This month, I celebrated my 40th Nursing Reunion, 40 years working as a Registered Nurse, and 3 years as a Master Key Experience (MKE) Member.  Are they all connected?

Well, obviously the nursing work and reunion are, but what about MKE?  There are some parallels.  For instance, membership in a group of like-minded, mission-focused, talented, yet diverse individuals.  And yes, you could say – a ‘Master Mind Alliance’.

Nursing Life

Forty-three years ago this month I entered Nurse’s Training.  I moved into Nurse’s Residence (attached to the hospital); and traded my farm family for a family of young women (no boys in my class) who lived together, went to school together, worked together, and partied together (plenty of partying). 

We had Nursing Instructors, House Moms, and Head Nurses – all capable of inducing paralyzing fear, or instilling confidence and love.  It was an amazing experience, we grew up together, and got ready to face the world.  Some of our group literally did that, and many have traveled extensively while working as nurses and nurse practitioners.

A Blessed Reunion

I was pleased and inspired to talk with my classmates this year again and hear about their experiences.  Forty-three years ago we came from diverse backgrounds, funneled into the same educational experience.  Now, forty years after graduation, we have pursued many diverse paths.  Some have stayed working in the hospital, but in many different disciplines.  Some have gone on to higher education, with various degrees and certifications – including a psychologist, a doctorate, and a nurse practitioner.  Some have worked in public health, private health, or took breaks to raise their families.  But each of us has made a contribution to health care, and to humanity.  I am so proud of our class.

And we had a blast at the reunion.  Held at a remote retreat/event venue (pictured here), we talked, ate, hiked, drank, danced, sang, and talked some more.  We celebrated those who weren’t able to attend, and those who are no longer with us.

Live life when you have it.

Life is a splendid gift-there is nothing small about it. 

Florence Nightingale

MKE Life

But what about the MKE?  Well, there’s another group of like-minded, mission-focused, talented, yet diverse individuals.  Another Master Mind Alliance.  But instead of nursing, the MKE is all about personal development, helping the members to reveal their gifts and talents, their dharma; in order to go forward in life  (see fellow comrade Eulaine’s blog link).

In order to share those gifts with the world, to make the world a better place.  Oh, that’s like nursing too!

Deer in Headlights + A Mustard Seed

Three years ago, I entered the MKE.  Maybe not quite as ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ as I was at 18 years old as a student nurse, but certainly I did not understand how powerful the experience would be.  I dug deep, did the work, applied the knowledge, and have a new appreciation for my attributes, and that of my fellow members.

Like my Nursing Class, the MKE members that I know have gone on to do great things – success in business, best-selling authors, business coaches, founders of non-profit organizations, and more.  Overall – happier, healthier, and greater.  More confident and more in tune with their best selves (see another fellow comrade John’s blog).

My classmates (both nursing and MKE) have all taken the ‘Hero’s Journey‘ and we are sharing our gifts in many ways.  If you would like to learn more, sign up on the list here for the next class (starts every September!).

So never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard-seed germinates and roots itself. 

Florence Nightingale.