While you can’t control someone’s negative behavior, you can control how long you participate in it.
— Anonymous

Who is on your A Team

  • Individuals or groups who give you empathic or non-judgmental support, show compassion when you just need someone to listen

  • Individuals or groups who inspire you to see and pursue a path forward

  • Individuals or groups who provide perspective when setbacks happen

  • Individuals or groups who help you manage life surges at school, work, or at home

  • Individuals or groups who encourage you to laugh

  • Individuals or groups who can make sense of people or politics

  • Individuals or groups who encourage you to unplug and take a break

NOT good for your mental well-being

  • Individuals or groups who act with apathy, indifference, cold-heartedness, insensitivity, and callousness. These traits hinder meaningful connections and emotional understanding. Unsympathetic behavior, disregard for feelings, and self-centeredness. Harshness, cruelty, and disrespect for emotions further exemplify the absence of compassion.

  • Individuals or groups who discourage growth, hinder progress, or lack vision. These people may exhibit pessimism, stagnation, or a narrow perspective, inhibiting our ability to explore new directions and embrace opportunities.

    Individuals or groups who localize setbacks, find excuses, and lack a balanced perspective. People who hinder growth and resilience come in as the critic at this time.

  • Individuals or groups who exacerbate stress, hinder productivity, or fail to provide support during challenging times that can lead to overwhelm and hinder effective coping strategies.

  • Individuals or groups who exhibit a lack of levity or playfulness and often accompanies formal or solemn discouragement, or a lack of humor, hinder joy and emotional release.

  • Individuals or groups who lack understanding, exhibit narrow perspectives, or fail to engage in meaningful discourse. Those that hinder effective analysis and prevent a comprehensive understanding of complex social and political dynamics.

  • Individuals or groups who inadvertently promote overwork, discourage breaks, and fail to prioritize well-being. This may lead to exhaustion and burnout, hindering sustainable work practices.

Being the leader of your own A Team :)

  • Building resilience and empathy involves intentional practices that contribute to your overall well-being. To enhance resilience, focus on maintaining physical health (adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise), managing stress effectively by building on emotional intelligence, staying flexible in your expectations and productive during challenging times. Practice self-compassion, set respectful boundaries. Cultivate positive relationships and remember, it’s an ongoing process, so be patient with yourself and prioritize self-awareness.

  • Inspiration often comes from within, but external influences and connections play a significant role, so watch your circle. Stay curious, open-minded, and adaptable as you explore your path forward!

  • Setbacks are temporary, and your perspective plays a crucial role in how you navigate them. Remember to stay adaptable, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward!

  • Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and take breaks when needed. You’re not alone, and managing surges effectively is essential for your overall well-being!

  • Finding laughter during solemn moments is a powerful way to cope and uplift your spirits. Humor acts as a natural stress reliever, connecting people and easing tension. Share a funny memory, watch a lighthearted movie, or read a comic strip. Remember, even in serious times, a good laugh can be a beacon of hope.

  • Understanding people and politics involves recognizing the complexities of human behavior, beliefs, and societal structures. It’s about empathy, critical thinking, and informing yourself. Observe diverse perspectives, engage in respectful conversations, and seek reliable information. Remember that people’s views can be highly emotional and are shaped by their experiences, culture, and context. Stay open-minded and approach discussions with curiosity, emotional intelligence and respect.

  • Finding clarity often involves stepping back and gaining perspective. Unplugging and taking a break can help you recharge and gain fresh insights. Disconnect from screens, go for a walk, meditate, or simply sit quietly. Allow your mind to rest and reset. Sometimes, clarity emerges when we pause and let go of distractions.