A day to remember, March 16th, 2020. President Trump stood before us and asked us to stay home for two weeks to get ahead of the Covid pandemic.

Here we are three years later, to the day. What is happening? Well, Covid is still the center of our universe. Life is still revolving around COVID-19 and the vaccine. So many of us are asking the question, why are you feeling the frustration of this prolonged battle?

I was so excited back in February 2022 when I could fly across the country without a vaccine. Masks were not an issue, and for the first time, I felt like I had my life back—our lives back. It was as if our freedom was being restored. Fast-forward to today when I was totally off base, and here we are, feeling the weight of the lost freedom.

I grew up getting the childhood vaccines as required. When I started my Nursing career, I continued to comply with the requirements. Of course, the standard Tetanus and Hepatitis and the annual flu shot. I had no problem complying. Now, flu shots are usually recommended and not required, at least by my employers.

However, I found that the flu shot was not my friend, and after two or three miserable years of taking the flu shot, I stopped. Other than that, there were no issues, and I was compliant.

I have always been healthy, rarely sick, and missed very few days from work due to illness. Looking back, I have a great immune system and health. It means nothing.

Nine years ago, I started my business. I had a great team, and we worked hard for our clients. We enjoyed the fruits of our labors as respected team members, but that quickly changed in April 2020. Two devastating things happened. First, our client's regional boss changed, and his replacement came from the East Coast, so he was determined to make changes. The other factor was COVID.

The corporation that owned our clients did not want outside eyes to see what would happen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our clients were hospitals, and they would benefit from the payments that treating patients with COVID-19 would bring because our eyes would see the charges and the documentation. That couldn't happen, leaving us in a disappointing situation.

That story is for another time. The other factor was COVID. The corporation that owned our clients did not want outside eyes to see what would happen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our clients were hospitals, and they would benefit from the payments that treating patients with COVID-19 would bring because our eyes would see the charges and the documentation. That couldn't happen.

I understand that was not the reason, but it was convenient as our contract renewal was still a few months later. It is only one's guess and, at this point, is not essential. After nearly 20 years, we served these facilities. It was finding missed revenue and correcting errors. The numbers spoke for themselves. It's too convenient in terms of the timing.

One of the new guy's excuses was that I didn't have auditors where I came from. I found that very humorous. The company I had previously worked for, I had done work for his hospital. The difference was that I worked through the business office rather than the CFO and account department. He had no clue.

So, with that one stroke of a pen, it was over. All of our work and 20 staff are out of work. So, the healthcare industry is a black hole. 2020 was not a time to market and find new clients. We were all homebound.

I did work from October 2020 to October 2021. But that was it. During my downtime, I looked to do something different. At first, I wanted to turn to the healthcare consumer and educate them on healthcare and their finances. So many people pay too much for their healthcare and want to help save them money and help them become healthier and more intelligent consumers.

While everyone says it is an excellent idea, we monitor your healthcare expenses for ten dollars monthly and offer a healthcare/lifestyle coaching session. We could save both insurance companies and even a share plan on their overhead expenses and help streamline costs for everyone.

In February 2022, amidst the lingering shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced a moment that felt like a breath of fresh air after being submerged underwater for too long. For the first time in nearly two years, I could board a plane and travel across the country without the stringent requirements that had become all too familiar—no vaccine mandate to adhere to, no masks to shield our smiles.

This journey wasn't just about traversing physical distances but a symbolic leap back into a world we thought we had lost forever. I remember the weightless feeling of reclaiming a piece of my identity tucked away, the sheer joy of embracing the freedoms we once took for granted.

This fleeting experience was more than a trip; it was a taste of liberation, a promise that the dark clouds of the pandemic could finally be dispersing.

The world seemed wide open again briefly, brimming with possibilities and new horizons. The sensation of "normalcy" was palpable, as if we were collectively awakening from a long, constrained slumber to find that life, with all its vibrancy and unpredictability, was still waiting for us on the other side.

Yet, as I reflect on that moment from today's vantage point, it feels like a distant memory, a mirage that vanished as quickly as it appeared. Three years into the pandemic, the reality we face now starkly contrasts those fleeting days of perceived freedom. COVID-19 continues to loom large over our lives, dictating the rhythms of our daily existence with an unwavering grip.

The pandemic's persistence serves as a sobering reminder of our ongoing struggle, challenging the notion that we can return to the way things were before.

The contrast between that brief glimpse of freedom and our current reality underscores a profound truth: our journey through this pandemic is far from over.

It reminds us of the resilience required to navigate these turbulent times and the importance of cherishing those moments of relief, no matter how transient. As we face the uncertainties of COVID-19, let us hold onto the hope that those days of freedom were not just a fleeting glimpse but a foretaste of a future we can all look forward to.

Respect for medical science and a commitment to health practices have always guided my journey through public health and personal wellness. From the early days of my childhood, vaccinations were a non-negotiable part of life. They served as invisible shields against the myriad diseases that history books and health records warned us about.

This adherence to recommended immunizations carried over into my professional life as a nurse, where the stakes felt even higher. The standard battery of vaccinations, including Tetanus, hepatitis, and annual flu shots, was part of my armor on the healthcare battlefield.

However, my relationship with one particular vaccine—the flu shot—evolved over the years. Initially, I embraced it as just another layer of protection, not just for myself but for the vulnerable populations I worked with daily. However, after a few seasons of adverse reactions that left me feeling worse than the illness it aimed to prevent, I was forced to reevaluate this part of my healthcare routine.

The decision to stop receiving the flu vaccine was not made lightly. It resulted from careful consideration, weighing the benefits against the personal cost to my health and well-being. This experience taught me the importance of listening to my body and acknowledging that health decisions are deeply personal, requiring a balance between public health advice and individual health needs.

This nuanced view of vaccinations—seeing them as crucial tools for public health while also recognizing the individual's right to make informed choices based on their health circumstances—has shaped my approach to the COVID-19 vaccines.

The emergence of COVID-19 and the subsequent development of vaccines to combat it presented a complex new chapter in my health narrative. Like many, I found myself navigating a maze of information, misinformation, and evolving scientific understanding.

My history of compliance with vaccination mandates, juxtaposed with my cautious approach to the flu shot, illustrates a broader theme: the need for a balanced, informed perspective on vaccinations.

It highlights the importance of public health measures while advocating for the individual's autonomy in making health decisions. As we continue to confront the challenges posed by COVID-19 and other public health threats, this dual focus on community safety and individual health rights remains more relevant than ever.

The inception of my business was a dream realized. It was born from a desire to harness my nursing and healthcare administration expertise to create a tangible impact.

Together with a dedicated team, we embarked on this venture with a shared vision: to provide exceptional service that bridged gaps in the healthcare industry. Our early days were marked by a palpable sense of purpose and the thrill of carving out our niche.

Our reputation and team grew, evolving into a close-knit group of professionals united by common goals and a passion for making a difference.

However, as with many narratives in recent years, ours took an unforeseen detour in early 2020. The emergence of COVID-19 and its rapid escalation into a global pandemic cast a long shadow over the world—and our business was not spared.

The dual forces of management changes and the pandemic's far-reaching impact created a perfect storm. New leadership at our client facilities, coupled with their shift in focus in response to COVID-19, suddenly jeopardized our services.

The pandemic provided a convenient backdrop for sweeping changes that were less about immediate health concerns and more about control and financial considerations.

The implications for our business were devastating. Our role was sidelined as the world locked down, and healthcare facilities became battlegrounds against an unseen enemy.

The shift in priorities meant that our services—once deemed essential—were now viewed as expendable. The irony was not lost on us: a team dedicated to improving healthcare efficiency and accuracy was considered unnecessary at the very moment when the healthcare system was under the most strain.

In April 2020, the situation reached its climax. Our contract, which had been the lifeline of our operation, was not renewed. The decision, ostensibly a result of the new management's vision and the dire circumstances of the pandemic, left us in limbo. Twenty years of service, progress, and hard-won achievements evaporated overnight.

The immediate consequence was the loss of employment for our entire team—a group of skilled, passionate professionals suddenly adrift in an uncertain job market at a time when the world seemed to have paused.

Reflecting on the business's closure, I'm struck by the profound sense of loss—not just for myself but also for my team and the clients we served.

The pandemic underscored the fragility of our endeavors and the precarious balance between health crises and economic survival. Yet, amid this loss, there's also a recognition of the resilience that problems can forge. The end of our business was not just an ending but a transition. It compelled us to confront our vulnerabilities, adapt, and reimagine our paths.

The year following the closure of my business was marked by uncertainty and the relentless pursuit of stability in a world still grappling with the pandemic's aftermath. The job market, especially within the healthcare sector, has transformed radically.

Opportunities that once seemed abundant were now scarce, filtered through the lens of pandemic-induced regulations and shifting priorities. My employment search was not just about finding a role that matched my skills and aspirations but also navigating the complex web of public health mandates that had become a new reality.

In 2023, the challenge was compounded by the specific requirements of states run by administrations with stringent COVID-19 policies. In these areas, the vaccine mandate was not just a guideline but a prerequisite for employment, particularly in healthcare settings. This posed a personal dilemma, intertwining my professional aspirations with my health choices and beliefs about medical autonomy.

The decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was multifaceted, influenced by a mix of personal, ethical, and practical considerations. On the one hand, there was my commitment to public health, a principle that had guided my career and my initial enthusiasm for vaccines as tools for disease prevention.

On the other hand, there were my experiences and reservations, shaped by past reactions to vaccines and a deep-seated belief in the importance of personal choice in healthcare decisions.

Ultimately, the decision was driven by a pragmatic assessment of my circumstances. Employment in a state with a vaccine mandate for healthcare workers meant that my professional future hinged on complying with this requirement. It was a moment of reckoning where the need for employment, the desire to return to a field I was passionate about, and the mandates set forth by public health policies converged.

Getting vaccinated, in compliance with state regulations, was a journey in itself. It was a step taken not just towards securing employment but also to navigate the new norms of a post-pandemic world. This decision underscored a broader theme many of us have faced during this pandemic: balancing personal convictions with the realities of public health, employment, and societal expectations.

Reflecting on this period, I recognize the complexity of the choices we are forced to make in the face of unprecedented challenges. My journey through job search and compliance with vaccine mandates in a democratically run state is a testament to the ongoing struggle to find a middle ground between individual rights and collective responsibility.

It highlights the resilience required to adapt to changing landscapes, the importance of informed decision-making, and the pursuit of professional fulfillment amidst the lingering shadows of the pandemic.

Amid the upheaval of our business's closure, the quest for new employment became my next challenge.

The following year was marked by uncertainty and the daunting task of seeking opportunities in a job market that was itself in flux. This period of professional limbo was not just a quest for employment; it was a journey through the evolving landscape of public health mandates and personal health decisions.

As 2023 dawned, my search for stability led me to confront a new reality: the requirement for COVID-19 vaccination as a precondition for employment in states whose policies were shaped by their Democratic leadership.

This mandate presented a dilemma that was both deeply personal and professionally critical. Deciding to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster was not taken lightly, especially against the backdrop of my nuanced history with vaccinations and the keen awareness of their potential side effects.

My choice to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was influenced by several considerations rather than a straightforward endorsement of vaccination mandates:

However, this decision also came with its own set of consequences. I soon found myself navigating the complex and often misunderstood world of vaccine side effects. Experiencing these side effects firsthand was not just a personal health issue; it gave me a deeper understanding of vaccine safety and efficacy discussions.

This experience with the COVID-19 vaccine and booster underscored a broader theme of my journey through the pandemic: the constant balancing act between personal health choices and professional necessities. Highlighted the complexities of making informed health decisions in an unprecedented global crisis and the importance of empathy and understanding in discussions about vaccine experiences.

As I stand at this juncture, looking back on the tumultuous journey of the past three years, I'm reminded of the incredible capacity for resilience and adaptation within us all. The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably reshaped our world, communities, and individual lives profoundly. It has tested our strength, pushed the boundaries of our adaptation abilities, and forced us to reconsider what we value most.

My story, marked by personal health decisions, professional upheavals, and the relentless pursuit of stability, is but one among millions. Each of us has navigated this unprecedented era armed with our unique strengths and vulnerabilities, crafting our narratives of resilience in the face of global adversity. The journey has been fraught with challenges and illuminated by moments of clarity and transformation.

This reflection on the impact of COVID-19 on my professional life and personal health choices is more than a recounting of events; it's an invitation to a broader conversation. I share my story in the hope that it resonates, offering solace and solidarity to others who have traversed similar paths. But the dialogue should not end here.

I know there are many experiences out there. I think about it every day. The effects I experienced are small. I know of many who are enduring every day the effects of the vaccine. Those we have lost. Those who are suffering unknowingly the effects of the vaccines.

I encourage you, the reader, to share your stories of navigating the pandemic. How have you adapted to the shifting landscapes of your professional and personal lives? What lessons have you drawn from your experiences, and how have they shaped your perspectives on health, resilience, and community?

Sharing our stories fosters a sense of connection and understanding and contributes to a collective repository of wisdom and coping strategies. These narratives can serve as beacons of hope and resilience, guiding us through the uncertainties that lie ahead.

As we continue to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic and embrace the changes it has wrought, let us do so with a renewed commitment to supporting one another. Let's build upon our shared experiences to create a stronger, more resilient community, ready to face the future, whatever it may hold.

Indeed, there's a solid call to action to conclude your narrative, designed to engage readers and encourage them to become active participants in the shared journey of navigating the post-pandemic world:

As we navigate the uncharted waters of a world forever changed by the pandemic, your stories, experiences, and insights become the guiding stars for our collective journey. I invite you to share the challenges you've faced, the lessons you've learned, and the resilience you've discovered within yourselves.

Together, we can build a tapestry of narratives that reflect our struggles and illuminate our path forward.

Your Voice Matters:

Your experiences during these unprecedented times are invaluable. By sharing your story, you contribute to a broader understanding and empathy, fostering a community that stands together in adversity. Let's create a space to communicate openly, learn from each other, and build resilience for whatever lies ahead.

Take the First Step:

Reach out, share your journey, and join us in building a community of support and resilience. Whether through social media, our services, or by contributing your story, your voice adds depth and strength to our collective narrative. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic world, armed with the wisdom of our shared experiences.

Let's embrace this opportunity to connect, share, and grow. Your story is the key to unlocking our collective potential. Join us now.