Tag: coping

  • Daily Coping 24 Jun 2022

    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 get outside and find joy in being active.

    My ankle is doing better. I managed to go this whole week without a cane for assistance, including a work trip to Austin.

    I took advantage of this to walk alongside the Colorado River in Austin. enjoying the cool(er) evening air. Since I’ve been limited in my mobility, this was a great chance to enjoy the outdoors in a very neat place, watching people enjoying the city life and the river.

  • Daily Coping 23 Jun 2022

    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 look for something good in a difficult situation.

    I had ankle surgery a few weeks back. Actually, it’s almost a month and things are going well. However, the first two weeks I was in a boot and supposed to avoid weight bearing where possible. The next week was beginning rehab, but still being careful how much I used the joint.

    In that time, I had to travel to Germany, camped in Nebraska, and flew to Austin. Across those trips, I had to maneuver with a cane and wheelchair, navigate planes, steps, ferries, trains, carry bags, and more. It was certainly difficult at times. My ankle ached, My right arm and wrist were sore from using the cane to support myself, and I was slow. I couldn’t do things that I normally do, or if I could, I moved at half speed.

    Still, I got to go to Germany and speak at a conference. I got to go camping with my family and enjoy a beautiful view of nature. I got to go to Austin, speak at an event, meet people, and see my cousin.

    I had a lot of good, even if it was difficult.

  • Daily Coping 22 Jun 2022

    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 take time to notice things you find beautiful.

    This probably doesn’t look like much:

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    It’s a new manure spreader. It’s a work of engineering and art, at least compared to the old one. We’ve had the same one for 15 years, and it was small, the bottom rusting out, the wire cables that operate it were frayed a bit and I’ve had no shortage of scratches and cuts while using it.

    I didn’t use it often, but each time I did, I wished we had a new one. Or that I’d have time to take things apart and replace them. I never did, but it eventually rusted the bottom and we bought a new one.

    Seeing this in action is beautiful, and while I don’t relish the chore of spreading manure, I am think it will be more enjoyable when I do need to use this device.

  • Daily Coping 21 June 2022

    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 speak to others in a warm and friendly way.

    I’ve been traveling a lot lately. This means I’m running into lots of people I’ve never met, and a few I have. Last week I started this tip while at VSLive in Austin.

    I do remember that many people can be introverted and shy, and others are ignored. I usually try to be polite and welcoming to people, even when I’m introverted and tired. Specifically, I made it a point to be polite (please, thank you, excuse) me to staffers at the hotel. I’ve done those jobs, and I appreciate how they can be stressful.

    I also made an effort across just two days to greet, smile, and be polite to other attendees. Hopefully setting a good example of what I like to see from others at events, where they have opportunities to network.