Psimer_A641 7 3 RB Appreciating Your Real Self

A641.7.3.RB - Appreciating Your "Real Self"

It’s Worth It!

The greatest worth in my life is spending quality time with my son Everett.  Everett is my companion in life.  I dedicate most of my time and energy to caring for him and giving him a fulfilled and happy life. Being a mom is the most difficult challenge, as every minute is a learning moment for us both. 

Full Potential – Self and Leader Shared Responsibility

My worth in the Coast Guard is taking care of people.  I am a unique leader who actually helps people be at their best and reach their full potential.  I accomplish this through honest, open communication. 

Recently, I onboarded two new members at my unit.  During our conversation I explained my role as taking care of them and their families.  Particularly supporting their dreams – even if that is dream is not being in the Coast Guard.  By explaining my leadership philosophy, they both immediately told me very personal stories, goals and how I could support those accomplishments.  The most amazing part, was they said “this check-in is not what I expected.”  They thanked me for fostering a “safe space” using emotional intelligence and psychological safety.  Them “thanking me” is one of the greatest gifts I could get.

Buddy – My Soulmate

Currently taking care of Buddy, my foster-to-adopted dog, is the thing that brings me the most joy.  I absolutely love this dog and he is my animal soulmate.  Buddy has been so helpful for me, especially when I bring him places.  He keeps me at an even keel and his loyalty is unmatched.  He wags his tail non-stop despite having terminal cancer.  My heart will shatter in a million pieces when he passes away.  He was neglected and abused, but my family has given him an amazing life these past few months.

This Moment In Time

When free writing, current thoughts are about enjoying vacation with my son Everett. We are at the most awesome ranch in Wyoming and this is a trip of a lifetime.  I am thankful we have this time together.  What I do not want to think about today is going back to work. 

Body Check-Up

For the body check-in, I circled my heart and mind.  I am trying to do a better job at staying calm when I feel stressed.  I also circled both, because I am on the tail end of graduate school and this has been a long journey.   I feel so many things having completed nearly 210 assignments since October 2023.

Wyoming – Wide Open Spaces (Like the Dixie Chick Song)

Emotionally, I feel excited and have a sense of self-renewal.  Wyoming has given me something I needed; a place for me to fulfill my life purpose and be my best-self.  Distressful feelings include feeling completely overwhelmed.   I am pushing myself through the next 16 days to get across the graduate school finish line.

The Breakfast Club

The admired person(s) I envision, is actually many people.  They are my core group of friends.  They are a dedicated group and call themselves the “Andrea Dream Team.”  They are only a speed dial or text away, and with me always.  I dedicate many of my accomplishments to their support.

Seeking Balance and Achieving Transformation

I have done an amazing job being committed to exercising and going to the gym.  I want to continue the routine as part of optimizing balance.

My spirit is renewed having been to Wyoming.  The hustle and bustle of DC has become very tiring and causes me an incredible amount of stress.

Emotionally, I feel very happy, loved and relieved as I am moving in the right direction and accomplishing life goals.  According to Boyatzis & McKee (2005, pg 164), “believe in your dream.”  The authors describe the importance of hope and optimism as people navigate through life.  This is especially notable, because no matter the situation or plan, being optimistic and hopeful will be catalysts to success.   With that, it is important to recognize optimism and pessimism will be present in varying degrees and times. Here, resilience and mindfulness acknowledge pessimism and harness the power of optimism.

Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch, cites Laura Kubzansky, co-director of the Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “Here are four practices she suggests that could help you build more optimism.

1) Look for opportunities.

2) Focus on your strengths

3) Practice gratitude

4) Create a mental image of your best possible self.”

Mentally, being decisive about personal decisions has opened space to embrace the present instead of leaning into the future so hard.

Mindful change includes working out more during the week.  I need to find childcare for my son, so I can maximize time at the gym. I need to simplify my finances and better understand how I spend money.  I need to accept I may be putting too much money into retirement and actually listen to my financial advisors.

Here and Now, Not “Back Then”

I need to live by a “no excuses” motto and just do the things I want to do – otherwise I will be in a rut. I must give up past relationships to make room for new ones.  I need to let go of perfection, planning every moment and be in a place to meet people anytime, anywhere.  I am excited for my new journey, but need to move past the old life.   

 

Reference:

Boyatzis, R. & McKee, A. (2005). Resonant leadership: Renewing yourself and connecting with others through mindfulness, hope, and compassion, (5th ed.).  Harvard Business

Publishing.

Solan, M. (2021, July 1). Thoughts on optimism. Harvard Health.   

            https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/thoughts-on-optimism

 


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