Like Sand through the Hourglass socialconnections surgeongeneral Mar 29, 2025

Say it with me: "So are the Days of Our Lives!" Gen Xers and Millennials, unite! (Other readers, ask your grandma or great aunt!) Unlike the simpler times when our only choice for daily entertainment was an afternoon soap opera on NBC, CBS, or ABC, we now live in a world of 24/7 digital content. Pic...

Continue Reading...
Breaking the Myths: Mental Health First Aid Covers More Than Just Crisis Response mental health first aid prevention selfcare Mar 13, 2025

I am learning that there is a common misconception that Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is solely about crisis response. While it does provide critical skills for recognizing and assisting individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, MHFA also emphasizes self-care, prevention, an...

Continue Reading...
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish entreprenuer selfcare small business Oct 30, 2024

Dear readers, it’s time to stop the old story that doing things for ourselves is selfish or takes away from others. Picture the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” This wisdom is more relevant than ever in today’s hustle culture. 

I teach Mental Health First Aid, a training that helps adult...

Continue Reading...
Mental Health First Aid as a Part of a Comprehensive Employee Well-Being Strategy #surgeongeneral mental health first aid Jul 24, 2024

This blog is cross published at Covenant Workplace Solutions (Original Publish Date July 24, 2024)

In the US Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being (Fall 2022), five essential components, grounded in science and human needs, shape the approach: Protection from Harm, ...

Continue Reading...
Two Ears, One Mouth: The priceless gift of non-judgmental listening #listening #socialconnections #surgeongeneral mental health first aid Nov 20, 2023

A priceless gift you may consider offering any time of year is the gift of nonjudgmental listening. In a society where the paradox of loneliness prevails1 despite our digital connections, the art of truly connecting through nonjudgmental listening becomes priceless.

If you are one of the 3 million+...

Continue Reading...
Mental Health First Aid Part 2 - Why am I teaching it? mental health first aid new beginnings purpose small business Oct 09, 2023

With a 20-year career in worksite health and well-being programs, I have witnessed how employers invest in employee happiness and health. I gained a lot of expertise in determining effective and ineffective approaches. My experience leading a successful team in this field sets the stage for my passi...

Continue Reading...
Mental Health First Aid Part 1 - What is it? mental health first aid Jun 23, 2023

Were you ever trained in First Aid or CPR? Many of us were as a requirement for summertime jobs (think babysitting or lifeguarding), in school, or as a part of workplace training. The ultimate goals are to “preserve life, alleviate suffering, prevent further injury, and promote recovery.”1 As laypeo...

Continue Reading...
A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new! entreprenuer homestead new beginnings purpose small business May 24, 2023

My 9-year-old daughter had a million questions around what it would mean when I started my own business. Would I travel? Would I be finished for the day when she got off of the bus? WHAT exactly would I be doing all day? How much “fun stuff” could we do this summer when she is out of school?

I neve...

Continue Reading...
You Can and You Should entreprenuer homestead new beginnings purpose small business May 03, 2023

If you grew up like me, the phrase “Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should” might be in your lexicon or vault of sayings you heard from parents, teachers, etc. with the best intentions of coaching us on good behavior and self-control. 

After a lunch date with a friend in late 2021, she sent ...

Continue Reading...