Feed & Water Yourself

August 4, 2025

Jim "Wegs" Wegerbauer, Strategy Guy at Hank's TV Repair & Service

Death Reminds Us of the Value of Life

My friend, Greg Knipp's sudden death last week at the age of 57 got me thinking about my health, especially because by most indications, he was in better health than I am!

Because he was such a caring person who always thought of others, in Greg's honor, I'd like to remind you that no matter how good your health may appear to be that we all need to feed and water ourselves. Not only our bodies but our minds and spirit, too. To Greg!

Self-Care is Not Selfish Nor Weak

In the Event a Yellow Mask Appears Before You, Place it Over Your Own      Face First, and Then Assist the Person Next to You. - Your Flight Attendant

A great account person spends most of their time thinking about and taking care of others. Over time, it can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Take care of yourself. We need you. Your family needs you. Your friends need you. And we all care about you. Please, please, please take care of yourself. Take time off. Watch your diet. Work out. Sleep! And if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, please let someone know. We’re all in this together.

My Body is a Temple with Questionable Architectural Choices

Like many people, I’m trying to eat better.

For my health.

For my family.

For my career.

As I get started, here are some tips I found that I thought I’d pass on and perhaps you'll repost, too…

If You Keep Good Food in Your Fridge, You Will Eat Good Food.

If it Came from a Plant, Eat it; if it was Made in a Plant, Don’t.

The Problem is We Are Not Eating Food Anymore, We Are Eating Food-Like Products.

Don’t Eat Anything that Doesn’t Rot.

Lead, Uranium and Cocaine Are All Gluten-Free. Watch Out for Health Buzzwords.

Diet Coke is another term for "fridge cigarette".

Saying “Oh, I’ve already ruined my good eating today, I’ll just eat crap” is like saying, “Oh, I dropped my phone on the floor, I’ll just smash it ‘til it breaks.”

Don’t Eat Breakfast Cereals that Change the Color of the Milk.

Refuse to Eat Anything That Sings or Dances on TV.

Food is the Most Abused Anxiety Drug. Exercise is the Most Underutilized Antidepressant.

Quality Relationships

According to an ongoing 85-year-old Harvard study, the quality of our relationships—emotional warmth, trust, and support—is the single most important pre

According to Harvard, the quality of our relationships—emotional warmth, trust, and support—is the single most important predictor of long-term happiness and health. It’s not how many people we know, but how safe and truly connected we feel.

Strong, positive relationships protect us from stress, strengthen our immune systems, and promote faster recovery from illness. By contrast, loneliness and social isolation pose health risks comparable to smoking or alcoholism. This deep connection between relationships and wellbeing extends beyond family or marriage, embracing friendships, community ties, and even small daily interactions.

As Dr. Robert Waldinger, current study director, says, “Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.” The warmth and depth of a person’s bonds predict everything from emotional resilience to longevity and cognitive health.

“When the study began, nobody cared about empathy or attachment,” recalled Dr. George Vaillant. “But the key to healthy aging is relationships, relationships, relationships.” The data makes this strikingly clear: close relationships — not wealth, fame, social class, or even IQ — are what keep people happier and healthier throughout life.

Learn How to Say Yes to No

Strategy is choice. So says Harvard Professor, Michael Porter. That’s why the word “no” may be more important than “yes”. If you lack the ability to say no, you’re essentially saying no to focus. To efficiency. And effectiveness. Yet, how often do you see those in leadership trying to have it all? Or a client asking you to mashup two good campaigns to make one indecipherable mess? So when it comes to your health, please, please, learn how to say yes to no. And start by asking yourself, What am I willing to give up to get what I want?

Defend Your Time

Time is a resource you can’t get back, so you have to protect it like the precious commodity it is. Turn off those notifications. Schedule your day. Block off disturbance-free work periods. Check emails at certain times only. Sleep well. Wake up early. If you don’t defend your time, it will become your enemy- a persistent pursuer. If you do defend and tend to it, time will become your ally. And your productivity a sign that you are worthy of fresh challenges, new business and promotions.

Manage Your Energy Not Your Time

Here's a twist on the last blurb... Not every minute is created equal. When we’re at our best, we can accomplish more in less time. That means prioritizing your efforts.

It means focusing, not multitasking.

It means sprints, not sludging.

It means getting into your flow, not a rut.

Getting sleep, not burning the midnight oil.

It means working smarter, not harder.

With more to show in less time.

Happy-ism is Like Alcoholism

Happy-ism. It’s the belief that you constantly need to be happy. That you have to soak yourself in it. That if you’re not happy all the time there’s something wrong with you. A belief that will mess you up, and mess you up good. Because life isn’t all one way or another. It may not be sexy, but a healthy life requires balance. An acceptance that sometimes you’re going to be down.

But that you can bounce back.

Be quiet, work hard, and stay healthy. It’s not ambition or skill that is going to set you apart but sanity.

Stop Playing Martyr

It is No Measure of Health to be Well Adjusted to a Profoundly Sick Company

Working night and day and each and every weekend may be seen as a superpower to some, but it’s kryptonite if you want to live a physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy life.

And servant leadership does not mean becoming a slave to your job.

I distinctly recall being on a flight where a man was seemingly bragging to his colleagues that he was missing his son’s 8th birthday party. How twisted is that?

A willing dupe who becomes the frog in the boiling pot of water. As Jules Feiffer said, I Told the Doctor I was Overtired, Anxiety-Ridden, Compulsively Active, Constantly Depressed, with Recurring Fits of Paranoia. Turns Out I’m Normal.

Don’t let the abnormal become your normal.

Digital Detox

Reduce your screen time, especially social media, to avoid information overload and comparing yourself too much to others. As Teddy Roosevelt said, Comparison is the thief of joy.

Unpacking Your Baggage

The weight of your unconscious mind can be heavy. Some of us come with a lot of baggage. The question is how to unpack it. For some, it may require therapy. For all of us, it’s good to keep these strategies in mind:

Laugh. Loud & often. Watch comedies. Funny videos. Uncork it and laugh.

Cry. Don’t hold it in; let it out. And don’t try to stop. Tears can wash away pain.

Say it Out Loud. Practice voicing your emotions: I’m angry. I’m sad. Disappointed. Jealous. You don’t have to act on it, just say it out loud and say why. Talk it out with yourself. Your mind will start overcoming your emotions.

Be Mindful. Before you take any medication for a headache, stomachache, backache, to stay awake, or to fall asleep, ask yourself: What am I holding on to? Begin writing things down. It allows your emotions to cool off.

Talk to Someone

If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counselor. And take up the offer of any trusted friend or family member who offers to hear you out. And if that's not feasible, seek out a support group.

Wanna Get Away?

Take a trip. Escape to nature. Work out. Run. Visit a museum. You deserve a break today. And keep moving, because sitting is the new smoking.

I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead’ is Dead & Buried

Burning the candle at both ends leads to nothing but burnout. There’s simply not a lot of inspiration in exhaustion. And when you’ve got nothing left in your tank, you’re headed nowhere except an early grave.

3…2…1...

You want to sleep better?

Stop eating 3 hours before bed.

Stop drinking liquids 2 hours before bed.

Stop looking at screens 1 hour before bed.

Nitey-nite!

if you're feeling overwhelmed.

Forgive Yourself

Practice self-compassion. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes. Cliches? Yes, but rooted in truth.

Educate Yourself

Read up and seek out information from qualified sources. Your insurance may have resources you can reach out to.

You’re Not Broken & Helpless, You’re Healing & Growing

It’s okay to feel down, it’s dangerous to fall into despair. Hopelessness. Remind yourself of all the good things in your life. The accomplishments and the memories. And if it takes more, reach out to friends, family or mental health professionals. It may take time, but it will get better.

Please take care of yourself and if you're looking for more content like this, please subscribe to Navigating the Fustercluck.

And if you're interested in the podcast, you'll find it on Spotify and other leading platforms. For daily inspiration, try LinkedIn, Jim "Wegs" Wegerbauer. And please share with others!

Here's to self-care.

Here's to looking out for one another.

Here's to the Future!

Wegs