Scurvy Elephants Unite – Honoring Wayne Dyer
Is it difficult for your to imagine, as a nurse, how to think outside the box? Or maybe you do see things differently and are frustrated about trying to make a difference. What is you were known to be a scurvy elephant rather than a team player amidst your peers? How would that be for you?
In our practice as professional nurses, there are many pressures and rules. From our employer, the board, the pharmaceutical and insurance companies; even doctors all providing instructions for us to follow. There must be console for those however who see things differently. After nothing new was ever discovered without looking for something the did not appear to be there. Also, according to Einstein’s quote, No problem can be solved at the same level of thinking that created it. So in other words, new perspectives, ideas and even scurvy elephants are necessary to move forward.
In a lecture by Dr Wayne Dyer years ago, he told an inspiring story about being different. It was set in his early elementary school years. He was an orphan child living in a foster home, in that alone, already “different” from his classmates.
One day he over heard one of his teachers tell another teacher, “That Wayne, he is a ‘scurvy elephant’ in my class.” He had no idea what that was and went home that day and told his mom. His mom was concerned and curious what is was a bout. In a conference with the teacher she asked about the comment. The teacher could not imagine what was meant by “scurvy elephant” and did not recall saying that. When Wayne recounted the story, with the details of place and time, she recalled a conversation she had. The teacher then said that Wayne had once again “gotten it wrong”. In fact what she said to the other teacher was that Wayne was a “disturbing element” in her class. Wayne didn’t do things the way the everyone else did.
Dr Wayne Dyer continued in his life to open new perspectives, shed light on issues that others would not look at and did indeed strive to encourage others to be open to more than the guidelines of the known. He was particularly insightful about the mysteries of relationships, self esteem and higher principles. As scurvy elephant, speaker and a prolific writer, he shared his musings and wonderings. This is not about being riotous. Wayne sincerely worked from different perspectives and followed his calling. As a result of doing so, he likely opened the realm of possibility and healing to countless people to manifest their destiny.
It is ok to think out of the box. Nurses hold the best interest of the person in their care as priority. Nurses advocate and question. We work from our heart, observe, trouble shoot, resolve and mediate. Nurses are agents of change. As the number one trusted professional for well over a decade, nurses are positioned to influence.
Pay attention to your talents. They may not be as obvious as you think. Team work is important for success but according to Steve jobs, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
Are you simply learning the ropes necessary to do your job or are you holding back to do your job. If your lucky a mentor might emerge and identify your strengths, even point you in a new direction. But likely it is you who will need to identify that you are displaced. You will have to face that you may be more by going through some changes in your career.
Finding your unique way is ultimately up to you. According to Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, 1976, “Well behaved women rarely make history.” Behaving by following the rules, conforming to the dominant paradigm and taking hits for the team all noble but may come at a high price for yourself and the greater good. Laurel is talking about being innovative and following your heart. She may agree with Wayne Dyer in that the world needs a lot more “disturbing elements”.
Might you claim your inner scurvy elephant?
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