“I’ll never miss this again,” was my first thought after attending AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo in 2016. I felt less alone and part of a community. I was rejuvenated and ready to refocus on my chosen nursing specialty, something I didn’t think I even needed. Each year, even after joining the AORN staff, I’ve been surrounded by the seemingly unlimited supply of positive encouragement and innovative ideas that AORN Expo provides. I still feel a rush when I learn something new that not only improves my perioperative practice but also my life in general.

With mixed emotions, I was excited to hear Corey Ciocchetti’s Inspire Integrity: Chase an Authentic Life session yesterday during Virtual AORN Expo. We may live in the same state, but I hadn’t heard of him before the recent Periop Reset virtual event where he described the validity of choosing your priorities to determine your happiness now and in the future.

After a challenging year filled with reflection, hearing his message again yesterday reminded me that I may have completed my terminal degree, but the responsibility to pursue my best life, including my faith, family, and health should be constant.

Staying true to my priorities has become an important focus for me in 2021. Yesterday Corey concluded his session by asking “how many people are breathing easier because you’ve lived?” and I couldn’t think of a better death-bed mantra. But he also said “you’ll score a lot of touchdowns if you get the inches right” – and that hit hard. I may not make huge strides every day, but he reminded me that it’s important to ask – am I making the right strides daily?

Even virtually, AORN Expo continues to empower me and makes me feel ready to take on the world. I believe my desire to live and pursue an authentic life is possible, if I continue to prioritize health and happiness, laugh, and keep my true authentic goals front and center.