What are your favorite emojis?

By Tracy Schruder

My favourite emojis are:

😊🤗🌺🙏💫

They are the first five in my list because I use them all the time. They are my favourite because the messages they convey hold a special meaning to me. Let’s dive into what each of these emojis means to me:

– Smiling Face 😊:

I’m all about spreading happiness and positivity through my messages. This emoji represents the joy and warmth I aim to convey in every conversation.

– Hugging Face 🤗:

I love sending hugs and virtual squeezes to the people I care about. It’s my way of showing affection and kindness, even from a distance.

– Hibiscus 🌺 :

For me, the hibiscus flower represents the beauty and wonder of nature. I use this emoji to express my appreciation for the lovely things in life, whether it’s a stunning sunset or a kind gesture from someone. I also like to share this one with my girlfriends because we all love getting flowers, especially on tough days.

– Praying Hands 🙏:

This emoji holds a special meaning for me. I use it to express gratitude, say thank you, or acknowledge the unseen source of all things. It’s a way for me to connect with something greater than myself and show respect.

– Dazzling Star 💫:

This emoji represents the magic and wonder of living. I use it to express my awe and appreciation for the mysteries of life and the universe.

I’m intentional about the energy I bring to my conversations, and these emojis reflect that. I’m all about spreading love, kindness, and positivity, and I rarely engage in negative talk through messages. If there’s an issue, I’d rather have a real-time conversation to resolve it.

In conclusion,

For me, these emojis represent more than just symbols – they embody the energy and intention I bring to my interactions. They’re a reflection of my commitment to spreading love, gratitude, and wonder, and inviting others to do the same.

Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?

By Tracy Schruder

Looking back, I recall a time when I didn’t take action on an opportunity that could have potentially changed the course of my career. I was 23 years old when I was recruited by Choice Hotels Canada to be the midnight auditor at Day’s Inn in Brockville, Ontario. Initially, I accepted the position and excelled in my training, demonstrating my ability to sell and process rooms, as well as provide excellent hospitality to guests.

However, as time went on, I found the demands of the job overwhelming. Managing the scheduling for the housekeeping staff proved to be a significant stressor, and balancing two jobs and school left me exhausted. After four months, I made the difficult decision to quit.

In hindsight, I wish I had approached the opportunity differently. Instead of juggling multiple responsibilities, I wish I had focused solely on the midnight auditor role and my education. With dedication and hard work, I might have been able to move up the corporate ladder and secure a leadership position within the company.

Although I don’t regret the choices I made, I believe that my youth and inexperience at the time contributed to my decision to quit. If I had been older, perhaps in my 30s, I might have taken the job offer more seriously and been better equipped to handle the challenges that came with it.

This experience taught me valuable lessons about prioritizing my goals and being mindful of my limitations. While I may not have taken full advantage of the opportunity at the time, I’m proud of the path I’ve chosen and the success I’ve achieved. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to reflect on what could have been, and I’m grateful for the wisdom gained from the experience.

What makes you nervous?

By Tracy Schruder

As someone who’s generally comfortable visiting the doctor for common ailments like colds or ear infections, I’m often surprised by the anxiety that creeps in when I receive an unexpected call from my doctor requesting bloodwork and a visit. It’s as if the unknown diagnosis creates a sense of unease that’s hard to shake off.

The Fear of the Unknown

At the core, we all tend to believe we’re healthy unless proven otherwise. However, when a doctor initiates a visit without an apparent reason, it’s natural to feel apprehensive. My past experiences have contributed to this anxiety, particularly a misdiagnosis that lasted six years. It was a challenging time, and the fear of it happening again still lingers.

The Importance of Trust and Self-Care

Despite my concerns, I have faith in my medical team and their ability to provide quality care. Currently, they’re keeping a close eye on a couple of health issues, and I’m grateful for their attention. When anxiety starts to feel overwhelming, I turn to exercise and meditation to calm my nerves. These self-care practices help me stay grounded and focused on the present moment.

Finding Strength in Uncertainty

I know I’m not alone in feeling nervous about unexpected doctor’s appointments. It’s natural to worry about the unknown, but I’ve learned to cope with these feelings by trusting my doctor and myself. While I’ll always feel a bit anxious until the visit is over, I’m confident in my ability to handle whatever life brings my way. By acknowledging my fears and taking care of myself, I’m able to face uncertainty with a sense of resilience.

Conclusion

Unexpected doctor’s appointments can be daunting, but it’s essential to approach them with a mix of faith in our medical team and self-care practices. By acknowledging our fears and taking steps to manage anxiety, we can navigate these situations with greater ease. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or simply trusting in our healthcare providers, we can find the strength to face uncertainty head-on.