Tag: Writing

How to Appreciate a Good Manager: Career Reflections

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.

Hey, what’s your story?

by ETWellness, posted in Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Lifestyles

My fellow travelers eyed me curiously as one older lady inquired at the dinner table, “What’s your story?” With all eyes focused on me, I laughed, put down my fork and knife, and shared. I had a story and purpose for visiting Cuba.

Years later, that moment stayed with me as I read a self-published autobiography of a family member. Some in the family wondered what she had to say and why. One person admitted she didn’t care for this type of writing but enjoyed books about celebrities. She believed they had great stories!

You couldn’t be more wrong, I thought. You needn’t be rich, famous, or popular to have a story! You don’t need to be infamous or saintly, either. Protagonists also don’t have to be esteemed artists, musicians, politicians, scientists, etc. to have a story worth telling!

In my cousin’s book, she shared remarkable accomplishments in public service, church, education, and law enforcement. Her humanity, grit, and faith appealed to me as she discovered her life’s purpose. She was a child, woman, mother, and daughter taking steps forward and backward with seismic missteps. Her story was raw and authentic.

I’ve also loved books about athletes, actors, billionaires, and wellness gurus chronicling their paths to fame and fortune. Why do we put them and their stories on a pedestal but not show respect for ordinary folks who aren’t fixtures in the news? Someone must have a crazy, wild, or dramatic “movie of the week” sized story to impress us!

These are strange times, and our overly stimulated senses make us demanding! Instead of simply being curious and open to whatever experience a writer offers, we look to be entertained and enthralled.

When I shared “my story” about why I traveled to Cuba many years ago, I knew my trip was a small part of my life journey. My table listened because we all had our reasons for traveling. One day, I hope to share my larger story in a book. I salute my cousin for boldly sharing her autobiography and feel inspired.

“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.