will change a few people’s perceptions.
I’m sure it will.
Excellent piece, Jami! Thanks for sharing. I have shared it on Twitter and a FB group, too.
Thank you, Reena! I appreciate you sharing it, as my intention for sharing it was to help lessen some of the judgment people are feeling for their addictions.
Thanks for sharing the essay and the backstory with us. Congratulations on having it published. It’s no small feat to get published.
I agree with you in writing being easy when being honest with yourself. I think it’s also easy to cast yourself in that negative role.
Thanks for joining us today and I hope this esssy is just the start.
Thanks, Dan. The story really did write itself…I’m lucky to have experienced it.
And now I’m crying.
A beautiful story, beautifully written. Congratulations, Jami. You absolutely deserve it. <3 Don't ever stop writing.
Thank you, Linda. That means a lot coming from you?
Awww, you’re so sweet my dear. <3
A beautiful essay Jamie. Congratulations on it’s publication in AJN. I can see why.
Thank you, Deborah. It really did tell itself. I was just lucky to experience it.
You told it very well. 🙂
That’s a beautiful story, and an impressive credit. My eyes are stinging a bit too. I need a cup of tea and a quiet moment.
Thank you. Yes, it certainly was a moving experience. Lots of eye stinging moments in my career…
You say you’re the asshole in the story. I think you redeemed yourself. Beautiful story
Thank you. I’ve been thinking that maybe I’ll be working on redeeming myself forever. Not a bad thing to do…
Exactly thats purpose. Not bad at all.
Congratulations! I loved that story. What a moment of grace that fell on you. Beautiful.
Congratulations on being published! I did read your story, and what you realized at the end, is very moving. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you…was a very moving experience, indeed.