EDITOR’S NOTE
Mothers play a pivotal role in shaping our lives, nurturing us with unconditional love, and guiding us with wisdom and strength. Whether biological, adoptive, or chosen, the bond between a mother and child is one of the most profound and enduring connections we will ever experience.
As we celebrate, let us take a moment to express gratitude to the incredible women who have loved us, nurtured us, and helped us grow. May this issue serve as a tribute to the mothers who enrich our lives with their boundless love and unwavering support.
Wishing all mothers a day filled with love, joy, and appreciation. Happy Mother s Day!
Shanda Campbell Editor At LargeHappy Mother s Day!
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In the hustle of life, it's easy to overlook the importance of nurturing our mental well-being. As we enter Mental Health Awareness Month we understand that taking care of our mental health is essential for living a fulfilling and balanced life. As we navigate the complexities of life, here are five practical ways to help prioritize and nurture your mental well-being.
1. Practice Self-Compassion: Self-compassion is vital for your mental wellbeing, especially during times of difficulty or struggle. Instead of being overly critical or judgmental, cultivate a mindset of self-compassion by offering yourself the same level of empathy and support that you would give to a loved one. Practice positive self-talk, acknowledge your strengths, and be gentle with yourself when facing challenges.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is a necessary component of mental and emotional well-being. Make self-care a priority by carving out time in your DAILY schedule for activities that replenish and rejuvenate you. Remember that self-care looks different for everyone, so find what works best for you and make it a regular part of your routine.
3. Cultivate Healthy Relationships: Strong relationships are essential for our mental well-being. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you, and prioritize meaningful connections with friends, family, and loved ones. Nurture these relationships . Additionally, set boundaries with toxic or draining relationships that negatively impact your mental health. Cultivating healthy relationships can provide a sense of belonging, validation, and emotional support, which are vital for overall well-being.
4. Practice Stress Management: stress management means being fully present in the moment and incorporating practices into your daily routine, such as prayer, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or whatever helps calm your nervous system. These practices help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to cultivate a greater sense of calm and clarity. Additionally, developing skills such as time management and problem-solving can help reduce stress in our daily lives.
5. Seek Professional Support When Needed: If you're struggling with persistent feelings of stress, sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness, or if you're facing challenges that feel overwhelming, reach out for help. Whether it's through therapy or support groups, seeking professional support provides you with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to navigate difficult emotions and experiences. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!
In the business world, women often face a delicate balancing act. On one hand, there's the expectation to embody soft skills such as empathy, collaboration, and relationship building. On the other hand, there's the need to assert oneself, communicate with confidence, and to navigate assertively in a competitive environment. Finding the right balance between these sets of skills is essential for women to succeed and thrive in the business world. Knowing this, how do we strike this balance effectively?
Recognize The Power of Soft Skills
Soft skills are the foundation of effective communication, collaboration, and leadership. Soft skills include active listening, clear articulation, empathy, adaptability, and effective conflict resolution. These soft skills enable women to build strong relationships, foster trust, and create inclusive and supportive work environments.
Navigate Assertive Skills Effectively
While soft skills are essential, women also need to cultivate assertive skills to navigate the competitive landscape of business and corporate settings. Assertive skills involve projecting confidence when expressing opinions, ideas, and abilities, setting clear boundaries, advocating for one's needs, and asserting authority when necessary. Assertive skills enable women to successfully negotiate contracts, contribute effectively to corporate decision-making