The term “burnout” is term that was first coined in 1974 by Herbert Fruedenberger, in his book, “Burnout: The High Cost of High Achievement” burnout has been referred to as an “unintentional end point” for certain individuals who are exposed to chronic stress within their working environment. This can leave individuals feeling like they have no control over the quality of services and work that they provide. They can often times have feelings of inequity or lack of respect. These feelings usually have a gradual onset where one can go from feeling like you are making a difference to where one is feeling that their efforts don’t make a difference.

As we are all trying to navigate this new world with COVID-19 we have so many unknowns. Scary right? Well, I know one thing for sure 100% without a doubt, I am ready to be back to a “normal” pre-COVID world. I want to be able to spend time with my family and friends, I am really hoping that Holidays for 2021 can be filled with family parties with everyone there in person (not facetime, skype, etc.), and finally, I am really hoping that we can ditch these masks. However, I hope that we can all look back at 2020 and reflect on what a giant learning curve we were thrown and know we survived it.

From a new flower bed, a new garden at Seashore (as seen above), new craft ideas, to bingo and scavenger hunts, the last few months have been trying. I have been amazed by the staff, clients, and their flexibility. However a little begrudging at times, they have been wonderful.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, and it always has been. With that in mind, since I began working for the company in 2004, I have been devoted to trying to create a joyous time for the individuals that we serve. A few years ago we began booking a musician named Doug Spartz who comes to the homes in Detroit Lakes to perform for us. We pick a house where he will set up in the corner with his guitar and he will sing Christmas songs to entertain residents and staff. The smiles on the faces of the individuals are priceless as they tap their fingers or sing along. He even does a small skit as Santa Claus and his wife is Mrs. Claus. Along with that we all enjoy tacos in a bag, or as some call them walking tacos and cookies. Some of the guys start asking me in September/October if he is coming back. Music works wonders.