Voice of the DBA

Today’s coping tip is to be curious. Learn about a new topic or an inspiring idea.

My daughter pointed a new podcast out to me: What’s Her Name?

This looks at women in history who are often forgotten. As I age, and learn more, I know that the old adage is true: the victors write the history. A lot of men dominated history and they have sometimes ignored women’s contributions.

I grabbed a few episodes for my travels, to listen to as I’m moving around Europe this week.

I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQL Server Central 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 coping tip is to stop for a minute when you walk outside and just enjoy nature.

It’s getting cold in Colorado, but we had a day recently that was 50F/10C. No wind, and a pleasant day, so when I came back from the gym, I decided to sit outside for a few minutes. The dogs enjoyed me throwing a ball, but I took a few minutes to sit and look at the world. Enjoy the bright, big Colorado sky, smell the fresh air, and appreciate the silence of country living.

Quite a contrast from the last week in busy Cambridge.

I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQL Server Central 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 coping tip is to find a new way to tell someone you appreciate them.

My daughter is away at school, but she has a prescription that is still filled in Colorado. She hasn’t wanted to move it, so a couple times each semester I pick it up and mail it to her. I usually include some chocolate or a toy for her car inside, making a care package of the mailing.

I told someone this and they remarked they might do that for their parents, who they don’t see often. I thought that was a great idea, and a great way to show others you are thinking of them and appreciate them in your life.

So I put together a few care packages for others I know. They don’t need them, and there’s nothing really wonderful in there, but a few small gifts to let them know I care about them.

I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQL Server Central 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.