Prepare For A Ride

You know those days when it feels like the universe is handing out lemons, and you’re getting pelted with them like it’s some dodgeball game?

Been there, dodged that. :)

But now I’m sharing how I took those lemons, made a killer margarita, and built a coaching business that rocks harder than your grandma’s knitting circle on bingo night.

Warning: We’re turning turbulence into triumph—prepare for a ride, and maybe grab a tissue.

Let me paint the scene: I’m in the operating room, feeling like the Beyoncé of scrubs, ready to save lives and look good doing it.

The bullies came in, green with envy (seriously, I should’ve handed them some anti-nausea meds), and they started making my life a living episode of Mean Girls.

OR wasn’t just about cutting through tissue; it was about throwing knives that came from colleagues with bigger egos than talent.

I decided to bet on myself like I was holding a winning lottery ticket in the game of life.

Bullies, only have power if you let them borrow your batteries. I took mine back, and let’s just say, they’re still looking for the charger.

But let’s get real for a second. The journey from bullied to badass wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. It was more like a crawl through a battlefield while throwing metaphorical landmines and actual scalpels.

Here’s what I learned while I was down in the trenches:

People will be jealous of what you have—But no one ever tells you what it takes to get there. And let’s be real—half of them would rather binge-watch reality TV than actually try.

Me Betting on yourself isn’t just for some. When you put your chips on YOU and back it up with action, you become a force of nature.

The people in your corner are EVERYTHING—they’re your cheerleaders, your therapists, and sometimes your impromptu bartenders. When life -punches you, they’re the ones who help you back up, dust you off, and hand you a cocktail.

Now, what should you do instead of letting life knock you down like a toddler?

Cling to your values like they’re the last piece of chocolate in the box. Your integrity and your tribe are what keep you standing when everything else is crumbling like a poorly made soufflé.

Love your people like they’re made of gold. Seriously, these folks are your lifeline, your sanity-savers. Treat them right, and they’ll be there when the going gets tough—or when you need someone to laugh at your jokes.

Let’s lay it all on the table: I stand for betting on myself because when you do that, you’re basically unstoppable. And also, this is one hill I’ll gladly defend with a megaphone in one hand and a margarita in the other.

And what do I NOT agree with in my industry as a nurse?

Oh, let me spill the tea.

I don’t agree with the toxic culture that lets bullies play queen bee.

I don’t agree with the idea that kindness is a weakness.

Newsflash: It takes serious guts to be kind when everyone else is throwing shade like it’s confetti.🎊

So, tell me—what do YOU stand for?

And what’s the one thing in your industry that makes you want to flip a table?

Let’s dish in the replies—because here’s the truth:

Bullies only win if you hand them the trophy. I snatched mine back, and now I’m rocking it like a crown.👑

No longer the bullied nurse, I’m now the confident, unstoppable leader you see today.

And guess what? You can be too.

Until next time,

Mari McCann
Confidence, Leadership & Results Coach