Voice of the DBA

Tag: coping

  • Daily Coping 8 Mar 2023

    Today’s coping tip is ask someone how their day is going and really listen to them.

    I had the chance to do this with one of the kids I coach recently. This athlete seemed a little distracted and annoyed by things, without great body language one day. It wasn’t busy, so I asked a few questions, wanting to know about this person, what was good, bad, what went well, not well, what was bothering them.

    Not a deep discussion, but one where I could listen to them, express sympathies, but not solve their issues.

    I enjoy getting to know someone I care about better, even when I can’t do anything for them at the moment.

    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.

  • Daily Coping 7 Mar 2023

    Today’s coping tip is give positive comments to as many people as possible today.

    On a travel day, I made an effort here. Those are always better for me, when I see a lot of people and can brighten their days.

    • Thanking the bus driver at the airport
    • Greeting the cashier at my favorite restaurant kindly
    • Complementing the flight attendants on their look and service
    • Chatting with the Uber driver and expressing gratitude for recommendations
    • Taking a few minutes with the hotel receptionist
    • Being positive and thanking a waiter at a restaurant

    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.

  • Daily Coping 6 Mar 2023

    Today’s coping tip is to make plans with a friend and catch up with them.

    I decided to reach out to a friend and make time to catch up. This is someone I’ve known a long time and really appreciate in my life, but I let time get away from me and don’t always make time.

    I set up a lunch and we had the chance to catch up on our lives, family, etc. It went well, though a bit short as I had some meetings in the early afternoon. We did, however, set up a second lunch to meet again in a few weeks.

    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.

  • Daily Coping 3 Mar 2023

    Today’s coping tip is to send an encouraging note to someone who needs a boost.

    I met someone at a conference years ago and kept in touch. For some reason, I had a connection with this person and we’ve continued to lightly touch base every month or so.

    I don’t know that he needs a boost, but I reached out and sent a message to say hi, to wish them well, and ask to have a chat, noting that I’m hoping they’re doing well. I got a very positive reaction, so I’m sure this was a boost for 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.