Helllllooooo!
It feels a bit strange writing this to ‘no one’, given I have only just launched my Substack newsletter and do not yet have any readers (aside from my wonderful and super supportive husband!). But I will push on in the hopes that even a small number of you might find some interest in the things I have to say/write.
My name is Laine and I have been a registered nurse in Australia for 14 years. The majority of my experience has been in intensive care (ICU), with considerable experience in aeromedical retrievals, organ donation and outpatient neurosurgery. I have worked in several Australian jurisdictions, but most of my experience has been gained in the Top End. Prior to nursing, I completed a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in psychology and criminology. In late 2020, I took time away from nursing and over the last 15 months I have spent time studying post-graduate counselling, writing fictional and non-fictional works (yet to be published), painting abstract art, and watching and photographing birds (I’m still an amateur when it comes to the birds!).
If you’re interested, you can see some of my visual artwork on Instagram or Facebook.
I’ve always enjoyed writing and over the last few years it is something I’ve thought more about doing in a semi-professional way. The eventual catalyst for starting this Substack newsletter (in conjunction with my increased reading of many brilliant thinkers and writers here on this platform), was COVID-19 and the various public health responses to manage it. I know many people are feeling exhausted by these topics and this might put you off of reading further, but I also want to say that my hope for this newsletter is a broader philosophical and existential discourse which covers topics related to the pandemic and public health (from an observational perspective, not an expert or authoritative one), but also life in general.
For many years I talked myself out of writing because I thought I didn’t have anything note-worthy to say. The last several years, and experiences with chronic illness, burnout, grief, and various ‘mid-life crises’, have shown me that as we navigate the challenges of ordinary life, we all have things to share which may provide comfort and/or validation to those around us. The pandemic has obviously been an ‘extra’ challenge on top of the everyday highs and lows which affect people throughout a lifetime, but even in the wake of such vast and unprecedented (in living memory) circumstances, we are not spared the pain (nor indeed, thankfully, the joy) of everyday life.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to say that in these excessively political times, there will almost certainly be times when I say/write things with which you disagree. This has perhaps been another thing which has stopped me from writing sooner, as I hate overt conflict and I don’t like to disappoint people. Having said that, I want this space to be a place where I can share my observations and thoughts honestly and authentically, rather than trying to walk the impossible tightrope of pleasing everyone all of the time (which inevitably means not saying anything truly meaningful at all). If you ever feel offended by something here, please know that is not my intention. I want to share my experience, but I also accept that the experiences of others are uniquely different and no less valid. I hope you’ll comment so we can learn from one another, but if you feel you need to unsubscribe that’s okay too.
For those of you who join me on this journey: thank you, your interest and support mean everything.
Let’s do this! X
Definitely looking forward to reading more. It's wonderful to connect with others here. <3