Being a nurse has its advantages and disadvantages.

The schedule can be weird.
The hours can be long.
Weekends, doubles, holidays… they’re all part of the deal.

But one thing I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older is that I’m also much more self-aware about what I need to keep my peace.

And right now?

This schedule is an advantage.

Since kindergarten started, I haven’t really been picking up extra hours.

I’m mostly working Saturday and Sunday, which means Monday through Friday is mine.

And honestly…

This moment has been a long time coming.

I spent pretty much my entire working life in the traditional Monday–Friday, 9–5 world.

For years, my schedule was built around work.

Now?

My schedule has room for me and mine.

I can get little man on and off the bus.

I have time to spend with my now-adult daughter.

I can actually handle the little things during the week without trying to cram everything into a Saturday or Sunday.

I have time to breathe.

And that has been such a great move for me.

I think there’s something different about reaching a certain age and realizing that peace is part of the equation now.

It’s not just about working as much as possible.

It’s about working, making a living, taking care of the people you love, taking care of yourself—and still having something left at the end of the day.

And I can’t talk about having this freedom without talking about my support system at home.

I’ve had a boyfriend for 15 years, and if it weren’t for him, I honestly wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now.

There was a time when I wasn’t able to be independent and on my own.

Now I am.

And that feeling?

It’s huge.

To be able to look around at my life and realize how much has changed is something I don’t take for granted.

I’m still figuring things out.

I’m still working.

I’m still learning.

I’m still doing doubles and counting down the hours until I can get home and collapse into my bed. 😂

But something is different now.

As I’m finishing up another double this weekend, I’m looking at my life a little differently.

I’m realizing that my lifeline is starting to fall into place.

Financially.

Physically.

Mentally.

Not perfectly.

Not all at once.

But little by little.

Piece by piece.

And maybe that’s what getting older and becoming more self-aware really looks like.

Knowing what you need.

Knowing what you can handle.

Knowing when enough is enough.

And being willing to protect the things that matter.

For me, that means keeping my peace.

It means being present for my kids.

It means appreciating the people who support me.

It means building financial independence.

It means taking care of myself.

And it means recognizing that I don’t have to spend every available day working just because I can.

Monday through Friday is mine now.

And for the first time in a very long time…

I’m going to enjoy it. ❤️

Scrubs and Side Eyes
— Just trying to keep it together one shift at a time.