This I Believe
Renee Giroux
Renee Giroux
When I was in high school, trying to decide what I was going to be when I grew up, I thought my calling was to help people. I only qualified education, medicine, or some other care taking job as worthy of 'helping people" and making a difference. Following that theory I took the obvious path of nursing, following in my mother's footsteps. I spent the next 15 years as a pediatric nurse, helping people, and hating it. The emotional burden was something that I never successfully walled my heart away from. I grieved for every child, and their aching loved ones. I have never forgotten the names and circumstances of the kids that I cared for. Especially the ones who died. I specialized in the care of chronically sick children, and nurtured their families. I grieved everyday. A child I cared for, for over three years, whose family I have become a part of; died suddenly. It was the breaking point for me. The desire to make a difference in the world was tearing me apart.
After a year or so of soul searching, and asking myself questions like "what do I want to do with my life", and "what am I passionate about?", I finally had a moment of inspiration. I love books. I am a bibliophile through, and through. Reading is my escape, my drug of choice, my worldly (and sometimes otherworldly) adventure. After turning the ideas over in my head and heart for a short time, an idea took hold, and a new career was fashioned. A crash course in web design, and some amazing supporters in family and friends allowed me to take off my stethoscope and launch a website for authors and readers to promote the conversation of books. Until recently, I have felt a little like I comprised that original idea of saving the world, by selfishly following my dream.
I now realize that helping people, as with the rest of life, is not black and white. There are many shades in between. I now know that one does not have to compromise oneself in order to help others. Quite the opposite, actually. In striving to be a balanced person, and seeking joy, I have so much more to offer those who I care for, instead of being a victim to grief, and martyrdom. Having the courage to follow your dreams, take care of yourself, and lead others to do the same is worthy, and noble. By allowing authors to promote their dreams, readers access, and sharing my story with the followers along the way, I am touching people. I believe that following your heart, and pursuing your dreams is not a selfish act, but in fact is touching people around you in ways that are intangible, yet so inspiring.
