'Reflective practice' - living in, working with mental illness... or something like that

The largest book measures 5 m x 8.06 m (16.40 ft x 26.44 ft), weighs approximately 1500 kg (3,306 lb) and consists of 429 pages. The book was unveiled by Mshahed International Group, in Dubai, UAE, on 27 February 2012. Why am I starting with this random fact? Because so far, most of my blogs have rivalled it. This one I will actually keep fairly short, because the fact that I tend to approach them like a PHD thesis probably stops me from writing more. And I actually find writing quite therapeutic. My blogs, much like my twitter, are written mainly for me, they allow me to get my thoughts out. They also satisfy my need for external validation. Like my new venture into #kindnessToStrangers #kindnessmatters; it is not 'publicising' the acts for others that motivates me, I do them anyway, they are rewarding in themselves, but documenting the things that I am doing for myself. Whether it be a new bubble bath that costs £3 rather than spending a £1, a ticket for me and my...

It is the final few days for nominations for the RCNi Nurse Awards. These are open to nurses, midwives, health visitors, nursing students, health care assistants, assistant practitioners, and of course associate nurses. You have until Friday 17th to enter! When I started my blog, my intention, as the name indicates was to mix it up between nursing posts, and personal, mental health related. However, it hasn't quite been like that, as my experiences of mental health services (or at times disservices) had a profound impact on me in 2019. However, I am in a better place now. And my energy and passion for my role, for the NHS and of course #LetsTalkAboutSex has returned once again (it didn't really go away, I just had fewer spoons to give). Anyway, I decided that today was the day that I would document what has happened to me since the 3rd of July 2019, and I hope that it inspires you to nominate yourself, or someone else, who you think deserves to 'take my crown'. ...