by Jen Smith, Australia

I had always tried to convince myself that I was healthy and happy. To be honest, I was overweight, never exercised, watched a lot of TV and spent a lot of time at the pub. Not to mention the fact that I completely ignored everything that I knew I needed to address – like how and why I ate, the excuses I made to myself about not going to the dentist and doctor. It goes on, but you get the picture. All of this and I work as a Nurse and a Herbalist!

I have been a student of Universal Medicine for 18 months or so. I first came to the clinic and workshops out of curiosity. I found that the practitioners of Universal Medicine were truly supportive and never lecturing. As I learn about being truly gentle with me and loving with me, all of what I was has changed and continues to change because I am choosing that way to be.

The most amazing thing that has happened to me, so far, is that I have gone from running away from my work as a nurse to totally re-embrace this as the work that I choose to do. I really want to be there. Nothing about my work environment has changed. Only me. I now love what I do and I take this with me every day that I am at work with people who are sick and dying and other nurses who feel like I used to. Imagine having a really busy day, chaotic but having fun and being joy-full at the same time. The quality of nursing care I give has changed enormously because of how it is that I care for me. This blows me away!!

The other amazing gift that I give myself everyday is that of time. I rarely rush to do anything now. I take my time when I prepare food. I have time to sit and read or have a cup of tea with a friend.

I have discovered and continue to discover that being me in the most gentle and loving way can be so simple.