Over the past week, I have seen such an outpouring of recognition, both personally and across the posts on LinkedIn. It has made me think about the importance of showing recognition in the moment in and out of the workplace. Today I’m diving in on why it is so important and giving some recognition of my own. After you listen, accept my challenge to recognize someone you work with and someone outside of work today. Head over to any of my social media and let me know if you accept and complete the challenge.  #recognition #3questions #noregrets #opentowork #amazon #amazonlayoffs #layoffs #laidoff #myjourney #podcast #connectthedotsLaughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSocial Links@msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcast NEW Youtube channel!NEW Website!https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbalcerek/https://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdotReference:Why Employee Recognition is Important: https://www.apollotechnical.com/why-employee-recognition-is-important/--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/connectthedotspodcast/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thepolkadotdesk.substack.com

No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.- Charles P. SteinmetzWhen I met with my mentor yesterday, she had me answer 3 questions about the lay off situation. These questions really made me stop and think so I wanted to put them out there for you. Asking ourselves questions helps us process through the feelings. But these questions aren’t just for those that were laid off. Maybe you are one of the people that got to stay, which is not always an easy place to be. Ask yourself these questions too. In recording the podcast, I decided to add a bonus question for points and cookies to help us start moving forward. *Please note that points and cookies will not actually be awarded. 😉 3 Reflection Questions What is the best thing that has comes from it so far? What is the most shocking thing so far? What is the worst thing so far?Bonus: What is one thing you will take away from this experience and use in the next chapter. I’d love to hear your answers so feel free to connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSocial Links@msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcast NEW Youtube channel!NEW Website!https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbalcerek/https://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdot#3questions #noregrets #opentowork #amazon #amazonlayoffs #layoffs #laidoff #myjourney #podcast #connectthedots--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/connectthedotspodcast/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thepolkadotdesk.substack.com

It’s Day 1 of this new world where my job is to job hunt. Oh the life of a layoffee... Since I left Apple for Amazon in November 2021, I have been asked if I regret the move more times than I can count. So sitting here now, the day after the layoff, I wanted to answer this question again. Do I have regrets about the move I made? The answer is no. I now get to take my knowledge and skills to a new place where I can continue to inspire others and grow my skills. Sadness does not last forever when we walk in thedirection of that which we always desired.- Paulo CoelhoLaughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSocial Links@msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcast NEW Youtube channel!NEW Website!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdot#opentowork #amazon #amazonlayoffs #layoffs #laidoff #myjourney #podcast #connectthedots--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/connectthedotspodcast/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thepolkadotdesk.substack.com

Well now...here we are... together again. It's Season 4 of the podcast and this season is all about bringing all of you to work. I will say I had a different plan to start this season but it seems I have more time on my hands now. Today I was laid off from my job. Ouch. Me and thousands of others were impacted by the layoffs at Amazon. I'm hurt, confused, sad, angry....all the feelings. So let's do this together. Come along on my journey as I navigate this new space and let's connect the dots together. My heart goes out to all those from Amazon and other companies that have been affected by the recent layoffs. Sending you all love and peace! Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSocial Links@msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcast NEW Youtube channel!NEW Website!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdot - 50/50 Charity Donation Drive happening now!!#opentowork #amazon #layoffs #laidoff #myjourney #podcast #connectthedots--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/connectthedotspodcast/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thepolkadotdesk.substack.com

Hey All! I just wanted to check in and let you know what’s been going on since I haven’t released a podcast in the past month. All is well. I’m just working through some things that I committed to. I’ll be back soon. I promise.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/connectthedotspodcast/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thepolkadotdesk.substack.com

Disclaimer: This video/podcast contains explicit language and covers topics that might cause you to use explicit language too. I might hurt some feelings and make folks mad. These are my own thoughts and opinions and do not reflect the views of my employer/previous employers. I am not a financial advisor, certified coach, or medical professional. Just wanted to make sure you knew these things upfront today. Now to the show...Today I’m drinking wine and talking through student loan forgiveness. I lay out the basics of what student loans are, the different types of loans, the calculators, etc etc. Then I talk through my journey. Then we cover the Student Loan Forgiveness information that was released on August 24, 2022. I go through some articles and finally...I review some of the posts that made me...fiesty. This is a 2.5 hour episode so grab your beverage of choice and chill or listen while you the chores you hate. I’m happy to keep you company either way.Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSocial Links@msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcast NEW Youtube channel!NEW Website!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdot - 50/50 Charity Donation Drive happening now!!#podcast #studentloan #studentloans #studentloandebt #studentloanssuck #studentloanrelief #studentloanrepayment #studentloanproblems #studentloanfreedom #studentloanpayoff #myjourney #winewithme #connectthedotsSource Links Federal Loan Programs PDFPrepare for College ChecklistsRepayment plans USF Cost of Attendance Calculator    Interest CapitalizationLoan Interest Calculator Student Loan CalculatorStudent Loan Relief PlanStalling DreamsMore Targeted ApproachNPR - Examining 3 arguments30 of the Best Reactions to Biden Canceling Student Loan Debt--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/connectthedotspodcast/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thepolkadotdesk.substack.com

After almost 3 years, Christa and I finally got to sit down for a conversation. We met at Blissdom in late 2019 and I was instantly drawn to her passion for helping others. She is a project manager by trade, then was called by God to help His girls. Christa started to volunteer with Proverbs 31, using her project management skills to help them grow. Over the years, she has continued to work in the corporate world and build her business. Christa shares how God has lead her through all the twists and turns of stepping into her calling. Doanewthing.com is the go to spot to see Christa’s book, journal, podcast, and mastermind.Find Christa Online!IG: @doanewthing https://www.instagram.com/doanewthing/Website: https://doanewthing.comPodcast - Just One Simple Thing w/Christa Hutchins https://doanewthing.com/podcast/Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSocial Links@msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcast NEW Youtube channel!NEW Website!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdot#podcast #connectthedots #doanewthing #christahutchins #justonesimplething--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/connectthedotspodcast/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thepolkadotdesk.substack.com

After seeing so many people online recommend the book, “How to keep house while drowning” by KC Davis, LPC, I decided to pick it up and read it. I really enjoyed her approach to cleaning and organizing. I had a lot of things marked in the book to mention but did not get through them all. I definitely recommend picking up this book physically or e-book style. You can find KC Davis online at https://www.strugglecare.com. Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSocial Links@msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcast NEW Youtube channel!NEW Website!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdot#podcast #connectthedots #neurodiversity #bookreview #howtokeephousewhiledrowning #adhd #caretasks--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/connectthedotspodcast/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thepolkadotdesk.substack.com

Today’s episode is all about nothing. I mean it’s not dead air, but I just had some fun talking about the random things going on in my life. It’s just some unscripted fun catch up from the last few weeks. I cover mocktails, sunscreen, the account that might make me get TikTok, and more randomness. Come along for laughs and fun!Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSocial Links@msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcast NEW Youtube channel!NEW Website!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdot#podcast #connectthedots #sunscreen #wearsunscreen #mocktails #randomtalks #deepthoughtsonnothing #unscriptedfun--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/connectthedotspodcast/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thepolkadotdesk.substack.com

On today’s podcast, I welcome Martha Arrington. She is a painter, a certified zentangle instructor, educator, and amazing human. I met Martha on Instagram awhile back and instantly became a fan of her work. It’s truly beautiful and unique, just like Martha. Through our conversations over DMs, I knew that I wanted to learn more about her story and her take on creativity. I hope you enjoy this creative conversation. Find Martha online:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marthaarringtonart/Website: https://www.marthaarringtonart.comLaughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSocial Links@msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcast NEW Youtube channel!NEW Website!Photo Credit for Martha’s image: https://www.instagram.com/drakewhite/ #podcast #connectthedots #creativity #creatives #zentangle #martharringtonart--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/connectthedotspodcast/support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thepolkadotdesk.substack.com