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?As a neonatal therapist working with premature babies in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), Sue Ludwig understood that the more intentional and responsible she was with her energy and actions, the greater and more positive her impact was on her tiny patients. But while she spent her days caring for the most fragile of patients, attuned to their sensitivities, she realized she had been neglecting her own needs and desires.In this remarkable book about personal and professional transformation, Ludwig shares her journey from burned-out caregiver to powerful changemaker, and the lessons about self-care and energy she learned in the NICU. Through real patient stories, reflection, and practical tools, she guides you toward living a more purposeful and intentional life.Most of us have been conditioned not to pay much attention to the mere moments of our days. We’re told to keep our eye on the prize, on the future, on the next goal just beyond the horizon. We measure our lives by the outcomes we achieve. College degree, check. Professional career, check. Spouse, check. Children, check. And yet, by the time we’ve collected most of those checkmarks, many of us don’t feel all that vibrant. We might even feel like roadkill.But just as the simple power of touch can have dramatic effects on the health and developmental outcomes of premature babies, the energy we bring to everything we do―no matter how small―impacts us, and our own personal development. By acknowledging and taking charge of your energy, you can start intentionally building an environment that supports, rather than depletes it. By taking baby steps, you can fill each moment of your life as you choose, and live the kind of life that reflects your intentions.

Genres: Nonfiction

206 pages, Kindle Edition

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.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, Compassionate, and Life-Changing
This book completely shifted how I think about self-care and energy management. Sue Ludwig’s approach is drawing lessons from NICU babies is both unique and deeply moving. Her stories are heartfelt, and the practical exercises are simple yet powerful. I found myself pausing, reflecting, and actually making small changes as I read. A truly transformative guide for anyone feeling stuck or depleted.

[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.

[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.

[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.