Page 10 - BusinessWest January 22, 2024

EDITORIAL >>
She Was a True Woman of Impact
Fredrika Ballard, founder and owner of Fly Lugu Flight School, one of Busi-
nessWest’s Women of Impact for 2023, was one of three people who died tragically in a plane crash in Leyden, at the Greenfield line, on Jan. 14.
The others killed were Wil- liam Hampton, a flight instruc- tor, and Chad Davidson, a stu- dent pilot.
Their deaths sent shock waves through the region, its business community, and all of us here at BusinessWest, who, in a short time, came to know Ballard as the epitome of the program created by those at the magazine to recognize women who are making a difference in this region.
Ballard, a flyer since her
youth and a true entrepreneur-
ial spirit, brought both of those
qualities together in Fly Lugu,
a name whose origins could be
traced to something her father
told her about how, when it came to the yoke of a plane, when you look up, you go up — LUGU.
Ballard brought that sentiment not just to flying, but to life in general. To move forward, she said, one had to look up, be
OPINION >>
positive, and move with
confidence. PUBLISHER
Photo by Leah Martin
She did all of that, and she inspired others to do so as well, again, not just with flying, but with their lives and careers.
BusinessWest created its Women of Impact program, and chose that name, not simply to honor successful businesswomen, although several of them have been recognized. It was created to honor women who stand out, women who are true leaders, women who are mentors to others, women who inspire those around them to set a higher bar — in their work and in their lives — and then clear that bar. Women whom others consider powerful forces in their lives.
Ballard was all of these things and more, and this is why she epitomizes that
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phrase Woman of Impact. She was a success in business and a true entrepreneur, but she was also a teacher, a mentor, and an inspiration. BW
Set Attainable Goals for Mental Wellness
BY DR. NEGAR BEHESHTI
In a world where the pursuit of perfection can sometimes overshadow the significance of self-compassion, MiraVista Behavioral Health Center emphasizes the need for New Year’s
resolutions that prioritize mental health and are both realistic
and achievable. This approach aims to reduce the pressure often associated with traditional New Year’s resolutions and promotes a more holistic perspective on personal growth. The key themes are:
Prioritize self-care rituals. Resolve to incorporate daily self- care rituals into your routine. This could include activities like meditation, reading, taking a warm bath, or going for a nature walk.
Establish healthy boundaries. Set clear boundaries in your personal and professional life. Learn to say ‘no’ when neces- sary and prioritize activities that contribute positively to your well-being.
Cultivate mindfulness and presence. Make a commitment to being more present in the moment. Practice mindfulness through activities like meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or simply tak- ing a moment to appreciate the present.
Nurture positive relationships. Focus on building and strengthening positive relationships. Invest time in meaningful connections with friends and family, fostering a support system that contributes to your emotional well-being.
Limit screen time. Reduce the time spent on electronic devices and social media. Allocate time for activities to promote
mental health, such as reading, engaging in hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones.
Practice gratitude. Start a gratitude journal and make it a habit to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Regularly expressing gratitude can shift your focus towards positivity.
Engage in regular physical activity. Choose physical activi- ties that you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine. Exercise has proven benefits for mental health, releasing endor- phins that can boost mood and reduce stress.
Seek professional support. Break down the stigma surround- ing mental health by committing to seeking professional support when needed. Therapy or counseling can provide valuable tools for managing stress, anxiety, or other mental-health challenges.
Embrace a healthy sleep routine. Prioritize sleep by estab- lishing a consistent sleep routine. Ensure that you are getting enough restorative sleep each night, as it plays a crucial role in mental and emotional well-being.
Learn a new skill or hobby. Engage your mind in positive and creative activities by learning a new skill or picking up a hobby. This can provide a sense of accomplishment and contribute to your overall sense of well-being. BW
Dr. Negar Beheshti is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and chief medical officer for both MiraVista and TaraVista Behavioral Health Centers.
10 JANUARY 22, 2024
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