E C Extras

Author: keona.eliteconceptsinc

  • Do and Don’t: Dating Core Values and Aesthetics for the Business Professional

    Keona Williams

    photocred: vecteezy.com

    Dating is an action that has benefits we don’t often discuss. For the business professional, dating can be viewed as a distraction before it is viewed to be the possible means for introduction to a life partner. Previous posts, both here and other places, have discussed dating as an advantage to the life of a business professional. Often allowing a balance for the business professional by maintaining social connections, dating is not shunned here. It is important to remember that dating does have its disadvantages and warnings that are not just for the business professional, and rather are applicable for anyone who is considering dating. Here we discuss dating in a manner that is life-well for a professional. It is not to say that the dating business professional has guidelines that aren’t applicable to others, it’s rather to highlight some key factors for successful dates and to remind of some dating strategies that when altered ensure that dating doesn’t distract from the career. Successful careers can become part of a person’s life and include time outside of the office. Allowing yourself to date can offer a weight on the opposite scale and increase whole life balance. Let’s review some dating to do’s and dating don’ts.

    Don’t

    There are several universally agreeable reasons why no one really recommends the business professional date casually. Even if it is suggested those same reasons are why one either anticipates the date won’t work or ends the relationship prematurely. One super reason not to date being a business professional is that if one doesn’t date properly the action of dating can be detrimental to a career. There’s nothing worse than liking someone after each date only to realize that your career is suffering to an extent. Wait, yes there is. It would be worse not finding monogamous relationship material, dating regularly, and career detriment. Imagine dating for six months consecutively only to get an occurrence at work for attendance during the quarterly review. Don’t worry, while these don’t-do-hints can’t be guaranteed to ensure success they certainly won’t increase the likelihood of the aforementioned occurring.

    Don’t: Date too soon

    It’s never too late to start dating. It can completely be too early to start dating. This statement doesn’t refer to person of romantic interest introduction; it refers to the action of dating. When first beginning a career there can be stipulations, be sure to weight the necessity of dating to career stipulations, i.e. attendance and performance. Allowing three months or so after a career start date to begin dating isn’t the most horrible thing and can reduce stress associated with the career. The additional time alone can allow for daily organization, familiarity with requirements, and self-care strategy implementation. An ability to complete the hints secure the career further by eliminating early distraction, making sure that the action of dating is compatible with where you are positioned in a career while highlighting when it is compatible according to work responsibility, and keeps responsibility of emotional state “self” centered. This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid all forms of social contact with someone who you are interested in romantically. Try short phone calls, texts, and even emails to stay in contact during the waiting period. It shows interest without reserving a specific date right away. Keep in mind, this is for the business professional who may be just starting a career. If you are a seasoned vet where you work, this hint may not pertain to you. All of the minor details of the job and time requirements have already been worked out for the seasoned vet.

    Do

    There are some things that can ensure that a date is successful, even if it isn’t. The idea is to get to know someone better without the bitter aftertaste no matter the context of how the date went. Remember, you have a career that requires you to perform a certain way no matter what and we don’t get the date didn’t go well days off. Begin with remembering that dating is supposed to be fun, and concreting that requires that your career doesn’t suffer. When being social happens like such the equilibrium of life is restored. There is then a happy work life and a happy social life.

    Do: DATE!

    It’s important to date if you ever want to be married, and dating can be fun. It’s actually supposed to be. Dating offers a connection to a continued social life. It’s the introduction to someone who will be one of the most important persons in your life, if you are the marriage type. Because our main social-environmental relationships don’t end when a career begins, it can be valuable to begin to establish external social connections outside of those of family and close friends. True enough if dating is done right it leads to marriage and a life partner. The life partner beginning, however, is external-social being more like close friends than that of family. Therefore, dating becomes an important step towards whole-life wellness.

    photocred: vecteezy.com

    Dating Core Values and Aesthetics

    Core values of dating are different than the aesthetics of dating. Core values are aspects of the date that are determinant of rather the person is, or could be, of a continued interest. They often somehow align with the deal breakers of monogamous relationships. Core values are established earlier than acknowledged and can begin as soon as the date planning stage. It’s important to remember that there are negotiables for our deal breakers and that core values offer an insight into the person with whom the date is being scheduled. When core values align it is likely that the interest will peak to the next level.

    Core Values

    Don’t: Have the wrong conversation

    During one of those phone conversations or texts it’s likely that date planning occurs. The conversations will have core value context if there is depth to the conversation. The suggestion is to keep it light in the beginning. You’ll first want to know how each other’s day went and that alone can lead to an entire conversation. Secondly, there are aesthetic questions that are great fillers. What is your favorite movie? What is your favorite color? What is your favorite food? These questions work great for making a lite conversation or filling a conversation. Ask why and there’s an additional ten minutes of conversation before it’s counted.

    It is important that the conversation isn’t filled with talks of the career. This is true for both phone and date conversation. Remember the goal is to get to know the other person personally and allow them time to get to know you personally. Career conversation is personal, but it isn’t really all that interesting. It is also heavy conversation to an extent and the content can be physically draining. Think back to a time when there was a conversation with friends about something at work that was stressful. It’s likely by the time the conversation was complete you were tired and just wanted to figure out how to feel better during after-work hours. Heavy content conversation can literally have a physical affect. Furthermore, you don’t want to gossip about work or disclose information that is considered confidential to the career. Last but not least, never ever use the work phone for personal conversations as well.

    Do: Plan during the conversation

    When it is time to plan the first date there are some things that should be established to prevent weirdness during the date. Planning the date properly prevents the thickness in the air during certain times of a date. For the business professional where you date can be more important than realized. Initially, the thought was that dating during the day offers daylight and therefore safety. We can say that we’re adults and hopefully we don’t ever happen upon a situation where safety is a concern, although the suggestion is a good one to keep. Here, the when extends beyond daylight. Plan a date when it won’t interfere with work. Since work schedules can vary there are an array of answers for that question and only the professional is aware of what days are best.

    Another thing to discuss during the conversation is how the bill is going to be paid. Women professionals should offer to go “dutch”. For anyone who doesn’t know going dutch is offering to pay half of the bill when it arrives. Going dutch for the first few dates essentially removes any sexual connotation from the date. It establishes more of a friend vibe than a romantic one. A con of going dutch is just that, it dilutes the chivalry of the date for the man. When a man is removed from his responsibility of provider, established during the dating stage also, he can become uninterested. Explaining why you are offering to pay is best, and being honest about it reduces the likelihood of interest diminishing. For the woman business professional, you can always suggest no pay dates. Lunches and picnics make great no pay date ideas. A walk along the beach or even the public sledding hill are also great alternatives if applicable. For the male business professional offering to pay does begin to establish you as the provider of the relationship. It is why we suggest that the male professional always offers to pay for the date in its entirety if pay is required. If the relationship is not there yet, you can inquire about rather she wants to go dutch for the first few dates. Once again, daytime no pay dates are an excellent idea.

    Don’t: Plan the next date too soon or wait too long

    An attraction to someone can allow for some pretty heavy feelings. However, anticipation is great if both individuals can exercise patience. It can be tempting to plan the next date before it’s actually a good time to plan the date. The consideration is that a week or so between dates offers enough time to begin to integrate the relationship into life. When the dates are successful having a set day to spend with a new romantic interest alleviates any worries about scheduling conflicts also. This doesn’t mean shy away from impromptu meetings when comfortable with the person. It does mean that structure removes confusion and confusion is bad for any relationship.

    It can be simple to plan and consider once a week too often. Only adopt the schedule when the interest is specific, unless casually dating and there is a rotating person for date night. Believe it or not, once a week can be too soon. Afterall, there are calls; texts; emails; and any other form of communication that also fill in the void of romance. However, you don’t want to schedule too far out and interest is lost by either party. Keeping a schedule of once a week allows for focus to remain with dating. Dating has to be taken serious if your love life is of importance. This means being committed to the routine of dating and paying attention to dating requires. Time is one of those things. Remember, too little can become too much and too much can become too little so be sure to feel the dating relationship out and be verbal about where you are with your emotions.

    Don’t: Show dislike distastefully

    There are no guarantees that dates will go well. True enough, we’ve gotten to know the individual better and made the conscious choice to extend the relationship beyond communication to dedicated quality time. Still, it doesn’t guarantee that the feelings of discontinuing the dating relationship won’t occur. If it arises and ending the dating relationship is required there is a way to end the acquaintance tastefully. It’s valuable to the individual to be aware of why the acquaintance is ending. A person deserves that much if it is important to them to know why. Ghosting is never acceptable. Ghosting occurs when a person suddenly withdraws from all forms of communication with no reasoning as to why. It is considered insensitive and for the business professional unaligned with core life values. We want to be able to make conscious decisions and deductive reasoning requires explanation, so offer it. If it is you, let them know why it is you. If it is them there is no reason to be harsh about whatever personality trait or quality is causing the distain. Keep in mind that what isn’t right for you could be perfect for someone else.

    Do: Show interest if interested

    When interest is apparent, and communicated properly, it can be attractive to the other person. If they aren’t telepathically capable of reading thoughts how else are they supposed to be aware? There are a few key ways to show interest that are a signal. Escalating body language is one of the hints. From hugs to kisses says a lot about a relationship. What we don’t often consider is what the hug says about the escalation of the relationship. There is also body language of the self, subtle little escalated signals of body language that don’t involve displays of intimacy. For the business professional woman, we are all familiar with the famous hair flip and laugh. After it may be appropriate to reach in for a gentle touch of his hand, shoulder, or back. For the business professional male, placement of chairs is an unspoken one or the offering of the jacket. Additionally, be aware of her signals and be prepared. For instance, leaving the hand available for the infamous hand touch during dinner is a big one. The idea is to utilize available signals to reciprocate interest. The other option is more obvious: say it. When a dating relationship is gaining momentum it is acceptable to express verbally also. After all, body language can only say so much.

    The atmosphere of the dating relationship can also evolve with the growing interest. While daytime dating was suggested earlier, when the interest is there and monogamy is being considered changing the atmosphere of the date can say a lot also. Going from daytime dating to quiet candlelight dinners can also signal that trust is being established. Trust established in the relationship can be a giveaway that emotions are developing. Also, consider the at home date escalation. It can be the ultimate means of communicating monogamy. Afterall, not everyone gets to make it to the humble abode; especially true for the woman business professional.

    It’s important that date night offers positive psychological reinforcement. Despite what we may want to believe the responsibility of positive psychological reinforcement is not the responsibility of the person being dated. It is in fact the responsibility of the self. One key factor is feeling great and looking great, another reason to implement a self-care day when necessary or regularly scheduled. Dating is a step towards accomplishing the goal of marriage. Marriage, for those who are interested, is a major component of well life. It’s valuable to start off on the right foot. Dating properly doesn’t have to be detrimental to the business professional. It can instead offer a helping hand in establishing what is a well-rounded and happy life.

  • The Business Professional: A well lifestyle

    author: Keona Williams, studying MA

    Who is the business professional?

    When considering the workforce, or job market, there are a plethora of occupational categories. Well, plethora may be an exaggeration. There are certainly more than a few. The business professional is not one that is categorized as such but is rather a blend of more than one professional type; some from healthcare, customer service, and executives to name a few. The business professional is the individual whose day begins early day and often ends before early evening. While it isn’t blue collar; industrial; or construction work, meaning it isn’t considered manual labor, the work can be stressful and therefore have a physical effect on the individual. Here we observe key characteristics of the business professional and core psychological components.

    The Business Professional: A person

    Often times the business professional goes unnoticed. Think back to a doctor’s appointment, a customer service phone call, or a product recently purchased. When thinking back to the moment there are specific aspects that will stay with you. The doctor themself, the reason for the phone call, and the product and its use specifically will be most simple to recall. However, the doctor has a receptionist, the person who responded to the call is likely a human, and the product has executives connected to it. The aforementioned are less likely to be known or recalled from memory. Don’t worry, it isn’t your fault; it’s how the brain works. The important thing is that each of the least recalled individuals are considered the business professionals.

    Business professionals are vary in age, meaning they can be entry-level employees or those who are about to retire. Psychology describes the age range as early, middle, or late adulthood. Specifically, the ages are approximately 23 and just finishing college to 65 and approaching retirement. Occasionally, there are some who are right out of high school beginning a new job. There are important psychological components that are being established and established during the specific phase of development. Important things are home life, job/career security, and social life. One thing psychology teaches is that change isn’t concrete. This means that a person will more than likely have to change or adapt at more than one pivotal moment of life. Graduations, weddings, and promotions are some of the major milestones for business professionals. It is important to understand how to deal with everyday emotions and those connected with milestones. When there is some concrete structuring to the individual’s psyche things tend to be less stressful and more enjoyable.

    The occupation

    Consider the occupations mentioned earlier. The receptionist is responsible for the inter-workings of the office’s visits. Cohesion is the compliment brought to the office by the specific business professional. It is easy to assume that the job is boring and there isn’t much to do all day. However, that is furthest from the truth. Think to the customer service agent, we could presume that the representative does nothing more than resolve an issue via phone. How difficult could it be? Or the executive, everyone considers an executive position to be daily golfing and lunch meetings. What each of the careers have in common are stress. Each is of a highly stressful occupational position.

    We don’t look at the business professional to be a major factor when we recall an experience, when actually they are core constructs of said business. If the receptionist confuses one document and the physician is possibly late with appointments by 15 minutes with a full waiting room at some point or another. The customer service representative is responsible for the face of the business for which they work. There is also an observational effect of the numbers a business generates, being either negative or positive, that directly correlates with the customer service representative. The executive is responsible for the decisions that form the business and therefore has one of the most stressful careers.

    It is important that a business professional understand how to preserve themselves to perform optimally at work, be secure with homelife, and maintain/enjoy a social life. The concept of self-care and the business professional can also be considered work/life balance. The added component to self-care is the inclusion of home life security, utilization, and enjoyment. The added component for work/life balance is the management of the level of care to include the self. The combination of a well-life business professional includes both self-care, work/life balance, and is needing to be inclusive of a social life. The stresses of the business professional life, and career, can often affect other areas of focus that will then boomerang and cause work-life stress. Maintaining a well-culture business professional life prevents boomerang like effects of stress psychologically, ensuring optimal work performance and satisfaction of life.

    Maintaining a well culture

    What fails to be mentioned is that most of the stresses are of a psychological origin for the business professional. Physical stress may not be part of the job or home life, meaning that heavy lifting and strenuous physical work is likely not part of the business professional’s work requirements. Yet, if most of the stress is psychological it is more likely to have an affect before the affect can be sourced. It is also more likely to affect more areas of the business professional’s life negatively. When a schedule can reflect self-care and well-work life habits the business professional is less likely to feel the affects of stress immediately. Consider the milestones that are already part of the psychological focus of the business professional. The milestones themselves are positively originated.

    Graduation, both high school and college, should be looked at like a milestone achievement. The achievement is both positively and negatively registered for the individual. However, the positive effects are more concrete than the stress connected to the event. When using marriage, and the wedding, as a milestone there are a few positive and negative effects again. Yet, the marriage itself reinforces healthy relationships and companionship for the business professional. These are similar to the promotion. The promotion will have more responsibility associated with the career increase, yet the advantages of pay increase and flexibility of schedule often outweigh the added responsibilities. The idea of alleviating stress is already embedded into the milestones for psychological registering. Scheduling that reinforces the advantages is inclusive of self-care and well-work life habits.

    Home and Worklife Habits

    For instance, a homelife that is securing of less stress psychologically reinforces advantages of the purchase of the home or renting of the property. Observationally, there a few things that increase a psychologically sound space for the business professional. One habit to create is a good beginning and end of the day routine. Some will laugh it off, but the suggestion here is play music while preparing for the day. Music has an effect on the brain and therefore the state of being the listener will experience. Listening to music that is energetic and supports feelings of wellness for the self will allow the listener to experience just that a consistent stream of energy and feelings of self-love. For most of us it begins during the commute to work. Yet, beginning shortly after getting out of bed extends the positive effects for a prolonged positive effect.

    Although obvious, restricting conflict to proper place and time can also be a habit that reduces stress registering, and therefore increase or coring, at other specific places. Often a work environment has a specific procedure for addressing conflict and an infraction system when a conflict occurs; this reduces workplace confrontation and conflict. It can be important that the business professional understand how to implement the same restrictions at home. Reducing conflict at home keeps the home life as a safe psychological space for the individual and allows one to feel the sigh of relief when walking through the door that could be necessary after a long day’s work. When home is considered a safe psychological space the business professional will continue to work optimally, always refreshing when arriving home. Furthermore, a home that is conflict free supports the advantages of the milestone and is often a good rule of thumb when considering marriage options for conflict.

    Work and home need to be cohesive for the business professional. It is often suggested that we leave work at work. Well, what happens when one can’t. The business professional career can often cause spill-over from work into home life. Rather it be a project that requires some additional observation and study or paperwork that couldn’t be completed during normal business hours, individuals who are salaried understand how the work week states forty hours yet can require sixty. This is why it is necessary that there be home/work cohesion. Cohesion doesn’t mean cancelling out all obligations to the home and household. It can be interpreted to be a quiet place to work when there is an assignment brought home. Another example is considering a planner/daily scheduler just as important as vehicle keys. The idea is to not send the brain into sensory input overdrive because there is lack of cohesion, an example being answering a business phone call and being unable to locate the planner/scheduler for ease of notation. Psychologically understanding that the two parts work better together than conflicting is a key component to creating a cohesive home/work life environment.

    Balance can also be cohesive. The importance of knowing when to disconnect from work can best be established at home. Yes, there can be work that needs to be completed at home. The value is understanding when home is becoming a second office space rather than a home for living. Home is meant to be a solace for work; it isn’t that work equals sadness, it’s home is meant for comfort. It is important that the business professional can feel and sense when a work boundary is necessary. The boundary shouldn’t be established due to work being problematic, but rather to keep the interest of work in-tact. Burnout occurs when there is no boundary and other areas of life are adversely affected by a person’s career, or there is psychological stress that translates to physical symptoms. Establishing balance is a preventative measure for burnout and stress.

    Social Life

    The importance of a social life is often viewed negatively. It is often viewed as problematic to the individual in terms of the relationship dynamics. That is to say that often people will refer to friendships, or even social gatherings/settings, negatively. If a boundary cannot be implemented and being social will negatively effect one’s career then, yes stay clear. Remember social gatherings don’t have to include nightclubs or the night life. Bowling, exercise, movies, and meals away from home are another means of being socially available and don’t have to include alcoholic beverages; the real reason people are deterred. A social life with friends and family can reinforce all of the benefits of accomplishments such as maintaining a home and career. The only suggestion here is structuring and balancing properly.

    How does the business professional structure a social life? The main factor is being mindful of prior obligations. It isn’t wise to schedule a social dinner date when there’s work the next morning. This is advice for most of us. It then isn’t the drinking that becomes the problem, it’s simply a matter of timing. It requires time to change clothes if wardrobe is changing, time to commute, time to complete the activity, time to commute back, and then time to prepare for bed. It is sometime the next day that the mental stress is then a little bit more than normal. For a successful social life to occur it cannot adversely effect the individual or the individual will begin to become resentful. The feelings of resent will then damage the social relationship and likely cause an increased amount of stress. Knowing when and where to allow for social relationships is the key to ensuring that there is proper balance and structure for a well-rounded business professional.

    The idea for the business professional, and others where applicable, is to be a well-rounded individual. Psychologically, the whole-self desires a satisfying career; home; and social life. It is important to not feel isolated from others due to career choices while contrastingly not allowing career choices to be a source of isolation and confusion. When a collectively well existence is implemented and maintained the individual can experience feelings of peace and satisfaction authentically. For the business professional a few daily habits and key factors can be the difference between success and stress. Always consult a professional if, and when, signs of stress begin. It is better to be preventative natured than to be late when the matter is mental or physical health. Remember, work hard play hard just don’t be foolish; for the business professional, and others where applicable, it becomes second nature.

    image credit:

    office setting, dreamstime.com/minorileather.com; social setting, bowlersparadise.com

  • Stress and the Business Professional

    A quick guide to decreasing stress

    Author: Keona Williams

    This article is written with the intention of sharing observations and suggestions to the business professional. Additionally, there is documentation of suggested strategies to decrease stress at several levels. When beginning a career there is a lot no one has the chance to say to the career starter. The incentives will often go exalted and yet be minimal once career goals are beginning to develop. The career itself may be something different than what the individual envisioned initially, and there then is the necessity to weight decisions about continuing or redirecting. The work day can become stagnant for personal reasons and the interest that was the seed for beginning is lost. Prevention can often be found with the incentives actually coming to fruition. This article serves as a professional reminder of other ways to reduce stress daily.

    What is stress? Stress is the body signaling overload of input sensory. It isn’t immediate as the body has natural responses to situations that are more detrimental than whatever is causing the stress. For instance, the body is equipped with hormones and physical ability to survive through life altering instances like a car accident. The body first tries to prevent the accident almost without us needing to do anything. Then the body seeks repair response once the situation occurs. A familiar response for most is “fight or flight” where the brain decides rather to fight through a situation or retreat. Physically healing from a life altering situation also likely has an increase of specific hormones to improve and increase activities like sleeping, the time when the body best repairs itself.

    Stress isn’t the instant severity of a motor vehicle accident, yet the repeated psychological reinforcement of requirement overload being received does take its toll on the mind and eventually the body. Some signs of stress are headache, muscle tension, and lack of or increase of appetite. What we don’t say often enough is there is initially a change of attitude towards whatever is the source of stress. Someone experiencing stress is most likely to exhibit a change of emotion towards work required, and therefore work-related, activities before stress eating or experiencing a stress headache.

    Reduction of stress doesn’t have to be complicated or begin pharmacologically. A few implements, or daily strategies, can greatly decrease the likelihood of stress. When considering organization consider the amount of reduction to the action required to implement. What’s required to organize is minimal compared to the amount of stress likely to be reduced. It requires less than an hour a day during a week to add the weekly items to a daily planner/scheduler, and less than 2 minutes to check the planner/scheduler to add or remove something. Cleaning can require less than a few hours yet save hours at a time when objects can be located immediately. These are the ideas we look at further now.

    Organization

    Organization is a major stress reducer. Organization implements focused attention and organization reduces confusion which is a source for stress. There are multiple contexts for organization and two are exactly what the doctor ordered for the purpose of this article. Most business professionals are probably familiar with the contexts and just haven’t implemented or utilized the tools or time. If it’s you there’s nothing to feel bad about but before the stress takes over let’s consider pros and cons, like those above and be realistic about what needs to be done. Remember, stress doesn’t show up immediately it also requires time.

    Organizational tools are time management tools. Time management tools serve dual purposes. The ideal is to save time and reduce unproductive time. Decreasing unproductive time reduces stress. There’s nothing worse to the business professional than having a timeline be riddled with tasks that are not directly correlated to the objective. For some the occurrence of the instance for some can be small for others it may be extreme. Organizational tools also save time dually, often there is an ability to focus attention properly throughout the work week and properly organize whatever the requirements may be. One key organizational tool is the daily planner.

    A daily planner is a necessity to the business professional. The phrase business professional doesn’t refer to just the CEO of a corporation. It can be anyone whose work is of a professional capacity. It is anyone who has the necessity to foresee what is required of time before the time approaches, this can include students also. A daily scheduler maps out an hour, day, week, month, or year. The organizational tool can be either electronic or book style. Sometimes a hybrid approach can work best depending on the personality type of the business professional. As far as stress reduction it is minimal in requirement and optimal for result. The daily planner/scheduler can be utilized to document either meetings, specific tasks, or any other activity that requires the business professional to be at or step away from the core constructs of the job. For instance, a corporate executive accountant may have meetings and phone calls that need to be scheduled outside of a core construct of balancing/reviewing the ledger of the corporation. The idea is to streamline multiple career functions to reduce stress while completing the functions of the career.

    Another context of organization is cleanliness. A clean work and home are two vitally important places for cleanliness. Organization of work required materials allows for access to materials without the necessity of searching. Have you ever lost or misplaced your vehicle keys? You spend all day looking only to find them somewhere that’s frustrating. Organization prevents the previously mentioned from occurring. Have you ever gotten an impromptu phone call and can’t find a pen to write an important piece of information down? Organization prevents that also. Organizational cleanliness puts everything in its place for immediate location and utilization. Not only does it save time it reduces the amount of unproductiveness one is likely to complete when unexpected business occurs.

    A clean home serves dual purposes. Organized clothes can save time during the morning routine. Everything required to leave the home being properly locatable serves a similar purpose. What isn’t mentioned often is that visual signals can be responsible for what signals the brain receives. Consistently working, and/or living, can cause feelings of stress and stress-related symptoms. Like highlighted via the image at the top of the page, clutter can have adverse effects. Clutter is most likely to send slight signals of distress after an extended amount of time. In addition to signals of distress, sickness is also plausible when things are a mess. When things are disinfected and sanitized properly the likelihood of sickness is decreased. A healthy person is least likely to have adverse effects become problematic or repetitive during their career.

    Self-care

    Another major source for reducing stress is self-care. Initially introduced to the concept during undergraduate studies, self-care reinforces stress reduction. Self-care is the concept of allowing time specifically for the self. It is reinforcement of love of self. Psychology doesn’t really have medical jargon for love of self; we can instead say things like it reinforces self-esteem, self-efficacy, confidence, and supports the brain, mind, and body function properly. Initially at the time of introduction to self-care, I thought of spa days and mall shopping for strategies of implementation. While the pampering suggestions don’t fall short, things like eating healthy; exercising; budgeting; and proper amounts of sleep exhibit benefits similar yet extended to pampering of one’s self.

    Healthy eating is a simple way of implementing self-care. We feel better when we exercise healthy nutritional habits, therefore being able to perform better at career/work. Relationships can even improve due to increase of self-motivating factors being positively effected by nutritional choices. When we feel better we’re better people. When we’re better people, we’re better people wholly. While no food, that can be named here, specifically reduces stress fruits and vegetables have great effects on the body’s organs. With blue berries supporting healthy blood flow, eating a bowl when a headache ensues may not be a bad idea. Tomatoes are excellent seeding fruits, so have a few slices when you’re feeling great and are eating a meal a tomato compliments. Add broccoli to the list and you have increased immune support and heart health support. Everyone’s body isn’t biologically the same so be sure to consult with your physician before making any major changes to your diet.

    Sleeping is another daily activity that either affects or effects stress. Affect is the negative of effect, and effects can vary but contribute to the result of an outcome. For the longest it was thought that everyone needed 8 hours of sleep. Recent studies suggest infants sleep most, children need approximately 10 – 12, and adults are recommended 8 – 6 hours daily. The data is the same, to an extent, the question is are we all getting our required amount of sleep daily. Working on projects, having a social life, or just laying in bed watching television or reading can all affect the amount of sleep one is actually able to get each night. Sleep is vital to the body mainly because it is when the body repairs itself, likely connected to the circadian rhythm of the brain. There are also several phases of sleep that constitute proper sleep, a few misses in either phase and there could be a cranky business professional. Ideally, sleep supports a healthy person and healthy people are free of or experience reduced stress.

    The idea is to implement and complete a few activities daily that are both organization and self-care oriented. When anyone, not just the business professional, is looking to reduce stress organization and environmental cleanliness can be important factors. While clutter free is organized, it is important to remember that cleanliness can also mean sanitation and disinfecting. Dust, allergens, and germs are lurking where least and most expected sometime. Furthermore, eating and sleeping healthily can increase improved health therefore reducing stress. Reduced stress allows for productivity and healthy living for the business professional and others.

    photo credit: diary/daily planner, quapri.in; cleanliness, enotalone.com; nutritional plate, fitty.club;

  • David Crowley: Who is the Wisconsin Governor Democratic Nominee?

    Author: Keona Williams

    It is important for the purposes of this publishing that the safety and well-being of all individuals is a first and foremost consideration. This page does not condone the physical, psychological, or spiritual harm of any persons. Furthermore, the statements of this article have not been specifically reviewed or stated by either party.

    Stunning Win

    Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 the results of the direct primary voting for the state of Wisconsin were announced. The announcement to much surprise for some was David Crowley, suggesting a stunning win against fellow democrat Francesca Hong. The results include a minute win for Crowley, after what seems to be a brief dropout earlier in the race. Sources suggest financing were an initial problem for Crowley; however, with an increase in support a return to the race was inevitable. A return that resulted a win for the now Democratic Nominee for Governor. Let’s take a look at the humble beginnings of the nominee and a closer look at his key goals when/if voted into office.

    Humble Beginnings

    One thing is evident after reading into the history and mindset of Crowley, he is democrat thoroughly. With a mindset of growth for all he is inclusive when making considerations for the state of Wisconsin when, and if, voted into the elected office of Governor. This likely being a result of humble beginnings. With mother and father both being blue collar workers he quickly saw the middle-class shortcomings of the system. It was then that the decision to make hard work and dedication a means of escaping the failing system life he, and others, were susceptible to a thing of the past. It wasn’t that Crowley wanted to push the importance of financial freedom but rather that those who work hard make the difference and it was necessary to establish a governmental system that supports said individuals as well as those who are less privileged for whatever reason. Not only does Crowley include democratic people from all walks of life when stating his considerations for the state, he is also inclusive of those who support the blue-collar workers. It was important that Crowley be able to save families from a failing system, only to learn that the system itself, and its components, also needed support. His work began when elected County Executive.

    Pictured: Democratic Nominee David Crowley; tmj4.com

    Why do Dems support Crowley?

    A review of the Crowley’s campaign webpage reveals a plethora of reasons to support the democrat for nominee (see credit info). A summary of reasons to support the dem include an excellent guide to increasing all aspects of the state’s core constructs. The first elected office successes include criminal justice reform, housing increase and innovations, support of reproductive freedom, and economic growth and development. Views and innovations of Crowley currently support 1/6 of the state’s population. A timeline of success can be viewed at the campaign website. We’ll review some of the County Executive successes here.

    If we begin with criminal justice reform the closing of Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, both facilities riddled with accusations of sexual misconduct involving children, there is a just stance taken at that moment. Crowley decided to increase his stance on the subject with an implementation and requirement for other facilities. It was important to the democratic nominee that all other facilities became trauma informed. The requirement reduces chances of the occurrence being repeated. It was the end of a vulnerability for those who were already considered vulnerable. Known for supporting renters and homeowner he ensured legislation that modernized criminal justice policy for safer neighborhoods. Efforts also include ACT 12 which funds first responders and systems of justice for ensured public safety and safety of workers.

    Veering away from criminal justice reform another success during County Executive includes housing increases and innovations. Crowley is responsible for implementation of the largest property tax cut for the city of Milwaukee. Furthermore, he is responsible for housing initiatives such as the King Park Initiative and Eviction Free MKE; both housing policy implementations geared towards increasing housing and quality of housing for the City of Milwaukee. The results equal Milwaukee becoming the city to lead with respect to decreased per capita rate of homelessness. Additionally, Crowley co-authored Assembly Joint Resolution 10 during the year 2017. The declaration of abortion being healthcare made headlines across the state.

    Most importantly possibly is the effort Crowley puts forth for the working-class Wisconsinite. It is most observant of budgeting and funding options put forth regularly while being County Executive. Initiatives include millions in bipartisan funding boost for the City of Milwaukee, small business initiatives that restore, and care for the disabled and working-class. Small business initiatives include Building Bridges which allocates grants for small businesses in conjunction with all 19 municipalities, the No Wrong Door policy stating once an individual or family reaches out for help it does not matter where the help is sought; it is most important to direct the individual in the right way, and small business capital/technical support. It is safe to say that Crowley is exceeding goals set to save families and the systems of government.

    Finally for the purposes of this article, we look at Crowley’s healthcare advances and initiatives for the City of Milwaukee. During the Covid-19 pandemic Crowley advanced the way tracking of the disease was reported, the innovation included noting the pandemic via race and ethnicity at a time when others weren’t tracking as such. The implementation of whole blood transfusions via EMS is also an innovation of the male democrat nominee. Healthcare is another strong point of the campaign. Crowley plans to be a governor that understands the care more mentality yet delivers more also.

    photo cred: homes.com

    Promises that deliver when elected Governor

    When elected Governor according to David Crowley there are several promises that he would like to make to residents of Wisconsin. All include an increased quality of life for all walks of life. It begins with some of the current City of Milwaukee initiatives expanding statewide. The Building Bridges program being one. Crowley plans to implement the program statewide ensuring connection and cohesion for small businesses and state government. It is also an office goal to secure entrepreneur advantages to include seamless permitting and access expansion to affordable capital. Along with the advantages to small business owners is his support and connection to community-based lenders while prioritizing storefront growth. Additionally, is the development; expansion; and modernization of apprenticeship programs, connecting workers to career paths. All considerations include increase of job growth for the state and its residents.

    Financial increase is also a consideration for the residents not just for small businesses. Specific public investments include, but are not limited to, attention to healthcare; housing; climate resilience pay; and revenue reform. Revenue reform to Crowley includes accessibility to the necessities for local government officials and offices and lower property taxes. It is important to note that healthcare considerations include addiction treatment programs, increase of mobile outreach programs, and EMS innovation and initiatives for the state. It is believed that housing should be affordable, energy efficient, and resilient for all housing types. There is also attention to education for all that includes all encompassing early childhood education, a decrease of the special education gap, and an increase of investments to public schools. Childcare considerations have also been brought to the forefront by the dem; promising longevity of investments and a raise to subsidy rates. It is also necessary to note considerations for disability services which include increase of accessibility to, and of, services and support; an increase of wages and benefits; and investment in community and home based services.

    The inclusive democracy that David Crowley intends to implement doesn’t stop with the people. What is considered community to community increase connects communities to one another and essentially everyone to everything a little better. Crowley introduces the idea with closing the broadband gap for the state of Wisconsin, road repair, community to community mobility, and transit expansion. All while keeping the environment in mind with climate considerations like clean infrastructure and investing in energy retrofits, increasing the job market yet one more time. With the plan laid out like such it’s difficult to see his opponent making waves. David Crowley has considered and promised to deliver, and its more than likely residents will be beyond impressed.

  • What is closure? Why is it necessary for relationships?

    Keona Williams

    The technology era has changed a lot for a lot of us. If we consider how our parents dated, for instance, and how we now date there’s an entirely new and increasing social environment via the internet. One of the newest trends that we have the privy to is ghosting. Ghosting is when an individual disappears from a serious relationship for an undetermined amount of time. If the romantic relationship was serious for both ghosting isn’t a good sign. If the relationship was unreciprocated from one of the two, or more, then ghosting is the absence of closure for the one who wasn’t prepared for the relationship to end. What is closure then? Closure is an ability to proper discontinue a romantic relationship, or the proper way to end a disagreement. Previous writings discuss communication and how to properly complete the concept. The idea isn’t to overly complicate the observation of conversation, it is rather to solidify how verbal communication is viewed to the everyday individual. Closure then, is at the least dually operational. Let’s observe how and why.

           More than just an emotional response regulation occurs when a romantic or lover relationship is established. There is an entire psychological response, and systematic memory connection, at the least that occurs. While I don’t know about you all, it’s a good thing for me that the mind is probably more in tune with an intimate/romantic/sexual partner than the physical heart. Don’t take it lightly though people, let’s continue observing the psychological imprint. Relationships follow and form specific connections psychologically. The classic theoretical component of nature vs. nurture observes rather our psyche is developmental of nature or nurture. Psychologically we structure concrete constructs during infancy and up until about school-aged. From there, we establish a generalized response to all sorts of possible relationships and situations. Business, friend, or romantic relationships stem from what is observed from our first relationships.

    Repetitively, we connect familiar things and allow the evolution of the thought or understanding to occur when we remember, that’s when we don’t know we’re remembering also. The core of most of the social connections we create have the basis of parents or guardians. Adults generally suffice independently with the material things that we understand necessary to live an adequate life. Building from the generalized, cookie cutter, requirements from childhood we sift through deciding what should be repeated and what shouldn’t. It’s the early establishing for adulthood. Emotionally, the relationships provide and support what we no longer probably have every day from our initial nurture. There is one observation for proper closure to a romantic relationship; rather it’s known or not the romantic/sexual relationship can be as important as the relationship with family or friends.

    What is closure specifically? Well, it’s the proper conclusion of a relationship. Love interest relationships can, and often do, dissipate before the other relationships experienced. Why it’s like that? There is no specific data that answers that question right now. Common sense would say that someone who we have sex with is more valuable than our friends or family, for instance. Sex doesn’t occur with friends, yet we place a higher value on friendships than romantic relationships until the romantic relationship becomes serious, an engagement, or marriage. It’s the individual that we shared intimacy with best practice says keep a lover closer than a friend. The bond we have with friends outweighs romance when it begins undoubtedly. Yet, the disregard we can have for the romance/sex relationship is uncanny. With ghosting the individuals may or may not have already had sex, it’s still a really bad way to dissolve a relationship. Closure then is a conversation, an inevitable one for some. Here are a few hints at keeping the conversation focused and directed. Feelings are already hurt, closure allows for healing to begin.

    First. Initiate the conversation. An inability to initiate and be an active part of the inevitable conversation that allows for closure is the root cause for ghosting. The anxiety connected to the conversation is normal, it’s ending and someone or both are hurt. It can be difficult to reflect on the flaws of the relationship, this is especially truthful when one person has unresolved emotions. Oddly enough, closure begins to allow the feelings and emotions to move from anger or sadness to thoughts of understanding and acceptance. This can only occur once the “talk” happens. There are a few things that should be discussed during the conversation that allow for adequate information to remove the sadness and anger.

    Second. Steer clear of the “it’s not you, it’s me” answer. While it makes sense to want to accept blame to spare feelings, the answer doesn’t explain what the actual problems during the relationship were. The ex hasn’t forgotten, and that answer is only likely to invoke a host of other emotions. The “it’s not you, it’s me” answer is best for relationships where sex was probably first and foremost. No one whose lain in a bed with someone, dated, or experienced some other sort of serious gesture of romance wants to hear it’s you. It wasn’t you when the relationship was right or working. It isn’t good to play at their intelligence, if the relationship was serious an ex will hear that it is something to distract from what the problems were during the relationship. It isn’t your responsibility to guard their feelings to the extent of hindering their individual growth. Instead, be sure to ask and answer questions about both the good and the bad of the relationship.

    Third. Environment matters. There’s no perfect place to tell someone that you want to end a relationship. There’s no good place to hear a relationship you are part of is ending. What is important is that both of you are safe and it’s private. Privacy here doesn’t mean at each other’s homes, or a home that is shared. Ideally a soon to be ex couple could sit in the living room and have a discussion about the turmoil of the relationship and someone gets up and leaves amicably. That is ideally only, and unfortunately ideally isn’t always safely. It’s important to understand that hurt feelings are fragile. When someone is hearing something that could be hurtful, ironically sometime, a public place is best. Yes, the public place is likely to control the emotions and feelings connected to the breakup. It is least likely that anyone will misbehave to an irreparable extent when out in public. Dinner can be a solid choice. Remember content and volume of the conversation wherever the conversation occurs. It’s important to be where the conversation isn’t available for others to hear with minimal effort required. It’s already an ending relationship, you wouldn’t want to add injury to insult for either by adding embarrassment.

    Fourth. Schedule a phone call.Although the relationship is ending if the couple didn’t drive to the location together it is best practice to ensure that each are home safely. Scheduling a phone call allows both individuals to step away from the situation and calm. There doesn’t need to be a specific topic, or even a super long phone call. The goal is to alleviate any negative thoughts, feelings, or emotions about the breakup. Essentially, the phone call is both parties appreciating each other’s ability to be an adult. There could be items that need to be divided, dropped off, or picked up. There could be social media updates that need to be made. Whatever the loose ends of the relationship are should be discussed and figured out during the call.

    Closure then, is conversation that is constructive criticism for a relationship. It is best to allow closure for several reasons. Remember to recap the good and constructively criticize the bad. Be sure to schedule contact at least once after the breakup outing. Allow a moment for both to understand thoughts, feelings, and behaviors toward the ending of the relationship. Be prepared, present, and accepting of what is next; optimism is the key to success.

  • What a weekend: Sadness, Anger, and a Liberating Reminder.

    Keona Williams – Author

    During the weekend we, the United States, had an unusual occurrence of events. It began with the unfortunate news that there were two Democratic lawmakers, and spouses, gunned down. There is little about the laying to rest of the fatally wounded Democratic lawmaker Melissa Horton, and her spouse. Furthermore, there is little information being released about (D) Sen. John Hoffman, and his surviving spouse. The couple was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The manhunt began for the law enforcement impersonator that had committed the gruesome crime.

    We, here, are unsure if anyone knew or planned in advance the next set of events. By 11 am, Saturday June 14th, 2025 there would be protests that begin throughout the country.

    The “No Kings” protests could have been riddled with verbiage of disgust and support for other things occurring, however, President Trump, tariffs, and current legislation would be at the forefront of the protests. During the protest, the President would have a parade celebrating the 250th year anniversary of the United States Army. Ironically, some may argue seeing that there was a birthday for President Trump. We are here to argue and understand all sides of the day’s events.

    President Trump has been discounted via news and other media outlets for his stance on immigration and import/export tariffs most recently. Birthright citizenship and President Trump along with tariffs and President Trump have made headline news for almost a month now. It is important to review the president’s views of each to ensure that the judgement is not catered in the news as a democratic free for all against the President of the United States. President Trump has stated several times that the border needs to be closed. We all had comments about the wall built during a previous presidential term. However, has it been successful at securing the safety of those who live along the border? It is likely that the jus soli (right of soil) was not at stake for anyone with an established citizenship. That is to say there included no reversal of current legislation. A closer look at the legislation reveals that the bill’s introduction was a measure to further encourage that immigrants seek the proper processes for migration. The United States has accepted close to one million immigrants per year since the year 1990 and ending about 2019 according to 24/7 Wall Street. There is a significant reduction during the most recent years and including during the Biden Administration’s service.
    It doesn’t look like our Presidents are racist or prejudice, it looks like they may have the safety and equality of the inhabitants of the United States safety of mind. Consider these things when considering the call for border closure and education and implementation of proper immigration processes. Undocumented citizens become extremely vulnerable to several situations when undocumented. Adequate wage, education, and healthcare are unavailable when undocumented. It looks like the presidents are aware and are encouraging that those who seek to establish citizenship educate themselves on how to establish citizenship so that the rights of citizens stay intact. It is then also a call to citizens, those who are qualified and find it to be a cause of interest, to figure out within themselves what can be done to educate and inform.

    It was a similar situation with the tariff increase. The increase was brought to the forefront of the news and the fact that the tariffs guarantee a cap with some countries was lost in translation. The possibility of increased profit for United States farmers, automotive industry, and technology producers were also was lost in translation. A review of the global currency market reveals that China is no longer the back seat it used to be. The Euro is still more valuable than the United States Dollar and there are legislative agreements for import/export procedures with our bordering countries for increased productivity. One can only hope that marketing & advertising can get with accounting for a proper explanation of if and how products and services are effected, not affected.

    Psychology implies what was failed to be mentioned could be pertinent to your view of a vote. It is important to remember that our Presidents have a job to complete. We tend to view President Donal Trump as a right-winged extremist. Often times failing to allow his ability to understand his responsibility to citizens. When words like “birthright citizenship” are used we can tend to apply them to ourselves directly, and the legislation itself does not read like there is an argument for established citizenship. Furthermore, when we hear tariff we are aware that there is an increase of sorts without failing to understand exactly how the tariff is applicable. While the tariffs are paid by the importer when the imports are of United States products there is an increase for American made products, and I can’t think of a citizen who would argue with that. Although there are a high amount of imports from other countries for some products it is important to note that there is an United States of America discounted tariff also applicable for each tariff imposed. Therefore, reducing the tariff amount for the United States. It looks like President Donald Trump is seeking to structure a more global tariff with the United States leading the way.

    What started with disregard for President Trump, and rightfully so if there was a miscommunication, could be a call for citizens to find the nearest organization or business with resources for migrants/immigrants. If the call is to citizens, our next rally/protest, should include resources and proper processes for those seeking citizenship with the United States of America. Afterall, it all sort of begins and ends with us; it’s an argument we have with ourselves.

    photo credit protest: newsweek.com

    photo credit army parade: msn.com