Smart and Well – Live&Work 4healthyu

How to Appreciate a Good Manager: Career Reflections

September 7, 2025 by ETWellness, posted in Careers, Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Mental health, Smart and Well

My boss suddenly announced his retirement: “I’ve nothing to prove and I’ve worked a gazillion years!” I clapped and smiled, publicly supporting him, but privately I pondered. It has been a while, so this is a good time to share a few notes from my work diary.

Indeed, he’s been a great manager – fair, fun, honest, and even-tempered. He treats our team like grown-ups, professionals, and gets out of our way! He also doesn’t smother us with his presence or title. He simply manages a team, a WFH one too, with accountability, and respect. How would you rate your own? What would you like to see in your current or next manager?

I can’t assume the newbie will be so agreeable! They all come with different management styles, levels of maturity, and work experience. I know a bad boss can have a huge impact on careers and mental health! The worst ones left a lasting impression and motivated me to treat others well. In time, I found greater confidence and a stronger voice. Family, friends, faith, and mentors all helped. So, keep a strong support system!

I’m not far from my manager in age, so I find myself reflecting on my career journey. There is something exhilarating and inspiring about working with decent, positive, supportive people every day. Managers who listen are rock stars! Great ones share their own stories, their expertise, and mentor others. Everyone should experience at least one commited to their growth and success – not just his or her own!

I’m appreciative of all the lessons I’ve learned. I’m so thankful for work, skills mastered, wonderful colleagues, and a paycheck. But, I also welcome my exit some day. Like my boss, I hope to say I’ve done enough and know it’s time to move on.

How to Prepare for Home Disasters in 2025

January 30, 2025January 30, 2025 by ETWellness, posted in Lifestyles, Mental health, Smart and Well, Uncategorized

We’re all shell-shocked by fires, hurricanes, and more in the news! Several years ago, my family experienced a devastating fire in our home. I worked for an insurance company, so given the horrific California wildfires, I have a different perspective to offer you.

CHECK in with your insurance agent! – Share changes in the family (marriages, divorces, new members, etc.). Discuss any highly valued personal property or new purchases. Have you remodeled recently? Ask about Additional Living Expenses! We lived in a hotel for seven months while contractors rebuilt our home! Overall, are you satisfied with your coverage?

Records – Use your cell phone to take pictures of rooms or make a “home sweet home” video! Next, revisit where you store important documents. Invest in a fire-resistant lock box at home, a more secure safety deposit box, or place documents online in the cloud! Looking back, I lost documents temporarily stored in an accordion file. Please make better choices!

Trauma –The American Red Cross provided crisis support and guidance to our family. Losing your home or being displaced ushers in an overwhelming feeling of unease and personal vulnerability! So, remember, there is no shame or judgment in getting help! Now may also be a great time to donate to relief agencies!

Rebuilding – Be patient. Patience is a lot to expect, but it takes time for insurance adjusters to visit, workers to clear and clean, and contractors to hire. We also learned that contractors work on several projects simultaneously, delaying rebuilding efforts! Housing inspectors must also inspect. Folks, it takes a village to rebuild your home; this process is not overnight.

Somewhere, someone is facing the worst days of their life. Please be proactive! Consider how you can protect yourself and your family! No one thinks a disaster can happen to them. Be well and safe in 2025!

Start Strong – I wish somebody had told me how!

November 15, 2024 by ETWellness, posted in Careers, Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Lifestyles, Smart and Well

Sometimes, I’m wise and compelled to share! A young family member recently joined the world of work! No one asked me, but I shared a few things I’ve learned over the years:

Your first job is your gateway to the “real” world! You’ll gain valuable insight into companies, industries, products, and services. You’ll find the culture of your job is very different from school! Your work now will add greater depth to your formal education. After this, no employer can salute your education but claim you don’t have experience!

So, relax and stay awhile! You are in a great place to be a newbie, ask many questions, and learn. But keep an open mind and stay alert, too! With experience and a more extensive network, another job may soon speak to you! Maybe you’ll make a move within the same company! Remember, this is your first job and not your last!

You’ve got money, honey! Your new shiny paycheck offers power and responsibility! So, get familiar with the “B” word – budget, and allow for fun, clothes, rent, travel, savings, etc. I highly recommend financial guru Suzy Orman and her book, “Young Fabulous & Broke!” I want you to be young, fabulous, and financially savvy!

You’ve got a boss! Your boss is not your parent, buddy, or favorite professor. Learn what is essential to her and your role and keep the lines of communication open! Accountability is important. Expect feedback from the boss, customers, and colleagues too! Listen and grow with this feedback!

Rock some healthy choices! You’ll soon find too many pizza parties, cake days, and donuts at work. Food is everywhere, and there is plenty of free-flowing alcohol when entertaining customers. So, as work becomes busy or crazy, stay grounded with family, friends, faith, exercise, and hobbies! You must take care of your mind, body, and spirit.

Yes, newbie, I’ve learned a few things from working! Unfortunately, I was often bored and impatient at my first job, and I thought I was destined for something else. I learned to chill and appreciate the moment, and the benefits and opportunities came! Once again, congratulations, young professionals! Pay attention and start strong.

How’s your Mother’s Day?

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, I Feel Good!, Mental health, Smart and Well, Uncategorized

I enjoyed a lovely Mother’s Day service at church. Yes, they preached, sang, and presented powerful poetry about the virtues of mothers. Mine has “gone on to glory,” so I can relate to those who miss their moms. As I listened, I couldn’t help but think that as tempting as it is to sing familiar praises, some relationships with mothers are or have been less than perfect! Sorry, but that’s the grown-up truth in this month of May honoring greater awareness of our mental health. So, I’m struck by an overwhelming sense of emotion as I think about mothers. I can admit, I heard you, Mom! My life is richer for her many contributions. Finally, my wings are strong and flight worthy. She gave me all I needed to fly on my own. This is truly one of the greatest virtues of mothers! Indeed, Happy Mother’s Day!

Well, this is my birthday, isn’t it?

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Aging with grace!, Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Fitness, I Feel Good!, Lifestyles, Smart and Well, Uncategorized

Sometimes, even birthdays, become enmeshed in politics! I was reminded of this when I asked a colleague to not broadcast my day on the company intranet. She replied, “But, everyone will think we don’t care about you!” Yes, birthdays are more political than they should be! Consider this:

Big cakes and little cakes! At work, I’ve seen beautiful, elaborately decorated cakes for some, and last-minute, generic Walmart cakes for others. Why the difference? Well, one person, a manager or key employee is highly-regarded and/or popular, and the other colleague isn’t! Some employees are offered “group cakes” for multiple birthdays in one month or quarter. One clerical manager explained we’d have a cake every week otherwise! Have you ever wondered what your birthday treat says about your place in the office?

Have you experienced a birthday-themed marketing campaign? Instead of wishing us well, we hear from political campaigns and non-profits requesting donations in honor of other people or causes! I must admit, this personal appeal is most annoying to me. Wouldn’t you be annoyed if anyone told you what you should get them for their BD? Family and friends are okay, but a grinning politician?

People can be amazingly insensitive! With so much attention focused on Diversity & Inclusion at work, I’m not sure how “Over the Hill!” party themes would work today, but this was the norm in some offices. I also recall a manager confiding in me how much she wanted to include an employee who doesn’t celebrate holidays and birthdays. She wanted a close and supportive team! So, I asked if she ever considered just respecting the employee and her wishes? My question was met with stony silence.

So, here I am with another birthday at work! I used to take a day or week off to avoid the attention, then my determined manager planned my “surprise” before or after vacation! So, how difficult could it be to celebrate and eat cake? Honestly, I don’t want to be anti-social or politically incorrect, but I prefer my birthday to be mine! I’d love to keep other people and their agendas out of my cake business! And before I forget,

Happy Birthday all “First-Quarter Babies!”

Ready to really Spring Forward?

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Fitness, I Feel Good!, Lifestyles, Physical Therapy, Smart and Well, Uncategorized

I wanted to honor my brother by running a marathon with a nonprofit organization that supported him during his illness. A big goal for me, but no execution! So, I found a way to honor him and challenge myself with a local YMCA 10K Training Team! Here’s what I learned:

First, I discovered that less is more (and healthier) with a 10K! My doctor approved and even high-fived me for my interest. But, while my ego wants to go big, my body says no! So, I work with a great bunch of folks every Saturday for ten weeks before the big event. We are motivated to prepare for and complete a popular community-sponsored race and go on this journey together.

Second, it’s exhilarating to train with a group! Ours include runners and walkers, a/k/a “Movers and Shakers!” Our volunteer coaches are passionate about fitness and training. Time flies as we exercise at our own pace, conversing and breathing effortlessly. We are not competitive but focused on an end goal. I’m honestly shocked at how quickly time passes!

Third, an experienced coach is also an excellent partner! Our head coach leads with attention to detail, including lengthy weekly email updates, printed directions for our course, pep talks, and boundless enthusiasm. Our other coaches space out to start and trail behind with slow pokes (like me)! We enjoy tips on hydration, proper shoes and clothes, great stretching, warm-up, and cool-down exercises, and safety tips (staying alert when alone, managing traffic, cell phones, etc.). Our personal weekday programs prepare us for longer Saturday training sessions.

Okay, it’s almost Spring and time to store your winter coat! Are you ready to shake up and move your fitness to a new level? Consider a training group. Maybe, we’ll see you on the road!

“Is it Friday, yet?”

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Lifestyles, Smart and Well, Uncategorized

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

My friend,

I’m sorry to hear how your job is driving you crazy! There is nothing more demoralizing and stressful. Since I’m a year older and fresh off a break from work, I want to share a few things I’ve learned.

First, I recently discovered a great quote on LinkedIn: “Leaving a toxic workplace is an act of bravery, not defeat!” I wouldn’t call my previous employer “toxic,” but I felt increasingly awful as I held on to a job I had outgrown and worried I couldn’t find something better. But after years of complaining, I finally pivoted to another position! I confidently use my skills in a different place, and I’m happier!

Second, I learned fear of change is a monster, and I must confront it! Staying in a job you hate eats at your self-confidence every day! Yes, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results!” To break this cycle, you must do something else! So I started a blog and volunteer projects to grow my interest in wellness and explore my creative side in writing and public speaking. My avocation didn’t lead directly to a new job but opened the door, allowing me to see other possibilities!

Third, I discovered a toxic workplace is a surface issue, and I had to go deeper! Is the problem a lousy boss or horrible co-workers? Is the problem the work culture or a current mismatch in skills and interests? Perhaps, the real issue is more personal (such as childcare, an aging parent, health, money, etc.) The Pandemic helped many realize what was most important. For me, work-life balance is a huge deal! After decades of working in corporate America, I want to see less of a traditional office and a cubicle!

Toxic job situations happen in all workplaces. So, what’s a stressed-out person to do? First, start inward with honest self-talk. Talk to family, friends, and trusted professionals who can make the conversation about you (and not them!). But ultimately, make a plan that moves you to a better place! You deserve this! I started with baby steps like blogging and volunteering. What about you?

I wish you all the best in your journey!

So, what do you want to be when you grow up?

November 27, 2022November 27, 2022 by ETWellness, posted in Careers, Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, I Feel Good!, Physical Therapy, Smart and Well, Uncategorized

This question remains oddly perplexing for kids and adults as we contemplate the next steps in our lives. Choices become even more nerve-racking for adults as the clock ticks away! While watching a favorite weekly drama on television, I heard some sage advice worth sharing.

Let’s start with one annoying, bright, fictional character, a firefighter on an ABC show called Station 19. She is overwhelmed by personal convictions and talent and can’t get out of her own way in life. Finally, her exasperated mentor told her frustrated mentee that the answer was in front of her! In addition, she should look at the job she already knows so well. After this, she should consider an open new role demanding her strong crisis management and people skills.

Further, the mentee’s purpose isn’t some big giant illusive thing to be discovered. Instead, your purpose will reflect everything you’ve done. Everything you’ve done connects the dots in your life and allows you to bring meaning and value to yourself and others. The mentor said that all those dots make you ideal for one area or another, and you’re perfect for leadership now!

In the last few years, I’ve focused on my dots or interests in many areas. Mine include travel, writing, reading, fitness, volunteer projects, etc. I’ve changed jobs to reflect my evolving interests and skills and pivoted away from work that doesn’t interest me.

In one good hour of must-see TV, one can learn something new or confirm what you already know! The answer to what is next is often right in front of you or in places you’ve already ventured. However, it may take a trusted mentor, friend, advisor, or just a little personal courage to see what is in front of you.

So, who are you following?

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Smart and Well

It’s good to hang out with people and groups that share your passion for wellness. To start, they offer advocacy, education, networking, and research. As I listened to a Global Wellness Institute Master Class on “2022 Trends Making Headlines,” I realized how much I value this connection. I listened intently as self-described “wellness nerds” spoke my language and shared my desire to understand the big and small picture.

What trends are there in 2022? A panel of wellness pros offered an update on the economy, industry jobs, return of red-hot leisure travel, metaverse in wellness, and growing consumer interest in the environment and sustainability. In addition, I was quite intrigued by the generational issues of Gen-Z, Gen-X, Millennials, and Boomers. They all think differently and have fascinating consumer profiles.

Experts addressed shifts in attitude about work, careers, money, and much more. Consumers once viewed wellness as a luxury, and now there’s a demand for democratization and accessibility. Indeed, we all want to be well! In addition, there is a greater interest in travel close to home, local destinations, and “micro-focused” community activities. Finally, a few speakers addressed the desire for less attention to fakery and obsession with body image in men and women.

Presenters looked into their crystal balls for 2023. The buzzwords for 2023 include sustainability, realness, connection with something significant (like spirituality?), hunger for more social connections, and an intense need for workplace-inspired wellness post-pandemic: For info, visit: https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com.

It’s wise to connect with professional groups that support you. Indeed, there is an endless number of professional groups, associations, and experts who offer good reliable information. However, the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is one that keeps me challenged, committed, engaged, and excited about my journey.