Health, Wellbeing & Lovin’ yo-self – the Rail-y important stuff!
Let me kick off by sharing a favourite mantra of mine – my shining light, some words of wisdom if I may…
“An intense enthusiasm for all things worth doing will pull you through the toughest of times. Remain positive and charge forward – obstacles are only small bumps not dead ends, leading you to discover the very best version of you.”’
Reading this helps me feel that little bit better every time – hopefully it does wonders for you too. These couple of sentences came about a few years ago, having lost my job 6-week post commencement. In that short time, I had a close friend & my grandmother pass away – the week I was ‘let go’ was the week of the company’s values launch – “Have Heart”, the absolute irony.
In this week’s contribution, I’d like to share with you the vulnerable version of Gary. My hope is that for those who read this walk away inspired, educated, mindful and empowered to be vulnerable. Most importantly, I would want you to know that it’s OK to be selfish by mastering self-care before you provide care for others. In my own personal experience, one of life’s most valuable lessons has been the prioritisation of one’s health and wellbeing. Admittedly, I learnt this the hard way. In our roles as talent professionals, we can often find ourselves compromising & making decisions that result in the rail-y important stuff taking a back seat – we can be selfless, albeit with the absolute best of intent. Let me set the scene by sharing a couple of personal ‘moments that matter’, from the past few years – in no particular order, that have on reflection led me to be where am I am today – livin’ my best life! I have truly found my jam; I have found my tribe – most importantly I found me (the true, authentic, vulnerable and charismatic me!). I’m happy, healthy, resilient, proud, vulnerable and bound for greatness (I’m not a narcissist; I’m just an optimist and value the second chance at life I was granted).
- End of long-term relationship (he put a ring on it)
- COVID (swear word)
- Mid-life crisis, mental breakdown, depression (I bought a convertible – so impractical)
- 3 interstate moves (stressful and expensive)
- Social circles diminished (20+ year friendships – updates socials to ‘it’s complicated’ status)
- Family illnesses (Cancer, Dementia, Substance addiction and Diabetes)
- Cardiac arrest (I died not once, twice – more on that later)
- Open heart surgery (this does not tickle )
Those who know me well, are aware that I share my journey and reflections for the previous 12 months annually. I like to mark the occasion as “Happy Heart-versary” day. I share this story, my thought bubbles, my year that was annually on this date – I make no apologies, it’s part of the healing process. On the 12th February 2018, I went in to cardiac arrest on the netball court. My world changed forever, my path took a turn and everything that was 2nd nature to me suddenly became new. Scary yes, but I got through it. Is it still scary, yes – I have my off days, but I have learnt to self-manage. A little cry never hurt anyone. I didn’t exactly strike it rich ($$$), but I was granted a second crack at living my best life. I made a promise to myself that from that day forward, I wanted to remain true to my authentic self, take chances, listen to learn and surround myself by optimism.
I was diagnosed with Mitral Value Prolapse (I was born with it turns out…how did such a handsome fella like me with blond curls get through 38 years of life drama free!). A year post cardiac arrest, I was admitted to ER for open heart surgery and a heart valve replacement procedure. Why is this context important? It’s important because I didn’t have my priorities in check – I put my work commitments 1st, over my personal health. The professional advice I was given by my GP (4 years prior), took a backseat – I was naïve, complacent, and let’s be honest, stupid. The follow up appointments needed were inconvenient, costly and would have taken me away from ‘very important’ work tasks (tasks that if I was a true people leader, could have had my team undertake as part of their development – they would have nailed it)….oh yeah did I mention I was lacking common sense. Don’t be like Gary. I was naughty and didn’t prioritise my health and wellbeing. Follow through with specialist appointments, get curious, lean on the support of others – it could save your life.
How do I keep in check with Health, wellbeing and lovin’ myself? (feel free to borrow a few for yourself!)
- Don’t underestimate the value of connection – family, friends, online discussion groups and professional services. It’s important to talk, important to share, and important to listen. Asking ‘R U OK’ is one of life’s simplest guiding principles in seeking & finding happiness. Knowing how to respond to ‘No, I’m not OK is just as important’
- Find the balance – love what you do at work, but also love what you do outside of work – one is not more important than the other – they should compliment not compete
- Enrol in 1st Aid; know where to access the defibrillator – this saved my life
- Enrol in Mental Health 1st Aid – I am booked in for a 2-day course funded by my employer next month
- Access counselling and EAP to help support you with stabilising the mindset, dealing with trauma, understand stress management
- Be a donor – donate blood, be an organ donor – save someone’s life
- Community giving – volunteer for a charity, pay it forward
- Adopt a rescue pet from RSPCA – my domestic short hair kitty cat Sandy is my BFF
- Sponsor a child with World Vision
- What’s your Zen? When are you your most relaxed and in-tune with you? Perhaps its reading a book, listening to some killer bangers, participating in team sports, lifting at the gym, cooking up a 5-course degustation, sitting on a beach beanbag watching the sunset, standing tall on a rooftop gazing at the city skyline… whatever it is create space for you to enjoy.
- Check out and switch off…..have a break, have a Kit Kat. Taking annual leave is important for mental, emotional & physical health. I’ve just returned from 10 glorious days in Bali and Bangkok with my partner – I’ve achieved a full week of work in just the past 3 days since jumping back in the saddle – my productivity was at its peak. During my leave, I did not switch on my work phone, I did not monitor my work emails, I did not ‘touch base’….I completely checked out and switched off.
It’s the journey, not the destination
As talent professionals, we want to be remembered for the growth, leadership, opportunities, empowerment, tough-love, drive, passion, grit, resilience and respect we bestow on others in our passings. The role we play is pretty special – one of a kind in fact. We get to shape and create pathways of opportunities to people we meet – we really do change peoples lives and make their dreams a reality. Times can be tough, real tough – but its our relentlessness along the journey that will see us reach the destination of our choo-choo-sing. Get the balance for love at work (and love outside of work) and remember self-care so you can care for others. You can’t do one without the other.
What support and resources are available?
- R U OK
- Heart Foundation
- Australia Red Cross
Let’s check in
Looking after your wellbeing is essential for both life and work. A quick check in can help get a gauge on what is working well and areas for opportunity. Invest a couple of minutes of self-care by completing the below survey.
