A Personal Opinion of The Power of Voice and the Fear of Expression

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In our bustling modern world, self-expression has never been more accessible, yet it has never been more contested. Each tweet, post, and comment we share testifies to our intrinsic desire to communicate our thoughts, dreams, and grievances. However, amid this digital age of expression, there is an increasing trend of silencing dissent and muting voices that challenge the status quo, often perpetuated through the platforms designed to amplify our voices. I offer this reflection to those who seek to quiet us: "I was not given a voice to be shut down. If God wanted me mute, I would have been born mute. I was given a voice to express my thoughts. To those who want to silence us, I say—look deep inside yourself; what are you afraid of?"

The right to speak and share one's perspective is fundamental to the fabric of a free society. It is the bedrock upon which democratic principles are built. Our voices are not just tools for communication; they are extensions of our identities, beliefs, and essence. When we are silenced, it is not merely words that are stifled but the nature of our humanity.

There's a song by Pink that says, "I'm never not gonna dance again." For me, I say, "I'm never not going to talk again." Growing up, I heard "shush shush" too much. Now that I am an adult, as long as I'm not saying or doing anything illegal, immoral, or unethical, I will continue to share my views. Don't get me wrong, I also know when to stay silent. I understand there must be balance, but I will speak up when necessary. That old story, "I can't believe you said that in front of... whomever," won't fly with me anymore. Perhaps they needed to hear some honest thoughts for once. Fear of the boss, the president, the director, or whoever is in charge won't stop me. As long as I am respectful, I will say what I think, fostering a culture of respectful expression that encourages diverse voices. 

The Fear of the Uncomfortable

Silencing stems from a deep-seated fear—fear of the unknown, fear of change, fear of being challenged. When individuals or institutions attempt to silence dissent, they reveal an inherent insecurity. They are threatened by perspectives diverging from their own and truths that unsettle their comfort zones. But it is precisely these uncomfortable truths that propel society forward and catalyze progress and innovation.

Historically, voices that dared to speak against prevailing norms faced suppression. Galileo was silenced for his heliocentric views, yet his ideas eventually redefined our understanding of the universe. Civil rights activists faced brutal opposition, yet their voices forged a path toward equality and justice. These examples underscore a crucial lesson: progress is born from the courage to speak out, not from the comfort of silence. Your voice and courage to speak out can be our society's birthplace of progress and change.

The Power of Expression

Our voices are powerful because they are diverse. Each person brings a unique perspective shaped by their experiences, culture, and insights. This diversity of thought is not a threat; it is a strength. It fosters dialogue, encourages empathy, and nurtures a more nuanced world understanding. By expressing our thoughts, we contribute to a richer and more inclusive collective wisdom. Your voice, your perspective, is an integral part of this collective wisdom, and it is crucial for the progress of our society.

I ask those seeking to silence you or me: What are you afraid of? Are you fearful that your beliefs might be challenged, your authority might be questioned, and your worldview might be expanded? These fears, while natural, should not lead to suppression. Instead, they should inspire curiosity, a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, and an openness to growth.

Embracing Dialogue Over Silence

Silencing others does not strengthen our positions; it exposes their fragility. True strength lies in listening, engaging with differing viewpoints, and finding common ground. It lies in the courage to face uncomfortable truths and grow from them.

Let us not fear the voice of dissent but welcome it as a catalyst for progress. Let us recognize that our unique and invaluable voices are meant to be heard, not silenced. By embracing dialogue and championing the free expression of thoughts, we build a resilient, dynamic, and just society, even if it means facing uncomfortable truths and challenging our beliefs.

For those who say, "Opinions are like noses; everyone's got one," opinions matter because they are the foundation of meaningful communication and collaboration, vital for personal and societal development.

I reaffirm: I was not given a voice to be shut. I was given a voice to express my thoughts. To those who want to silence us, look deep inside yourself. What are you afraid of? Perhaps, in that introspection, you will find the courage to listen, engage, and grow, for we see the melody of progress and understanding in the chorus of diverse voices. Your voice, your unique perspective, is a vital part of this chorus, and it is through the collective expression of diverse voices, we can inspire progress and understanding in our society.

Opinion Editorial: A Magical Encounter with Gabriel Garcia Marquez

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On December 31, 1994, amidst the festive atmosphere of Cartagena, Colombia, within the storied walls of Hotel Santa Teresa's New Year's Eve party, I found myself in a moment that would forever crystallize in my memory. As a 14-year-old, I stood captivated as my favorite band played, surrounded by the excitement of the evening. Then, almost serendipitously, he appeared beside me — Gabriel Garcia Marquez, affectionately known as "El Gabo," the literary giant whose works had already woven into my imagination's fabric.

Garcia Marquez, a Nobel laureate renowned for his mastery of magic realism, stood before me, momentarily visible before disappearing into the crowd. His presence, though fleeting, left an indelible impression. Here was the man whose novels, steeped in myth and reality entwined, had transported me to worlds where love defied time and where everyday lives shimmered with extraordinary possibilities.

I had grown up enthralled by Garcia Marquez's literary prowess. His iconic works like "Love in the Time of Cholera" and "No One Writes to the Colonel" resonated deeply with me, each page brimming with the vibrant hues of Caribbean culture and the bittersweet rhythms of human existence. Reflecting on "El Coronel no tiene quien le escriba," a tale of an aging colonel's enduring wait for his pension, I was struck by Garcia Marquez's ability to imbue even the most ordinary lives with profound significance.

Meeting Garcia Marquez that night was more than a brush with celebrity; it was a meeting with the architect of my literary aspirations. I recall his smile, a silent acknowledgment that bridged the gap between reader and writer, admirer and artist. In that moment, I realized that the impact of his storytelling transcends mere words on a page — it embraces the essence of our shared humanity, our dreams, and our unyielding pursuit of meaning.

Throughout my life, I have encountered many figures of renown, yet I have always cherished these moments quietly, without seeking autographs or photographs. For me, the true essence lies in experiencing the magic of the encounter itself, in absorbing the aura of creativity and inspiration that Garcia Marquez embodied that evening.

As I continue to reflect on Garcia Marquez's literary legacy, I am reminded of storytelling's enduring power to illuminate, provoke, and connect. His exploration of love, solitude, and the complexities of Latin American identity reverberates through generations, offering us not just narratives but profound insights into the human condition.

In revisiting his works today, I find myself returning to the streets of Macondo, to the banks of the Magdalena River, and to the hearts of characters who live on beyond the pages. Each tale and phrase carries with it a piece of the magic realism that Garcia Marquez so passionately championed — a reminder that within the ordinary lies the extraordinary, and within each of us, the capacity to weave stories that endure across time.

As I celebrate the memory of that New Year's Eve encounter, I am reminded of the privilege of having stood briefly in the presence of greatness and of the responsibility to carry forward the torch of storytelling with the same reverence and imagination that Garcia Marquez ignited in me that unforgettable night in Cartagena.

The Quest for Compassionate Mentorship in Education and Healthcare

 

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It is with a heavy heart that I must admit, despite obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master's in Science in Nursing Education with a Clinical Educator component, and a post-masters graduate degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner, I still feel that there is much to be learned. Like so many others, my journey has been fraught with challenges, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graduating as a Family Nurse Practitioner during this unprecedented time presented a unique set of difficulties, the most significant being the struggle to find preceptors. These seasoned professionals guide students through their clinical rotations, providing the essential hands-on experience and mentorship that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Unfortunately, such guidance was complex, and I found myself in the disheartening position of having to pay out of my pocket to secure a preceptor.

While I understand that education isn't free and resources are often stretched thin, the necessity to pay for mentorship is a symptom of a deeper issue within our educational and healthcare systems. The role of a preceptor is not just to oversee clinical practice but to nurture the development of future healthcare professionals. It should be a role undertaken with a sense of duty and a commitment to the profession.

Reflecting on my family's dedication to teaching and my own experiences, the essence of effective education lies in compassion and patience. 

My mother worked literally until the day she died. For 32 years, she dedicated herself to teaching elementary school children, and towards the end of her career, she was working on a Master of Arts degree to teach higher-level education. My dad and my aunts are also a teachers. I come from a family of educators, and I reflect on the state of teaching today with a heavy heart and a critical eye.

Despite my family's inspiring legacy, my personal experience with education has often been disappointing. In all my years of learning, I have encountered only a few teachers who genuinely cared whether their students retained the knowledge imparted to them. Far too often, I have seen teachers present information and then leave students to figure out what to do with it on their own. While this method may serve some purpose, I believe it falls short of effective teaching.

Actual teaching requires more than just presenting information; it demands engagement and understanding. It involves showing students how to do things and explaining the why behind them. This process takes time and patience; qualities often need more supply in our fast-paced educational system. Every student learns at a different pace and in various ways. I learn best through repetition and visual aids. While I can retain some verbal information, my ability to reproduce what I have learned increases dramatically when I can see and understand the process and reasoning behind it.

The current state of education often neglects these nuances. Students are diverse in their learning styles, and a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching needs to be revised. Effective education should cater to individual needs, fostering an environment where students are shown how to do things and understand why they are doing them. This approach helps retain information, develop critical thinking skills, and deepen appreciation for the subject matter.

I have always hoped to find someone who would take me under their wing, not out of financial necessity but out of a genuine passion for teaching and a desire to see their mentees succeed. I believe proper education extends beyond imparting knowledge; it fosters a supportive and enriching learning environment where students can grow professionally and personally.

Despite the setbacks and the hurdles, I have not lost hope. I am still on my quest, driven by the belief that there are teachers and mentors out there who are passionate about their work and eager to share their wisdom with the next generation of healthcare professionals. These individuals understand that the investment in education is not just about immediate returns but about cultivating a more competent, compassionate, and capable workforce for the future.

In conclusion, while becoming a proficient and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner has been more challenging than anticipated, I remain hopeful. The search for mentors who embody the spirit of teaching and mentorship continues. I can become a better professional and person in my field with the proper guidance and support. To all the educators and mentors who dedicate themselves to this noble pursuit, your efforts do not go unnoticed, and your impact is profound.

Why I Left Primary Care: An Insider’s Perspective on a Broken System

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Recently, I had my annual physical, and I kid you not, my doctor of almost ten years spent a mere 8 minutes with me. He asked how I was doing, listened to my heart and  lungs, 

Palpated my abdomen, and then congratulated me on my weight loss journey, which I had embarked on at the beginning of the year. He left to send my prescriptions to the pharmacy and briefly returned to say goodbye. As he was walking out the door, I mentioned my blood pressure, which had been elevated despite taking two medications. His response? "Are you checking it at home? If this is your best, we have a problem; if it's your worst, keep an eye on it." And with that, he left. 

Three months prior, I expressed concern about my blood pressure being consistently elevated despite taking medication for it. He responded, "It will get better now that you're working on losing weight." As a family nurse practitioner who used to work in primary care, I can't remember spending just 5-8 minutes with a patient, especially not for an annual wellness visit. I understand that while my maximum patient load during an 8-hour shift was eighth teen patients, physicians in primary care clinics are often expected to see anywhere between twenty and thirty plus patients daily. 

Our healthcare system is not just struggling; it is in critical condition. Primary care should be the backbone of our healthcare system. Instead, we do not have a healthcare but a sick care model. Managing real problems like acute strokes pays more than preventing them. Surely, controlling hypertension can help prevent strokes, but the current system rewards the treatment of acute conditions over preventive care. The pressure to see an overwhelming number of patients daily leaves little time for thorough, patient-centered care. Consequently, many primary care providers spend extra time charting after hours because the time is insufficient to provide decent care. This often means sacrificing personal and family time. 

As nurses, we are driven by a deep sense of care and responsibility, but the current system makes it nearly impossible to provide the care our patients deserve. I left primary care because the system is fundamentally broken. Seeing patients as numbers rather than individuals with unique needs is demoralizing. The focus on quantity over quality in patient interactions undermines the very essence of healthcare: caring for and supporting patients in achieving optimal health. Our current model incentivizes reactive rather than proactive care, emphasizing treatment over prevention.

The book "Patients in Peril: The Demise of Primary Care in America" by Philip A. Masters examines the significant challenges confronting primary care in the United States. Masters emphasizes the mounting pressures on primary care physicians, such as administrative burdens, decreasing reimbursements, and the increasing complexity of patient care. These factors lead to physician burnout and a shortage of primary care providers, ultimately undermining the quality of patient care.

That being said, I see both sides of the coin here. As a provider and patient, I realized that I felt bad for my primary care doctor for the past nine years. To make things easier for him, I allowed him to do a suboptimal job of taking care of my health. It wasn't until I left primary care and returned for my annual visit that, for the first time, I saw myself as a patient. I realized that all these years, I had been making myself aware of all my yearly screenings without my doctor ever mentioning them. He never acknowledged that he might not have mentioned these screenings perhaps because he assumed I knew what to do since I was a provider.

Reforming our healthcare system is imperative. We need a model that values and rewards preventive care, ensuring that primary care providers have the time and resources to care for their patients. We must address these systemic issues before we continue to have a sick care system that fails to support patients and providers adequately.

The Enduring Power of Writing: A Journey of Self-Discovery

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Writing is more than just a pastime or a hobby—it's an integral part of who I am. It's a passion ingrained in me since I first learned how to wield a pen. For over two decades, a dear friend has remarked that I've always carried a notebook under my arm, a faithful companion on my journey through life. Writing, for me, is not merely an activity; it's an exercise of the soul.

Amid life's challenges and uncertainties, writing has guided me through the darkest times. It allows me to tap into the depths of my being to explore the intricacies of my thoughts and emotions. Through the written word, I can make sense of the chaos surrounding me, finding solace and clarity amidst the turmoil.

One of the most profound aspects of writing is its ability to keep me grounded, reminding me of my humanity even in the face of adversity. While others may come and go and circumstances may change, writing remains a constant, unwavering companion. It is a testament to my resilience and inner strength, a reminder that I can weather any storm that comes my way.

In many ways, writing is an act of defiance—an assertion of my existence in a world that often seeks to silence and diminish marginalized voices. It is a declaration of my autonomy, a refusal to be defined by the limitations imposed upon me by others. Through writing, I reclaim my power, affirming my worth and inherent dignity as a human being.

But perhaps most importantly, writing is an expression of hope—a beacon of light that shines brightly even in the darkest times. It is a testament to my unwavering belief in a better tomorrow, a future filled with endless possibilities and infinite potential. With each word I write, I am reminded of the boundless opportunities that lie ahead, inspiring me to continue forging ahead, undeterred by the obstacles that may stand in my way.

In essence, writing is not just something I do—it is who I am. It is a lifeline that sustains me, a source of strength and resilience in adversity. It is a journey of self-discovery, a testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within us all. And as long as there is breath in my body and ink in my pen, I will continue to write—to keep on living, to keep going, and to keep dreaming of a brighter tomorrow.

Cultivating Resilience, Positivity, and Humor in Everyday Life

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Setbacks and criticisms are inevitable companions in the journey of life. However, it's our response to these challenges that truly defines us. Developing a resilient mindset, akin to the spirit of a determined protagonist, allows us to navigate the ups and downs with grace and determination.

Resilience starts with recognizing that setbacks and criticisms are part and parcel of the human experience. They may sting momentarily, but they don't have the power to dictate our worth or determine our future. Instead of dwelling on negativity, we must focus on finding solutions and moving forward. Every obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and learning.

Embracing positivity is another cornerstone of a fulfilling life. It involves making a conscious effort to see the bright side of situations, no matter how bleak they may appear. Even amid adversity, there's often a silver lining waiting to be discovered. Finding humor in everyday life, whether through a witty remark or a shared joke with friends, can help lighten the mood and provide much-needed perspective.

Learning not to take ourselves too seriously is a liberating experience. Embracing our quirks and imperfections allows us to cultivate authenticity and connect with others on a deeper level. Being able to laugh at ourselves fosters a sense of humility and helps us navigate social interactions with ease.

Developing a witty sense of humor adds a touch of charm to our interactions with others. Paying attention to the humor around us and practicing quick thinking and comebacks can make conversations more engaging and enjoyable. Don't be afraid to be playful and witty in your communication – it's a skill that can brighten even the dullest days.

Mindfulness is a guiding light in our journey toward self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Taking a moment to pause and reflect allows us to understand our emotions and reactions better. When faced with hurt or upset, breathing profoundly and objectively assessing the situation can help us respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively.

Seeking feedback from trusted individuals provides valuable insights into how we come across to others. It's an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Being open to constructive criticism can refine our interactions and deepen our connections with those around us.

Finding healthy outlets for our energy is essential for maintaining balance and focus. Channeling our relentless energy into productive activities, whether through exercise, hobbies, or creative pursuits, allows us to thrive both personally and professionally.

Practicing empathy towards others fosters understanding and connection. It involves stepping into someone else's shoes and seeing the world from their perspective. Showing kindness and compassion in our interactions creates a ripple effect of positivity and goodwill.

In conclusion, cultivating resilience, positivity, and humor enriches our lives and enhances our relationships. Incorporating these principles into our daily lives allows us to navigate life's twists and turns with grace and determination. And remember, personal growth is a journey, not a destination – so be patient and kind to yourself along the way.

On Taking Charge of Your Emotional Well-being

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The intricate dance of relationships often feels akin to navigating chaotic rush-hour traffic. From demanding bosses to challenging family dynamics and frustrating friends, it's all too easy to lose our footing amidst the tumult. But how can we reclaim mastery over our emotional well-being amid such turmoil?

The key to reclaiming mastery over our emotional well-being lies in recognizing our inherent power to shape how others influence us. Just as we wouldn't surrender the keys to our car to a reckless driver, we mustn't yield control of our emotions to the whims of others. This realization empowers us to erect sturdy boundaries, manage expectations, and conscientiously select our responses in every encounter.

Understanding the diverse spectrum of personality types is pivotal. By acknowledging that individuals operate from their unique viewpoints and motivations, we can approach interactions with empathy and composure. Rather than hastily reacting to others' behaviors, we benefit from pausing, evaluating the situation, and crafting responses that resonate with our values and objectives.

Communication emerges as a cornerstone in nurturing healthy relationships. We preempt misunderstandings and forestall conflict escalation by candidly expressing our needs and assertively addressing concerns. Additionally, we glean immense value from active listening, validating others' emotions, and striving for mutual comprehension—a toolkit capable of transforming even the most challenging encounters into avenues for growth and solidarity.

At the heart of this paradigm is the cultivation of self-awareness. By delving into the depths of our triggers, biases, and emotional reflexes, we equip ourselves to traverse interpersonal landscapes with grace and grit. This self-awareness empowers us to opt for purposeful, constructive engagement, thus diffusing tension and fostering a culture of mutual regard.

In a world where external forces often seem to sway, it's crucial to remember that while we may lack dominion over others' actions, we invariably retain sovereignty over our responses. Embracing this truth and implementing pragmatic strategies enables us to reclaim our emotional agency and forge relationships that are not only healthier but also more enriching.

Ultimately, empathy and authenticity serve as a timely reminder that in life's journey, we are the architects of our destinies—and armed with the right mindset and tools, we can navigate towards greater happiness, harmony, and serenity.