When her daughter called her a “pill head,” it was a wake-up call that led Lori to change her habits and pursue a healthier lifestyle.
Lori Lewicki’s life has been a remarkable blend of challenges and triumphs. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and a young mother, Lori has faced many of life’s hurdles. Her book, “Surviving Sh!t Creek,” shares her story and offers hope to those dealing with their own struggles.
Sharing a Personal Story
Initially hesitant to write her book, Lori feared exposing her life to the public. She wanted to help others feel less alone, but the thought of sharing her personal experiences was intimidating. It wasn’t until her writing coach offered a new perspective that everything changed. “Your story is going to be someone else’s survival guide,” her coach told her. Lori, who has dedicated her life to helping others as a nurse, found this idea comforting and motivating.
Throughout her life, Lori has made sacrifices for her children and her patients. This selflessness is a key part of her journey and a driving force behind her decision to share her story.
From Challenging Beginnings to Hope
Growing up with a father who struggled with anger and alcoholism was difficult for Lori. These early experiences shaped her perspective, but it wasn’t until she became a mother that she truly began to change. Her daughter, whom Lori describes as “the biggest blessing of my life,” motivated her to seek a better way of living. When her daughter called her a “pill head,” it was a wake-up call that led Lori to change her habits and pursue a healthier lifestyle.
This path from despair to hope is a central theme in Lori’s book, reflecting her determination to overcome the obstacles she has faced.
Overcoming Despair
Lori’s life has been filled with challenging moments, from divorce to health issues. However, she has always found a way to keep going. Lori credits her faith as a constant source of strength. “God always had my back,” she says. This belief, taught by her mother, has been her anchor during tough times.
One particularly low point in Lori’s life came shortly before she lost her mother. “I thought I was at rock bottom that day, but I wasn’t even close,” she recalls. Despite the difficulties, Lori found the resilience to move forward, with the support of her family playing a crucial role.
A Nurse’s Journey
Lori’s experiences as a nurse have had a significant impact on her personal growth. Working in the healthcare field exposed her to the harsh realities of life, making her more cynical in her early years. She admits that her work left her with little empathy for her own children at times. However, a turning point came when her daughter was injured, and Lori’s instincts as a mother took over, reminding her of the importance of compassion.
Lori’s career also led to burnout, especially after the death of her mother. This experience forced her to take a break from nursing, which allowed her to begin healing. She believes that the ability to switch roles within nursing is one of the profession’s greatest strengths, offering relief when needed.
Lessons for Fellow Nurses
Lori refers to herself as the Lighthouse Nurse, guiding other nurses through their own challenges. She hopes that her story will inspire them to persevere and find joy in their work. Lori emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, reminding her fellow nurses that they are human and imperfect. “Learn to love yourself, then it makes loving others easy,” she advises.
The Power of Hope
Hope is a central theme in Lori’s book. For those feeling lost, she encourages them to seek help and connect with others. Lori stresses that there is no shame in struggling and that sharing one’s challenges can bring people together.
Healing, according to Lori, is a personal journey. She encourages people to find what works for them, whether it’s spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that bring joy. Lori shares the story of a young nurse named Brett, who rediscovered his passion and began to heal with her guidance.
Looking Ahead
Writing “Surviving Sh!t Creek” was both a challenge and a therapeutic process for Lori. She found that reliving difficult experiences wasn’t as painful as she expected, as she had already done much of the healing work beforehand. Writing became a way to release her emotions and continue her self-discovery.
One story that holds special meaning for Lori is meeting her soulmate, Robert. This encounter helped her understand the purpose behind many of the challenges she had faced in life, reaffirming her belief that everything happens for a reason.
Future Plans
Lori’s is already working on a second book and has plans for a podcast and a masterclass on energy healing. Through these projects, Lori hopes to continue inspiring and supporting fellow nurses and others on their paths to healing and personal growth.
For those who wish to follow Lori’s ongoing journey, she can be found on social media under the handle @thelighthousenurse. Her Facebook group, “The Lighthouse Nurse,” and her website, LoriLewicki.com, are also places where readers can connect and engage with her.
In “Surviving Sh!t Creek,” Lori Lewicki offers more than just a story of survival. Her book provides guidance and encouragement for anyone facing life’s challenges, showing that there is always a way forward, no matter how difficult it all may seem.
