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“Enough!”

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized
Please Stop Talking!

I sank deeper and deeper into my chair as I listened to a Wellness expert on Zoom. I was tired of hearing about burnout, how awful and widespread it is among WFH staffers, essential workers, and everyone during the Pandemic! I wanted her to focus more on recovery and resiliency with real solutions.

I’m not naïve; I know a presenter must identify the problem first and then talk about solutions. For example, she addressed burnout (in many well-curated slides) but was it necessary to spend so much time on the obvious?

I would have loved to hear more about resiliency practices and methods. In the Zoom chat box, the presenter solicited good audience feedback.  Let’s hear more about creative exercise, journaling, gratitude, meditation, etc.  I wanted to hear about work/life balance, changing jobs, honest talks with bosses, and setting boundaries with work and family. 

I would’ve welcomed a deep dive into mandated family medical leave, universal health care, worker retraining programs, and increasing wages.  I know the topic of resiliency is enormous!  I wish our speaker had boldly gone here and stayed longer!

I left the webinar minutes before the close.  I felt drained and uninspired.  The speaker rushed to finish, skipped more slides, and promised to forward a copy of her big presentation – a consolation prize, I guess.  

Hats off to the National Wellness Institute (NWI) for the member webinar, but I need to focus on where I am now – ready to move forward after my share of burnout.  I want to concentrate on solutions and practices that work. But it seems I’ll also have to work on my patience first!  I know we’re not done with the Pandemic and hardly done with burnout.

Focussing on solutions

A Review & homage to our intellectual dimension

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

“god loves haiti” by Dimitry Elias Leger.

I was leaving the library and saw this short novel on display.  I was quickly captivated by the title!  In 2010, after mere seconds of devastating destruction, over 100,000 people died In Haiti after an earthquake.   I never expected a love story in the aftermath of the earthquake. Instead, this book features a love story between a 20 something-year-old artist, her intelligent, sexy, opinionated young lover, and her new husband, the much, much-older president of Haiti.

I felt the pain and resilience of Haitians and welcomed the opportunity to learn more about their history. Yet, embarrassingly, I knew little about the island nation.  During my reading, I was hungry for more and even googled Haiti for greater insight and pictures.

I knew Haiti is one of the poorest countries and hadn’t given thought to the Geo-Politics of survival.  I learned more about Haiti’s dependence and love/hate with the US, Europe, and the UN. Yet, you still see evidence of their independent spirit after fighting colonial powers. Unfortunately, Haiti has also suffered from selfishness, politics, greed, and corruption – inside and outside the country.

In Legers’ book, I enjoyed biting, insightful commentary of the characters and their humor.  I appreciated the self-awareness of each one.  I didn’t expect the book to be so wickedly funny, but it was. Finally, references to religion and faith confused me as I am not a sophisticated reader here.

The suspense is built and set for an ultimate showdown! But the end seemed hasty.   At least I missed something!  But it looks like the conclusion was not surprising to the central characters. I still enjoyed this beautifully written book. I’d highly recommend it.

“This is nice, but what’s a blog?”

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

I laughed when my sister looked at my website and posed the question. I’m new to this, so I understood her confusion.  For the uninitiated, what is a blog?  I’d like to start my explanation with a simple, broader Wikipedia definition:

“A blog is a discussion or informational website published on the WWW consisting of discrete, often informal diary-style text entries (posts).  Visitors can review content and offer online comments.  This process makes blogging a form of social networking. Content could be textual, art, videos, music and audio (podcasts).”  Wikipedia

Want to learn more?  Visit your favorite website and look for their blog or google a subject of interest with the word blog.  In my case, I follow two excellent blogs (NPR and Celebrity Cruise Lines) that support my passion for wellness, writing, and travel. The NPR blog offers concise audio (news and stories) on a host of issues. Celebrity’s blog offers inside stories, videos, and insight from customers and staff.

My blogging effort reflects a more personal blog or online diary.  I aspire to one day write a novel! That’s a big goal, huh?  Oddly enough, this past time fires me up to dive into my well of creativity and keeps me focused. So, my sister, this is what a blog is and why I blog.

You see something, say something!

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

I contacted our community manager and the local police department.  I was annoyed with neighbors dumping excess trash and trucks parking overnight on a street with no parking signs. For me, I can’t see around vehicles as I walk (we’ve limited sidewalks in the area), and I don’t want to look at anyone’s trash! Of course, these are local issues, but I really should talk more about our environment. 

Industrial dumping challenges neighborhoods, along with polluted water, and children are sickened by lead paint, and more.  This past weekend, I heard a lot about firefighters who died of cancer-related causes after the 911 tragedy and clean-up.

Our environment is killing us. I’m especially concerned as I see the impact on people of color, neighborhoods, and people with tough, essential jobs. It is a David vs. Goliath battle to raise awareness and fight.

Whatever problems we have in our environment will impact every dimension of life.  Recently, I’ve noticed more streets littered with face masks.  How anxious would you be to pick up someone’s mask?  I’m not!  This Pandemic waste strains our overflowing landfills.

I’ll continue to be the irritating neighbor and a “woke” citizen. The small stuff is annoying, but the big picture for all of us and our environment is more disturbing.

How S.M.A.R.T are you?

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

I welcomed the gift of a one-day workshop on goal setting. This was a freebie! I thought, why not Zoom in and participate? I’d like to share my experience.

We started with a deep dive into the past year. We discussed Corvid-19, job disruption, WFH, vaccines, masks, etc. Well, you know “our” story. We then focused on what we could do differently and what we had the power to change.

We took a fresh look at key domains in our life (spiritual, emotional, vocational, financial, social, physical, parental, intellectual, and avocational). We examined limiting beliefs that held us back and how we could bravely slay those beliefs with new attitudes and thinking.

You probably know the acronym or roll your eyes at the thought! S.M.A.R.T goals are often discussed in the context of work. Our goals should be specific, measurable, actionable, risky (reasonably), and timely. In this workshop, we explored personal goals (and careers) with new purpose and excitement.

I considered each domain of life with an ambitious goal or two. We broke down our goals into specific tasks over months, weeks, and even days. We learned how to journal and periodically reassess plans.

Fun fact: rewards are critical to your success! When I exercise 5X weekly, I order a movie or visit a beautiful local park. When I meet my monthly goals, I might purchase a pound of Star Bucks coffee or bake. If I meet quarterly goals, I’m looking forward to new clothes!

Taking a S.M.A.R.T look at all dimensions of my life was inspiring and fun. My big goals and dreams became smaller, manageable, and less stressful. One of my avocational interests was to write more this year. Well, look at me now! I’m on track and reevaluating other goals. No more New Year’s resolutions for me! I’m planning to work hard and be smart with my goals!

Celebrating all of us and our Spirit!

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

I’m just chilling at home on a picture-perfect, sun-kissed Labor Day!  I know work provides critical skills, services, and products to society.  But like many workers, I’m a bit conflicted. So, this holiday is an excellent time to talk about the joy and pain of work.  

I won’t suggest that I’m so tired or burned out!  Statements like this have become trite during the Pandemic, with workers clocking longer stressful days in any number of settings.   

Honestly, I felt frustrated before the Pandemic.  Years of work, short vacations, and technological advances have made work tiring. Stress about higher and higher budgets, goals, revenue, or whatever measures you’re accountable for also zap enthusiasm.  Throw in challengeing personalities at work, incessant isms in the workplace (age, race, sex, etc.), and many are ready to run for the hills!

I’ve mostly enjoyed working with some fantastic bosses and companies that allowed me to grow my skills and confidence. Unfortunately, stress sometimes even forced me to bring on my “A” game! I’m proud of my accomplishments but not immune.

My friends and contemporaries are approaching our last decade of work.  A few have enjoyed stable employment, and some have been unemployed and underemployed, with college and graduate degrees. But, unfortunately, too many have worked a long time with little to show for their efforts. As a result, they are deeply concerned about the affordability of retirement—some stress about having few assets after many years of working and raising children.

Declining health is also a considerable concern for some mature workers.  Many have challenges with full health insurance and without health insurance.  A few friends retired early due to declines in their health. They want to work, but their bodies won’t allow them.

At this stage in my life, I have greater clarity about what is important to me.  Balance, flexibility, and R&R are more than words to me.   I want to work hard and smart, and I want my work to be impactful.  I want benefits that contribute to and support my health and financial wellness.  I wish no less for my family, friends, colleagues, and community.

Is 60 really the New 40?

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

I know my chronological age, but I’m not sure how young I’m supposed to be based on the most recent news story. I couldn’t find the last good article on Aging in my overwhelmed inbox. I gave up looking. I know it confirmed we are all benefiting from better diets, exercise, and technology! We’re living longer and maybe looking younger too.

I suddenly remembered a conversation with my doctor a few years ago. I asked about my life expectancy. He suggested I look at my general health, age at death of my parents, grandparents, and my larger community as a woman of color. My future looks bright with a healthy dose of discipline, intelligent prevention, and a great care team. Still, I was stunned when he surmised that I could be a centenarian. I thought he’d say I might live to 85 or 90.

The article I misplaced about Aging suggested that 125 years or more might be possible!  Crazy, huh! That gave me pause. For the first time, I wondered if such a long life makes sense for me. How many of my family members would be around at 125? What about my friends? How mobile and healthy could I possibly be at such an advanced age? Would medical technology remove severe disease and illness? Where and how would I live? I certainly didn’t work and prepare to live that long.

I could drive myself nuts with so many questions. Right now, I’ll hold on to what I know for sure: I’ll live the best life I can for as long as I can, God willing.

Tackling Diversity and Wellness

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) offered a masterful class on a subject that has gotten much attention this past year, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI).  Nicola Finley, MD, was the featured speaker in a virtual program, The Doctor is Inclusive.  Tonia Callender, a GWI research fellow, also shared her experience with race and Wellness.

A friend of mine had worked in the DEI space for years at a large insurance company long before it became part of the public discourse.  We’ve had many conversations about her work and her company’s interest in managing a large dynamic, global workforce.  I learned diversity covers many people and just about anyone if you go beyond the surface.  It can include race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, age, and more. 

We can all find Wellness in many places, and oddly enough, there are real challenges to access and inclusion for people of color.  We can enjoy a luxurious, expensive destination spa vacation.  We can find Wellness in a Yoga class and even in a knitting circle in a local yarn store. Like everyone else, we seek to find ourselves in nature, in a great massage, and while swimming.  Many enjoy hikes and exercise classes. Some people embrace it while managing businesses. Race shouldn’t be a deterrent or obstacle in our path to Wellness, but it can be.  We heard many heartfelt, poignant stories from people of color trying to traverse life and many challenges to just be well.

I’m happy the GWI had the foresight to start a conversation about DEI and Wellness.  In this new series, a wonderful and necessary conversation has begun among wellness professionals.

The GWI has generously shared this August 3, 2021 link to the recording of the session.

Nicola Findley, MD. – The Doctor is INclusive

What is your price for a CORVID-19 shot?

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

Ohio was one of the first states to try a lottery to motivate citizens to get Corvid-19 vaccinations and enjoyed some initial success.  With the more contagious Delta Variant in play now, President Biden has encouraged more states to try.  Original prizes included a lottery ticket with a chance to win a million dollars, and another popular award included scholarships to a state university.  You get a chance to win fabulous prizes if you can get them and the best protection you can get for your health too! I have seen a few winners with smiling faces on the evening news.

I can’t help wondering if this is the right or moral thing to do.  Do you need to be incentivized to protect yourself, your family, and your community?  I can’t help but think this is a waste of taxpayer money and that there are a hundred other programs that need to be supported.  And what does it say about our country when so many others desperately need shots?

I had to accept certain realities today.  If a few lottery players win, and we incentivize many others to play the lottery (and get vaccination shots), we’re all winners in the more incredible health jackpot of life.  Lottery tickets may be a small price to pay for the greater good.

So, I’ve only one thing to say to our nation’s Governors: “Bring on the lotteries!” and start cutting checks to my fellow, hesitant Americans!

Corvid Vaccine Illustrations, Royalty Free Vector Grahics http://www.istockphoto.com

Friendship, giving and love

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

“Every gift from a friend is a wish for your happiness.”

Richard Bach, Author, IQ Daily Inspiration

I’m a sucker for kindness!  I welcome genuine expressions of love, big and small.  Today, this quote grabbed my attention.  This past year, I cherished cards, e-mails, jokes, letters, texts, selfies, and phone calls.  I’ve found great comfort in intimate, safe, and timely conversations about family, faith, health, politics, race, work, and then some. 

I’ve loved moments when a friend cared enough to help me solve a perplexing problem with my computer, my phone, and my car!  Yes, I was upset and needed help!  One friend listened patiently, laughed with me, and offered solutions as I bemoaned an ant infestation in my vehicle.  It took months to get rid of those things!  One friend surprised me with a lovely lavender bath & beauty basket early this year.  I’m still relaxing and soaking up the love months later!  

I can’t forget friends who counseled me on how to shop smarter on Amazon, pointed me to new exercise classes on YouTube, invited me on socially distanced walks, and helped me master new recipes this past year on the phone.  And OMG, how many times have we shared Corvid 19- related articles, videos, and other information to keep each other safe!

Today, a friend surprised me with a link to a sleep and meditation app I need.  A new friend also made time to network with me about career opportunities in the Health and Wellness Industry.  I suddenly recall an old colleague I needed career advice from, and I hunted down in Chicago.   He had a big job, a busy schedule, and a half dozen degrees and professional initials behind his name.  He laughed and said, “we’re all super busy with work, but never too busy for a friend!”

I try to be a good friend, one who gives as often as I receive.  I agree with Richard Bach’s quote wholeheartedly – every gift from a friend is a wish for your happiness.