Category: Blog

I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag. 

Today’s tip is to share what you’re feeling with someone you really trust.

I don’t have a lot of people that I trust too much, but I do have a few. One person in particular outside my family is a good friend that I don’t get enough time with. We’re both busy, physically separated, and not always in contact.

However, I did take some time recently to sit and chat, and let them know some of my struggles with life and the pandemic. I’ve mostly had a good year, but it’s been very hard, stressful, and at times, very unproductive.

I don’t know that I’ve been depressed, as Paul Randal wrote, but  I’ve not been much better for some stretches. Sharing that with someone helped me feel a little better about the struggles I’ve had.

I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.

Today’s tip is to make an effort to have a friendly chat with a neighbor.

Most of my direct neighbors, at least those whose property is adjacent to mine, keep to themselves. We all have our own tasks and work, and we’re rarely outside. Unlike previous places I’ve lived, I can’t call out to someone if I do see them outside, as they’re 1/4 mile or more away.

There are also few of us. My road, which is a cul-de-sac, only has 5 properties on it, and I rarely see cars going to and from any houses.

However, recently I was in the feed store getting a few things for my wife and I did see a neighbor in the aisle I walked by. I stopped for a few minutes and chatted, asking about his kids, who I hadn’t seen in years.

It was a nice catchup, and a welcome break from the routine of sitting at my desk or quickly getting in and out of stores.

I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag. 

Today’s tip is to send someone a message to say how much they mean to you.

For many people, this is likely something with family or close friends. It certainly is for me, but I like to also reach out to others at times.

Today, I sent a note to a friend that I’ve known for many years. Someone I’ve seen at events, and someone that has been to my house. Not many can say that. However, I wanted to just tell this person that I’ve enjoyed their company and thoughts in the past, but during this pandemic, I’ve appreciated and enjoyed the things they share about their life, that lets me keep in touch with them and remain somewhat close, even though we’re separated.

Touching the important people in your life is incredibly helpful to coping, and to enjoying your life.