How Healthcare Works, LLC

by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH As an entrepreneur, one question I often hear is, “So, are you working?” It’s usually asked with a hidden agenda, especially when people notice I’m not tied to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. What they really want to know is: “Are you making a regular income?”  The Entrepreneurial Reality The truth is, owning a business means that I am always working. It's Saturday, and I woke up this morning at 5:30 am to start getting ready for work. I scheduled a 5,000 Steps Walk this morning, and I had to be there and show up for myself. Was anyone counting on me to be there? I was. In actuality, I walked over 16,000 Steps today to provide that 5,000 Steps Walk. I might add, it was 30 degrees this morning. I made sure I was there, because I made a commitment.   Photo of Me Walking in 30 Degrees Weather This Morning  From planning next steps to managing day-to-day tasks, business ownership is a constant commitment. What many don’t realize is that entrep...

by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH  I met a woman a few years ago who told me she wouldn't talk to anyone until they fixed their problems. Interestingly, this woman was very social and had a lot of her own problems. In today’s world, it can be tempting to give someone space—or even isolate them—when they’re going through difficult times. The common belief is that by stepping back, we’re allowing them time to “work on themselves” or “fix their issues.” But while the intention might be to encourage self-growth, alienating someone can often lead to more harm than good. In truth, social connectedness and support from others are essential elements for overcoming life’s challenges.  Photo Courtesy of iStock I have often felt alienated and isolated myself. When I had to start my life over several times, only one or two people would be there. I spent my first few months in Idaho with no one to comfort me or even help me in my time of need. I had to rely on the kindness of strangers.  H...

by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH When my sister told me that making money online wasn’t possible, it wasn't a challenge to me. Because I was already making money online. This gaslighting behavior did not stop me, and it didn't motivate me, either. In fact, some of the most successful businesses are online-based, such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook. I earn commissions through all of these companies.  Now, I'm definitely not Jeff Bezos, and I'm not getting rich off my online work. All the same, I did find several legitimate ways to make money online, in my home, and mostly on my own schedule.   Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison Here are a few legitimate ways that I made, and continue to make, money online: 1. Writing.  I have authored seven books, and I have written a lot on the internet. My books are showcased on my Amazon author page . I am not making a lot of money writing, but I am generating at least a passive income from writing. Writing is very flexible because I write...

The holiday season is a time for celebration and joy, but it can also bring stress and burnout. Here are some tips to help you stay balanced and enjoy the festivities without feeling overwhelmed. Photo courtesy of Microsoft.com  Recognize the Signs: Being aware of burnout signs like feeling irritable, constantly fatigued, or lacking motivation is the first step in managing holiday stress. Set Realistic Expectations: Prioritize your tasks and events. Don’t be afraid to say no to extra commitments that might overwhelm you. Practice Self-Care: Schedule downtime for relaxation and engage in activities that bring you joy. This is crucial for maintaining your mental health during the busy season. Manage Your Time Wisely: Create a balanced schedule and dedicate specific times for shopping and preparation to avoid last-minute stress. Stay Healthy: Maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring sufficient sleep can help keep your energy levels up. Seek Support: Reach ou...

In today’s conversations—whether online, at work, or in personal relationships—the phrase "playing the victim" often comes up. It’s sometimes used to describe a person who seems to focus on their struggles without taking accountability for their choices. I have had this phrase used on me repeatedly, even though I feel that my response to "problems" or "issues" in my life has demonstrated that I don't play the victim. However, this phrase can also become a form of bullying when used dismissively or hurtfully. By labeling someone as “playing the victim,” people can silence, undermine, and even manipulate them, which can lead to serious emotional harm. Expressing Vulnerability Can Be Challenging 1. Invalidating Real Emotions and Experiences When someone is told they’re “just playing the victim,” it implies that their feelings or struggles aren’t legitimate. I know I get really upset when this happens to me. I feel stifled by the comment and feel like I am...

 by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH I was talking to someone the other day, and I was relaying to them how I had been mentally abused. The person responded that I "don't have any self-respect" because I "allowed it." Let's break this statement down a little bit. Abuse is about the behavior of the abuser. It is never okay to victim-blame or to say that being mistreated is the target's fault. Second, telling someone they don't have any self-respect is a form of bullying, especially when it is meant to demean or belittle them. Comments such as these directly attack an individual's self-esteem and self-worth. That brings me to my next point, what exactly is self-respect? Self-respect often gets bundled and confused with self-esteem and self-worth. According to the American Psychological Association, self-respect is comprised of components of self-esteem and self-worth. Blanket statements like "you don't have any self-respect" chip away at an ...

by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH I am getting ready for bed. Part of my getting ready for bed routine is my daily practice of gratitude. Today's gratitude practice is "The Money Magnet." If you do the  28 Days of Gratitude course (it's free), you will know right where I am. The exercise for today is to first say ten things I am grateful for and why. I have that down. I feel like I can always find ten things to be grateful for every day. Today, I am grateful for my dog, my home, the salad I ate for dinner, the warmth in my home, my socks, running water, television, friends, the places I have lived, the beauty of fall, and my writing skills. In fact, being grateful for my writing skills is what motivated me to write today. I have been really struggling with finding the words or knowing what to say. I realized I should write about what I talk about every day. What is a really important part of my life? That is gratitude. Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH The second part of...