Career Professionals of Canada News Feed
With life gradually returning to normal after COVID, some people report that they’re having difficulty adjusting. Some feel exhausted, unmotivated, unsettled, anxious, and perhaps even depressed. For the last two years, all of us have had to draw heavily on our physical and emotional resources. But, let’s face it, those resources are not limitless! Think of the different aspects of yourself as being similar to a bank account; you can’t maintain a healthy account if you continuously make withdrawals. It’s vital to focus on making deposits to keep your reserves topped-up. I’d like…
The start of a new year is a great time to reflect upon our journey over the past year. It’s also a great time to check in with our mental health. Ask yourself: What are my big wins? How am I feeling? What impact have the challenges of the past couple of years had on my nervous system? How can I make self-care a priority in 2022? Personally, I learned a lot on my journey of shifting my nervous system from a state of isolation and fear to return to…
Many career practitioners struggle to find a balance between their family and their career. Yikes! Even as I write that sentence, I cringe. What is this elusive “balance” that people refer to? Instead of balance, I have learned to live a “blended” life. In his book Who’s Got Your Back, author Keith Ferrazzi writes about the idea of living a blended life, not a balanced one. “The elements you see in [your life] aren’t individual territories or fiefdoms. They should, and will, overlap!” This got me thinking about how often I…
As a Career Development Practitioner and Certified Work-Life Strategist (CWS), I have always believed that lifelong learning and self-care truly matter. A few months ago, I had the pleasure of collaborating with an exceptional team of fellow CDPs and other subject matter experts in the development and validation of Career Professional of Canada’s new Work-Life Coaching program. I was very fortunate to be a student in the pilot program. Not only did I learn a LOT that was new to me (“ikigai” comes to mind), but the experience reinforced my…
The theme of wellness dominated many aspects of our lives in 2020 and continues into this year. Yet, many may not fully understand the meaning of the word. Wellness is multidimensional. The Global Wellness Institute defines it as: “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.” When someone asks, “How are you doing?” you may likely respond, “I’m doing well” or “fine.” But under the surface, there may be layers of emotion that need to be stripped away like onion peels to achieve greater balance and peace. You…
As a Certified Work-Life Strategist and employment specialist supporting newcomers to Canada, I am acutely aware of the importance of mental health wellness for my clients and myself. As my clients navigate the hurdles of immigration, getting a survival job, or establishing a career in Canada, I offer them unconditional support, kindness, and belief in their worth and future success. My work is both gratifying and demanding at the same time. And I know that when I don’t set work-life boundaries and take good care of myself, my mental health…