Tag: coping

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 be kind online. Share positive and supportive comments.

“Are you a better version of yourself online?”

I had someone ask this question a few years ago and it struck me as something I should pay attention to often. When I post something, is it something I’d say face to face? Is it something that I might be embarrassed about with my kids or my Mom? Am I improving my reputation with friends or strangers or making it worse?

All things I think about. Since then, I try to mentally behave and be a better person online. I might lightly joke, troll, or pick on friends, but I do make an effort to be positive and supportive.

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 notice if someone annoys you, be kind. Imagine how they may be feeling.

I had the chance to chat with an acquaintance recently at a social event. They were dismayed at the state of the world (politics, finance, and more), as well as how annoying various things in their life had been. I found myself a little annoyed by all the negativity.

However, I’d been thinking about this tip, not specifically, but in general across the last few years. I’ve made an effort to try and understand and empathize with other points of view. My goal is not to argue the point, but put myself in someone’s shoes to better appreciate their reaction.

In this case, I could understand why certain things bothered this person, or why they were negative about things in life. It isn’t the reaction I usually have, nor to I ascribe the same level of importance that this person did. Of course, I wasn’t in the situation, so maybe I’d act similarly at times.

I let their complaints wash over me, and listened, letting them complain. I also thought a bit about how I’d hope I would react differently, find a way to change things or get beyond them rather than just complaining.

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 a thoughtful gift as a surprise for someone.

My daughter went back to school last week. That means it’s time to start some care packages. I usually need to send her something every month or two and I’ll include a few treats.

She forgot one bag on her trip, so I need to send that to her. I’m including a few chocolate treats as a surprise.

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 no plans day – Be kind to yourself and others.

Unlikely today. Yoga scheduled, and perhaps a high school volleyball game. I also have to get the database weekly editorial done, so this is on the list.

However, I had this day last weekend. I spoke at SQL Saturday Los Angeles 2022 and since I was already traveling, I asked my wife to come with me. She enjoyed a day at Venice on Saturday while I was speaking.

Sunday we had no plans. We woke up and had a late breakfast before driving downtown to the “Wake Me When I’m Free” exhibition of Tupac Shakur’s life and music. Loved it, especially this quote. I think this is how I view the world.

We then drove up to Oxnard, enjoying the view along the coast. We had an early dinner and then came back for a bike ride from Venice to Santa Monica and back. A quick drink by the water before calling it a day.

Nothing planned, just deciding at each moment what to do, and a great, relaxing time for us.