Wellness Wednesday Update: August

Happy Wednesday!

Upcoming events:

  • Flourish and Nourish Series! First Session 8/22/2025 12-1pm CC 121. A series where health care providers come together to share a meal and build community. Please RSVP HERE as space is limited. Informational Flyer attached. 
  • Camden County FREE Concerts this summer: Camden County Rocks | Camden County, NJ Weekly concerts from a variety of music genres right on the Cooper River!
  • Cooper Solution Discounts on local attractions: Entertainment
  • Snack box refill: If you drop your snack box off at 101 Haddon Suite 204, I will refill them for you! 

If you have an event you want uplifted, please email me at bass-maya@cooperhealth.edu

Helpful Links

Wellness Topic: Lesson from Brené Brown’s book Dare to Lead

Though it’s framed around leadership, Dare to Lead is really a powerful guide for showing up with courage, vulnerability, and integrity, especially in high-stakes, high-stress environments (sound familiar?). It is how we show up for ourselves and others—even on the hardest days. Here are a few actionable takeaways you can use today:

🔹 1. Clear is Kind

One of Brené’s most powerful mantras: “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” Whether you’re giving feedback or setting boundaries, being honest—kindly—is a form of self- and team-care.

Action: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try clearly naming one thing you need (e.g., “I need a quick break before signout,” or “I need help closing these notes.”)

🔹 2. Rumble with Vulnerability

Courageous leaders don’t have all the answers—they’re willing to admit when they’re struggling. Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the birthplace of resilience, connection, and innovation.

Action: Check in with yourself and one teammate this week. Instead of asking “How are you?” ask, “What’s on your plate today, really?”

🔹 3. You Can’t Avoid Tough Conversations

Avoiding hard conversations often creates more stress than having them. A difficult but honest moment now can prevent burnout and resentment later.

Action: If something’s been weighing on you—a miscommunication, a boundary crossed—consider scheduling a short, honest conversation. Use “I” statements and be curious, not confrontational.

🔹 4. Lead Yourself First

Before we lead others, we have to lead ourselves—with compassion. That means knowing your values, checking in with your inner critic, and practicing self-compassion instead of perfectionism.

Action: Take 5 minutes today to reflect: What value do I want to show up with today—compassion, curiosity, integrity? How will I live it out in one small way?

In residency, leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about how we support ourselves and each other through the everyday hustle. Dare to Lead reminds us: Courage is contagious.

You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to be brave enough to begin.