On this particular morning the air was heavy with this cool mystical fog and so I had to grab some pictures to share with you.

I'm pretty steady Eddie when it comes to biking. I like to stay in the same higher gear and even if I'm going up a hill I resist the urge to drop the gear to make the ride a little easier.

Although there are some hills I must succumb to, I will generally stand on the pedals to make the uphill climb before I downshift. I like the feel of the struggle, I like the challenge of the exertion. 

When I was first re-learning how to ride a bike I was annoyed with all the gears. My bike as a kid was a 3-speed and I just didn't see the need for any more. 

My current bike has 24-gears ; seems a bit overkill.

When I ride with my husband he's alway trying to get me to downshift, especially on the hills - telling me not to waste my energy, but for me, isn't that the whole point of biking? To expend energy? Oh, and yes, enjoy yourself I suppose; which I always do.

The energy expenditure bit, for me, is wicked exhilarating. This morning's ride, however, really gave me pause for thought. As I biked along the path I was so acutely aware of the beauty that was surrounding me. 

How many times have I biked this path and literally buzzed by these same sights?

It felt like Mother Nature was intentionally trying to get my attention, to slow me down to take it all in. And it was working. I was completely mesmerized by my surroundings and felt such deep gratitude and awe.

I have lived my life in high gear, standing on the pedals for most of my life, fully absorbed in the challenge and the struggles; never taking the time to get off the bike let alone downshift. 

And so, here I am, 62 years old (just had a birthday last weekend ) and I am discovering the joy of downshifting, taking the ride a little slower and paying a lot more attention to the present moment.

I am even getting off the bike every now and again to fully breathe in deeply my gratitude for a beautiful, adventurous, not even close to dull life; noticing my reflection in the lives of those I have nurtured, loved and supported.

Life sometimes demands a high gear but, like a bike, there are so many different gears available, with just a flick of your thumb, YOU get to decide what gear works best for you, in that moment or maybe that particular stretch of life you are moving through. The choice is YOURS!

Your gear choice, however, shouldn't limit your experience. You are more than the pedals powering your life. 

You are the chain holding it all together for a smooth ride.

        When was the last time your greased your chain?

You are the tires, supporting your ride. 

When was the last time you checked your tire pressure?

You are the frame of your ride. 

When was the last time you wiped down and polished your frame?

To have a meaningful ride in this life, you must claim your inner power and strength. Authentic leaders (and yes, Mary that's you) are those that work from the deepest levels of their being.

It is, after all, the rider who gives the bike its meaning, its purpose. The deepest level of your being should be in the saddle of your life.

Reflection, mindfulness and inner work are essential tools to discover your authentic self and realize the meaningful difference you are here to make in this life and the world. 

This ride to self discovery begins with becoming a trauma informed professional.

In the words of Albert Einstein: "Humanity is going to require a substantially new way of thinking if it is to survive". 

This new way of thinking for healthcare is achieved by fully integrating heart, head and hand; science, soul, and spirituality in order to pioneer a new paradigm for patients, families and professionals.

In order to do this incredibly important work, however, you will need to check your air pressure, grease your chain, clean up your frame and find your saddle.

The Trauma Informed Professional Certificate Program can be likened to your personal bike grease monkey!

The program guides and mentors you on a unique journey of personal growth and self-discovery, framed by the attributes of a trauma informed professional, the principles of trauma informed care and the core measures for trauma informed developmentally supportive care.

On this journey you discover deeper levels of your being and 'learn to recognize yourself in others' - Jean Watson PHD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, (LL -AAN)

"This was a spiritual journey for me. Yes, I’ve learned many scholarly things but the change that was brought about in my soul made me a better person. Trauma-informed practice is no longer an intellectual ideal to me but a part of my soul".   

Recent Graduate of the TIP Program

Are you ready for a deep tune-up?

This journey is for you IF:

• You feel out of alignment and disconnected from your purpose and passion
• You know you have more to give to the babies and families you serve 
• You yearn to share a deeper, more authentic expression of yourself in the world
• You want to create a legacy that touches lives and impacts lifetimes 

In celebration of the programs one-year birthday we have reinstated our Pilot Program Pricing for a special limited time (a savings of 50% off the standard tuition).

In addition, the first 20 people who enroll by October 31st will receive an autographed copy of the 2nd Edition of Transformative Nursing in the NICU - Trauma Informed, Age Appropriate Care.

If this invitation resonates with you, if it speaks to the deepest levels of your being, then join me and close to two hundred international, interprofessionals committed to transforming the heart and soul of healthcare for babies and families around the world!

Thanks for taking the time to read me!



Take care and care well,

Mary