WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: VICTOR NICHOLSON
HEY VICTOR, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
Executive Director of Christian Mission at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Executive Director of the Stratford Richardson YMCA
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
My mental health is at the forefront of my thoughts as I lead a team and serve the community on a daily basis.
"To truly reach people you have to keep your mental sword sharp" Charlamagne, - Shook One
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
Serving as an equity leader, carrying the torch of advocating for staff of color while being one of the few leaders of color at the table. This task can become mentally draining when you have to be consistently strategic and intentional with your words. If you are not careful you can lose your authentic voice with constant code-switching.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN TAKING ON DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
In December of 2019, I lost my best friend, my mother to cancer. It was a long journey of hospital visits, chemotherapy, and countless flights from Charlotte to New York. In the friendly skies, I wrestled with being a good son to my loving mother and a good father to my 11-year-old daughter.
For weeks I wore a badge of honor because I eulogized my mother on Monday and was back to work on Wednesday. The honor led me to a dark place where I drowned my brokenness in faith and bottles of wine.
Countless relationships shattered as I showed up large for the community, but retreated to a silo in my personal life. Countless nights of attempting remedy after remedy to aid in my lack of sleep alerted me, I need help.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
Prayer and meditation are a priority in my daily routine.
I build mental health breaks into my schedule. This can be a workout, reading in a coffee shop, or pulling over on the side of the road to disconnect from the daily grind.
Giving myself grace when I'm not ok.
Having vulnerable conversations with those I have coined as my "vault".
HOW DOES BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY HELP IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK OR ON THE JOB?
When leading teams and communities being mentally healthy is extremely important. As a Christian leader, on a daily basis, I lean on the word of God for strength. I often find comfort in 2 Samuel 22, David said In my distress I called on the Lord, from His temple He heard me and He rescued me.
I am only able to remain mentally healthy when managing people, budgets, community initiatives, and providing Spiritual direction by Trusting God.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
I am a continuous learner and an avid reader, so a good book after a long day is where I find comfort.
After attending my first Eustress Inc. Adult Coloring Night I have now added "Between the Lines" to my weekly self-care.
Bright lights, the back yard, smooth Jazz and a fire pit has become my Zen experience.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE JUST STARTING IN YOUR PROFESSION OR A YOUNG PERSON WHO ASPIRES TO BE THE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU ARE?
My advice to a young professional:
1. Develop a strong prayer life.
2. Care for yourself enough to invest in a trusted voice that can provide counsel and can handle your "stuff". You need a safe place to unload.
3. You must find time to get away from the noise.
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
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