Amy's Reflections

I read a quote from Nelson Mandela today: "May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears." It made me stop and think about what I am putting off or waiting to do out of fear. This past year, I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone, went back to school, and completed my Masters in Healthcare Administration with a certificate in Leadership. Many asked me why, and several asked if I learned a lot. My why was to lead by example and show that we are never too old to try something new or out of our comfort zone. I want my children to know you can always chase your dreams regardless of age. Did I learn a lot – that's a little more complicated; I learned some new leadership strategies, but I also knew that the education I have received through my work over the past 20 years with trial and error was incredibly valuable. It's more useful than any article I read. This journey has reinforced my belief in the value of lifelong learning, as life itself is the best teacher, imparting the most valuable lessons. 

Steve and I were reflecting on some of the most memorable challenges in healthcare leadership this past week. Navigating those challenges at the moment and learning from them has been incredibly valuable in shaping Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics into the system we are today. We are where we are today and have accomplished so much because we met those challenges head-on and without fear. Our future is bright and filled with hope, not fear. These challenges have not only shaped our professional journey but also contributed to our personal growth, inspiring us to overcome any obstacle that comes our way.