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I was having a really bad day at work and thought about phoning a friend at lunch in my car.  I wanted to blow off some steam!  I stopped instead and opened an APP on my phone.  It occurred to me that a conversation with a friend wouldn’t allow me to fully focus on my problem. Bless his heart, I feared my friend might make this moment about him and his day!

Have you ever used your Voice Memo App?  Your phone is probably loaded with more apps than you realize.  Whenever Apple updates software, I see something new.  In Voice Memo, I’ve made handy notes about groceries, meetings, lectures, but a bad day at work? Why not.

I had a workplace injustice on my mind and needed to think out loud.  After a quick sandwich and a half-hour on my phone, I felt better! I returned to the office calm, confident, and focused on a plan of action.

The Voice Memo App is an extension of my journal.  It is as private and as personal as my phone.  When you’re having a bad day or need to memorialize a moment, go for it!  Don’t worry, you’ll look just like the next person, out and about, wrapped up in your own important conversation!

I never realized the t-shirt market is humongous and driven by distinct customer segments.  It’s trillions of dollars big! I recently chatted with an excited entrepreneur about her new venture here.  Her focus is on motivational apparel which includes inspirational t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and more. They feature positive quotes and messages that will uplift, inspire and motivate consumers.

I’m particular about what t-shirts I wear.  I’ll do my spring cleaning with any old, ratty shirt, but when I buy a new one, I need to feel connected to a cause or product.  For instance, I love my college and proudly wear my school colors!  I also support amazing nonprofit organizations and gladly raise awareness wearing their things.

A few days ago, I visited a local mall and noticed a new t-shirt store. As a newly educated consumer, I was now more aware of messaging on clothes and how intimately connected wearers can be.

I captured a photo of one t-shirt in the store’s window with a message I couldn’t forget! I had been thinking about a blog, and thinking about a blog, but never did anything! You could say this message was motivation to get moving and stop making excuses!

P.S. If you’re interested in inspirational apparel mentioned earlier, check out the site.

https://ietshirts.com/

I can’t talk about wellness without mentioning the National Wellness Institute (NWI).  I was looking for an organization of people passionate about wellness and found a home here!  I was not an exercise coach, a registered nurse, or a massage therapist, but always liked hanging out with people in this space! I found everyone to be a natural teacher! I decided to join several years ago, and it was one of my best decisions to spend my time with like-minded folks.

NWI is the official voice of the wellness community.  This amazing Stevens Point, Wisconsin association is a leader in professional development and supports individuals from a wide variety of disciplines promoting whole-person wellness.  I enjoy continuing education classes, webinars on key issues, and opportunities to network with wellness-based professionals and true believers.

NWI addresses six dimensions of wellness developed by Dr. Bill Hettler, co-founder of the NWI.  I wanted to share their popular wheel.  NWI states that by focusing on wellness, we build resiliency and thrive as we face life’s challenges. 

Other organizations offer similar wheels and/or speak to a broader spectrum of dimensions in wellness. No matter how I look at life, I still return to my first introduction. Enjoy.

In May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged that burnout is far more serious and present today. It has been classified as an occupational phenomenon (International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), but not as a medical condition. This handbook provides useful guidelines for medical professionals when making a diagnosis. Signs of burnout include a sense of failure, shame, and self-doubt, feelings of being trapped and defeated, detachment from others, lacking motivation, and an increase in cynical and negative thinking. All these signs are directly linked to work! The broader and more descriptive definition now lends weight to the gravity of burnout and helps us recognize the signs.

Attention is often focused on medical professionals today. Increasing strain on our health care system is putting tremendous pressure on these front-line workers. Corvid-19 has only exacerbated workplace conditions. If this isn’t enough, the nightly news features one heartbreaking segment after another with interviews of exhausted staff.

Non-medical professionals are voicing their concerns too. Many WFH professionals speak of impossible workloads, isolation ,and exhaustion while working from home. And let us not forget the essential blue- collar workers managing deliveries, mail, grocery stores, trash, etc.

The WHO has a broader mission than leading partners in global health response to Corvid-19. I must admit, like many other people, I was not very familiar with it and its mission until last year. I’m glad more attention is focused on burnout. In the United States, some have taken “working to death” literally. Workers aren’t just a little tired or in need of a vacation day or two.

I’m calling attention to the WHO in my first post, simply because more attention needs to be given to how we work, our boundaries, and our rights.

I recently listened to a first-time speaker and social worker present an “Icebreaker” or introduction speech at a toastmasters meeting.  She spoke about her state agency’s mission and her job.  I was touched by her interest in helping clients “where they are, “she said.  I loved the thought of respecting a person’s current place and Googgled this expression.   I found the following:

Meeting someone where they are means bridging the gap between your expectations and where the other person is coming from. It means intentionally listening to understand their values, needs, desires, and even their trauma responses. … We make assumptions and offer advice even when the person hasn’t asked for it. Jan 30, 2021, Google.

I thought about times in my own life when I wanted help and was more receptive when I was ready and asked for it. I wasn’t crazy about unsolicited advice!  Who is!

Hearing this professional hit home for me.  She was genuine, compassionate, and smart.  It would be easy to have an engaging conversation after this.

I’m a big fan of Oprah Winfrey.  She often refers to her team or “my people” during her show.  I’m no Oprah, but I learned I must have a team too. I assembled my wellness team!

It’s important to have a great Internist or GP managing your primary care.  Mine is patient-centered, knows me, and so does her nurse.   She’s often the first person I contact for an opinion or oddball health question.  I respect her time by doing a little research first or having my questions good and ready.  This makes for a great partnership.

My team includes specialists. Like most women, my team includes an OB-GYN. My primary care is managed between these key players.  I also have a dentist, optometrist, and dermatologist on my team.

I’m committed to keeping all of “my people” appraised and involved in my care.  Over the years, I’ve sent holiday cards to each one.  I also never forget to thank each person for his or her service.  I also inquire about them, their wellbeing, and their families.  My doctors are people too!