Tina's Blog

Let's face it we are all lonely, scared and afraid of the world today - even if we don't admit it.  For those of us living alone the current pandemic has made loneliness a much bigger issue than before.  Sometimes the quiet and alone time is appreciated on many levels but these days it can be very depressing because we are all affected by the social distancing requirements in different ways. Social isolation puts individuals at a greater risk for developing anxiety and depression but it can also worsen other pre-existing mental health conditions.  Isolation has the potential to be traumatic especially for those with trauma histories and PTSD.  Isolation is not just physically being alone, it can also be mentally being alone. But there are things you can do to deal with the loneliness and the mental anguish it can cause. Keeping in contact with other human beings is the most important thing you can do to fight loneliness. Another thing that’s great is getting outside...

Social distancing and isolation can have a terrible affect on someone with anxiety and depression issues.  What is worse is when you are totally alone - no one to talk to, cuddle with.  You begin to feel an ache that no one else understands because well all your friends have families or loved ones with them in their isolation.  And to be honest, there is no way you can ever explain it to your friends in a way they would understand.  You see, sometimes people just assume that you are good with being alone because you have been for so long.  Truth is that I enjoy my alone time, I really do, but it has to be on my terms and when I want to go hang out with a friend I just call or text and pop over.  I can't do that right now and it is depressing.  Early in the shutdown one of my best friends stopped by to drop off homemade masks for me, my oldest and another friend.  It was nice to see her (albeit 6 feet away) but I could really have used a hug...

Emotional Intelligence is defined as the ability to monitor one's own and other people's emotions, to discriminate between different emotions and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior.   Today more than ever it is important to truly understand Emotional Intelligence within the work environment because, well, it is a scary time we live in.  In some ways, business mirrors biology. As Darwin surmised, those who survive “are not the strongest or the most intelligent, but the most adaptable to change.” It’s the responsibility of leaders to show empathy, unprecedented optimism, and flexibility that will lead business out of this crisis. It may all come down our ability to self-direct and problem-solve on a regular basis.   Keep in mind that this event is impacting everyone, not just you and your business. Reminding yourself that you have no idea what other people are going through will center you and mak...

Change is inevitable Change. A word that conjures up fear in some and eagerness in others. Change is inevitable. Without change life would be boring. Why do some fear change? Why do some eagerly await change? Fear of change is generally rooted in the fact that most of us have a routine that we move thru on a daily basis. When the routine is set off course it disrupts us. Sometimes the disruption is pleasant and sometimes it is painful. At the end of the day the change had to happen but it doesn't mean it was easy and sometimes it is a rare treat. Eagerness of change is generally rooted in the fact that most of us deny the adventurous part of our souls. When we take the opportunity to be adventurous we have fun. Having fun is what reminds us that change can be enjoyable and that we are alive. Change happens all the time around us. Sometimes we forget to take time and look around to notice it. Perhaps it is a coworkers hair cut or a new outfit that just sui...