Tiny Humans, Big Lessons: How the NICU Taught Me to Live With Energy, Intention, and Purpose

by Sue Ludwig

What if you cared for your life the way the NICU cares for its patients?

Imagine standing over a newborn and whispering, “I hope you work your fingers to the bone chasing someone else’s notion of the ‘good life’ until you’re so exhausted you don’t remember who you are or why you matter.” It’s unthinkable. Yet that’s where many of us find ourselves as depleted, feeling stuck, and certain that life’s opportunities have passed us by. Isn’t it time we treated ourselves with more care?

In this remarkable book of personal and professional transformation, Sue Ludwig, a neonatal therapist, shares how her tiny patients in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) guided her to step off her hamster wheel of existence and into a new way of living. Through real patient stories, reflection, and practical tools, she reveals how, by following the lead of these in her care, she found her way to a more vibrant, purposeful, and impactful life than she ever imagined possible―and how you can, too.

You can break out of survival mode, take charge of your energy, and redirect it toward development and growth―just as Ludwig’s fragile NICU patients do. Moment by moment, baby step by baby step, chapter by chapter, you’ll come to see that your energy and potential aren’t gone. They’re not even lost. They’re simply waiting for you to reclaim them.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2022

Reviews

[Karen Shilvock-Cinefro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth reading. This is not a book for childbirth or parenting that Amazon lists it under but rather for personal growth and understanding what life brings to us and what we can bring to life. There are stories that the author has learned from working in the NICU of a hospital and how the tiny humans if one takes the time can teach us all many lessons. Helping each of us realize the importance of each day and exploring our energy and potential.

[Joanne Kuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful, thought provoking book about aligning your energy with your real purpose and values in life. It made me think about where & what I give my energy and time to. As someone that wants to "do it all", I can become overwhelmed & busy. I have really taken to heart the lessons that Sue presents & have become more conscious of where I focus my limited energy.
Anyone working in the NICU will relate to the strength we experience in this environment from the tiniest infants, the parents & our coworkers on a daily basis.

[Grace Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really wonderful learning about what led Sue to realizing her dream of starting an organization for therapists working in the NICU and her own transformation along the way. This is a self help book and a partial historical book on the beginnings of NANT. I hope that everyone who works in a NICU reads this book and anyone who works in health care does, too. I got to experience the early years of NANT and the work of Sue and others in supporting the lives and education of therapists. Congratulations on this heartfelt book and for finding a way to lead your life with intention.

[Megan Nutzmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this truly transformational book, I recommended it to all of my coworkers in the NICU. SOOO insightful and has taught me many things that I can not only bring into my practice, but my home life. How to live a more intentional life and how to bring energy that positively impacts our NICU babies, our families, and our friends. Because who doesn’t want what’s best for our babies and families?!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read by a person I admire so very
much. As I have left NANT conferences feeling a
renewed sense of motivation and purpose, this
book left me feeling the same way. I don't know
how she does it, but she continues to find new
ways to give me the drive to continue on in the hard
moments in the NICU and in life. Thank you, Sue
Ludwig.

[Sarah Boutte Guymon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the points the author made. However, the book was sooooo wordy. I felt like it was 3 pages of anecdotes for each point she was trying to make. So it was a little hard to sift through and keep me engaged. First book I ever annotated, though, because I do plan to apply some of her principles to my life and practice as a NICU nurse.

[Angela Fritz · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a NICU provider I could relate very much to this book, but if you don’t work in the NICU it still has some nuggets of good info about living a well-balanced, intentional life. I also recognize that it was written from a position of privilege, with occasionally scrambled thoughts.

[pgb · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an absolutely BEAUTIFUL and necessary reminder of the platitudes of life and the intricacies of enjoying every moment spent on this Earth.
such an enticing account of how a NICU RN faced adversity and the lessons she learned along the way.

[Aria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some parts I really enjoyed.

[Maddy Hudlow]

required reading for a class so no rating

[Melissa Avocato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking, impactful, and a great read for self reflection.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an inspiring way to think of and approach things. Very motivating.