The improvement of human wellbeing happens when we effectively create healthy environments. So, let’s talk about the environment that impacts almost all of us, whether directly or indirectly– the work environment.

Every employment partnership is a two-way street – right? So, if employees are going to manage their wellbeing successfully, then their employers must foster a healthy work environment.

“So, what are organizations doing about it? Not enough, apparently. Fewer than one in four employees say their organization cares about their wellbeing – nearly half the number who said the same before the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the workplace” (Gallup & Workhuman, 2023, p.2).

I’ve decided to contribute to human wellbeing in the workplace by writing a letter. It’s addressed to employers who could benefit from learning why their most valued employees are on the verge of burnout. If you think your organization is ready to have an honest dialogue about what it will take to increase wellbeing and minimize burnout and turnover, feel free to adjust this for your own use. I double-dog dare you.

November 1st, 2023, marks the 9th anniversary of my coaching practice, Pave Your Way. While I was tempted this week to respond to my assignment of “describing a vision for a viable business” with a brilliant new business concept that could “make the world a better place,” a voice inside me tugged with these words – “appreciate where you are.”

“Studying the events of time – history – is as important as studying science, if not more important – it helps you understand what man is.” (John Little, 2021).

To feel accepted, you have to be willing to face the uncomfortable feelings of not being accepted.

Occasionally, as we go about our daily routines, out of nowhere, something small in our worlds comes into more precise focus.

A subtle yet illuminating insight is delivered. I’m unsure why this happens, nor could I describe the exact conditions that make up these experiences. All I know is that they seem connected to our ability to notice what we witness as we find ourselves in heightened states of observation. Ones that go beyond seeing what’s happening to observe our own experiences of what’s happening.

As Bruce D. Schneider, founder of iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching), puts it – 

It's like “being a participant and observer… at the same time.”

Anyone who plays or follows the game of tennis knows that as sports go, it is one of the most mentally demanding.  On a quiet court, just you and your opponent, with down time between each point, your thoughts are yours alone.  No matter your skill, regardless of the power of your groundstrokes or softness of your hands at the net, no matter if your serve is on or your forehand is killing it that day, thoughts intrude.  Your confidence, your mindset, your PRESENCE can make or break a match result.

In tennis - and in life - our thoughts, our attitude, ALWAYS sets the tone for success or failure.

Have you ever found yourself wondering how to embody forgiveness and compassion, while also respecting your own personal boundaries? Whenever we feel a boundary getting crossed, it’s not only normal, it’s completely reasonable to feel tension with our innate capacity to love, forgive and extend kindness. So, how do we reconcile our urge to live compassionately, while also honoring our values and respecting our boundaries? To answer this question, I think it’s worth exploring the meaning of the words– “boundary” and “compassion.”

Recently, it dawned on me how funny (and symbolic) it is that my last day on the job before jumping into the deep-end of starting my own business was HALLOWEEN! And, yes, I dressed-up... as a "Spice Girl" in fact, which meant I was the "Paprika" of our marketing team's McCormick spice rack ; ). Spiiiicy, I know!

Looking back on that day in 2014, I remember feeling like I was about to put on a new costume. Here I was, a 17-year veteran to the world of advertising and marketing, about to embark on the road of personal and professional development, AND entrepreneurship. I was about to start my own practice as an Executive Coach, and put on what felt like at first, a new costume.

Look, I know all of the expectations loaded into the phrase “wouldn’t it be nice,” sound, well… reeeeeeeally nice; but, what if I told you that our need for such pleasantries could actually be holding us back from greater possibilities?

What if on the other side of your need to control what’s “safe” is where real growth, creativity and tolerance begins? What if your expectations of how the world is “supposed to be” is actually overlooking the REALITY of “what it actually is”? We can easily label our existence dualistically – it has highs and lows, good and evil, pains and joys, and many ups and downs.