CHOOSE WELLNESS, EMBRACE STRENGTH AND LIVE YOUR LEGACY

Life pulls us in many directions, leaving us depleted if we are not intentional about our well-being. Choosing self-wellness is not a selfish act; it is an act of courage and love.  It is the decision to nurture your spirit, mind, and body so you can show up fully for yourself and others. Wellness is not a one-size-fits-all journey.  It is deeply personal.  What builds my strength may look totally different from what works for you, but sharing our practices can spark inspiration.  Here are some of the simple yet powerful ways I invest in my self-wellness each day.   My Self-Wellness Practices: Listening to Old School Music Music has the power to shift my mood instantly.  Old school classics remind me of times that made me smile, laugh, or shake my head, "Whew, glad I am out of that relationship - LOL!" Smoothie Time Love nourishing my body with something colorful and healthy.  It is a small act, but it gives me energy. iPhone Games (Puzzle Black, ...

Passion is so powerful.  It fuels late nights, early mornings, and th e courage to keep moving forward, especially when the road gets rough -- and it will get rough.  Passion is fragile and must be protected.  If we do not protect it, life's demands, stress, and negativity can smother it until it feels like a distant memory. Why Passion Needs Protection: Life is noisy: With endless responsibilities, our passion can get drowned out by urgency and noise. Criticism is inevitable: When you follow your calling, your gift, not everyone will understand it. Some will even try to discourage it. Exhaustion is real:  Passion does not mean you can run on empty.  Burnout can rob you of joy and clarity.  Reset and refuel.  How to Protect Your Passion: 1.     Set healthy boundaries - Every yes costs something (your time, your energy, your peace of mind). Protect your passion by learning when to say no. Sometimes it is hard to say no but you have to be inten...

I felt compelled to write this blog.  I had to process what was being relayed to me by colleagues after I retired.   When people reflect on my work, many point to the respite program I helped develop.  They see the impact it had on countless families and assume that is my legacy. I truly understand why.  Respite care is powerful.  It gave parents and caregivers a lifeline, space to breathe, gather strength, and continue the difficult journey of supporting a child with an emotional, behavioral or mental health need.  I know this not only as a leader but also as a recipient of respite.  I have lived the value of it, and will always honor it. The reality, however, is that the respite program implemented is no longer in operation due to budget cuts.  The program was eliminated after my retirement. Programs can be built and programs can be dismantled.   My legacy is my strength not a program. My legacy of strength lives in four ways: 1. ...