Latest news with #supportSystem
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Times
‘My ex-husband and I have been invited to a wedding - and I'm worried'
Question My ex-husband and I divorced when our two children were quite young. The girls have suffered as a result of his missing out on lots in their lives and there is now an opportunity for some reparation. My god daughter is getting married and she is connected to both of our families and has invited all of us to her wedding. She has included my ex and his mother and siblings, plus my children and the rest of my family of origin. I was very angry with my ex for a long time, particularly over the disappointment the children suffered at his not making enough effort with them but the girls are particularly excited at his being at this event and I feel I need to make an effort for them. I have decided to let bygones be bygones and open up to him and his family for the event, even though they have been disdainful and dismissive of me since the divorce. There is a possibility that my ex is more open to co- parenting and we've had a few tentative communications. The problem is my family – they are also hurt and angry with my ex and his family for the way he treated me and they say they will not speak to any of them at the wedding. They think I am soft and stupid for giving in to him. I really just want to focus on my girls and give them a great day but I feel very stuck in the middle and worry that no matter what I do, something will fall apart: either my own family, who are my support system, will be hurt or my kids will lose out on feeling good about having their dad and mum in the same room. READ MORE Answer Your attitude is excellent in that you are planning on meeting the biggest need in this situation – that of your daughters having a good relationship with both parents. However, it sounds as though you have arrived at this magnanimous place after what must have been a tough time during the separation. Your ex-husband has missed so much of your children's lives and it was a very good thing that your family supported you. However, it often happens that family and friends remain more angry than the partner, and yours are still outraged at the way you have been treated. However, it is really your decision regarding the event and they should follow your lead and they are more likely to do this if you sound confident and assertive in your belief that being civil to your husband and his family is good for your children. Confidence stems from having faith in your decision and trusting that it is the right thing to do. Speaking openly and often about your stance will not only enhance your own position but will also let your family hear your seriousness and might offer them an opportunity to work out their own difficulties and reservations. [ Co-parenting: 'We always put our children's needs before our own, so we could see the bigger picture' Opens in new window ] Remember that it is not your job to sort out or fix their anger, but it is important that they know you no longer need them as champions of your victimisation. You no longer feel this way and are now a person who is strong and confident and is following a decision that is the best for your children. A suggestion might be to propose to your ex that he send an email or text to your family saying that he is grateful for this opportunity for reconnect, but this depends on your willingness to have this conversation. This message might soften your family's position, but it might also demonstrate an acknowledgment on his part of the schism that took place. If you are genuinely suggesting that he be invited into co-parenting, then it will be important for the two of you to have some challenging conversations and this could be the starting point for future discussions. [ 'I left my husband for another man and our two children are bearing the brunt of his refusal to speak to me' Opens in new window ] Your daughters will benefit from having parents who can speak robustly together and so they will not have to protect you from each other, this will be of huge benefit in their lives. Trust that your position is one of largesse, and one of confidence and that you are now in the leadership position, both with your own family and with your ex-husband. This can only improve life for all concerned and well done to you. To send your question to Trish Murphy, fill in the form below, click here or email tellmeaboutit@ .form-group {width:100% !important;}
Fast Company
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
These are the 3 steps that every new graduate should take
You've just graduated, and it's time to get ready for your first adult job. This feels different from your summer jobs and internships—yet it's not. Take a pause, two deep breaths, and realize: you are not flying solo. Remember: in the workplace and throughout your career, a 'we, not 'me' mentality makes all the difference. None of us gets anywhere alone. Not even fiercely independent believers in rugged individualism. Many graduates think they don't have a personal board of directors and that they're starting their careers with an empty table. But I'm here to tell you that nobody starts from zero. It can be hard to recognize at first, but you already have a group of people invested in you and your professional journey. These are your go-to people: those you trust, respect, and who have demonstrated their commitment to your professional growth and success. Think of the 'board' as a figurative way to describe the individuals you turn to for guidance, support, input, radical honesty, and feedback. How to establish your board of directors First, start by setting some ground rules for your board: there are always open seats, and there are no term limits. Some people may only be on your board briefly; others may stay for a lifetime. These relationships shouldn't be transactional or one-way. They are respectful, thoughtful connections that you must nurture. Here are three actions you can take to strengthen your relationship with your current board members. 1. Start with an audit Ask yourself, who's already sitting at your table? Think about the people you call when you're in a personal or professional crisis, the ones who make you feel better just by talking. Think about the friends you trust to discuss school, career decisions, fashion dilemmas, or family stresses. Don't forget about teammates, club members, or organization peers whose advice you value. Reflect on those who have once sat you down to walk you through a critical decision. Even family members who offer solicited (and sometimes unsolicited) advice can be part of your board if you trust their input. These are the people who are already serving. 2. Be open to changing your board members Second, roll people off when necessary. Not everyone is meant to stay forever. As you grow and evolve, it's natural for board membership to change. Sometimes it's them, they might have life commitments that shift, which decreases availability. Sometimes it's you. You develop new priorities or outgrow the relationship. Sometimes, a person might break your trust, and a once-valued board member no longer feels like a safe person. Whatever the reason, honor the evolution. The right board changes over time to meet the needs of the person you are becoming. 3. Show gratitude Third, show gratitude. Ask yourself if you've truly done the work to nurture these relationships. Once you finish reading this, reach out to a few board members to say thank you. Whether you send a handwritten note, a text, an email, or make a phone call, be intentional. Share an update—let them know you've graduated and are starting your next chapter. Express your gratitude with a specific example of how their support helped you reach this milestone. And tell them that you'd like to stay in touch, if they're open to continued communication. This isn't a transaction—it's the ongoing work of maintaining and valuing real relationships. As you begin your new job, remember that there are always open seats at your boardroom table. Think about who you'd like to join next. What areas of growth could benefit from more support? For example, when I graduated from medical school, I wished I had someone to help me with financial literacy—someone who could have guided me through paying off debt and making smart financial decisions. Books, podcasts, and newsletters are helpful, but nothing replaces having a real person to call or email when questions arise. The most successful professionals don't achieve everything at once. They build careers by learning and applying micro skills—small, intentional behaviors that compound over time and can be implemented in real time. Congratulations, graduate. You already have a board. People are serving on it. Now it's time to reinforce, grow, and celebrate the support.
Fox News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Angel Reese discusses WNBA's investigation into alleged 'hateful comments' during game vs Caitlin Clark
The WNBA is investigating allegations that there were "hateful comments" directed at Angel Reese during the Chicago Sky's matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. The Saturday matchup was the 2025 debut for both organizations and the second season for both players, whose rivalry began during the 2023 college national championship. Clark was hit with a flagrant foul against Reese, and Reese had to be held back from Clark by others. The specifics of the alleged incident have yet to be revealed. Sky head coach Tyler Marsh admitted he found out about the alleged speech "when everyone else did," but Reese praised the league for looking into the matter. "Obviously, there's no place in this league for that," Reese said on Tuesday. "I think the WNBA, our team, our organization has done a great job supporting me. I've had communication from everyone, from so many people across this league... Going through this whole process, it could happen to me. It could happen to anyone. I think they've done a great job in supporting us in this." "Obviously it's tough. But I think I have a great support system. I'm loved by so many people and obviously, in the moment, it is hard to hear. But my support system is great. God has protected me in so many ways," she added. "I've gone through so many different things in the past couple of years in my life, but I think just having the support and this love, and being a part of an organization that really supports me and loves me, is something I just couldn't imagine not being a part of." "They understand that this is the priority. Obviously, there's no place for this. I think two days before they put out 'No Hate No Speech'. Obviously, the women in this league, they know that, and they know there's no space in that. I believe every player in this league deserves to be treated with respect and want to come to work and just have fun and have a great environment to work at. I think they've done a great job putting that out, and obviously, they're going to respond as they need to." Clark also said she "appreciate[d]" the league for conducting an investigation. "There's no place for that in our game," Clark told reporters, via the Indy Star. "There's no place for that in society. Certainly we want every person that comes into our arena, whether player, whether fan, to have a great experience. "I appreciate the league doing that. The Fever organization has been at the forefront of that since, really, day one, what they're doing. Hopefully the investigation — we'll leave that up to them to find anything and take the proper action if so." Clark's Fever went 3-1 against the Sky last season and routed Chicago, 93-58, on Saturday. The two teams face off three more times this season, with both of their next two at the United Center in Chicago. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
CNN
20-05-2025
- Sport
- CNN
Angel Reese says she feels supported by WNBA as league investigates alleged fan abuse during Saturday's game
Angel Reese on Tuesday praised the WNBA for taking up an investigation into alleged abuse aimed at the Chicago Sky player and the way the league and her team have had her back. The WNBA said it was investigating reports of abuse directed towards the second-year forward during Chicago's loss to the Indiana Fever on Saturday. 'Obviously there's no place in this league for that,' Reese said during media availability on Tuesday. 'I think the WNBA and our team and our organization has done a great job supporting me.' Reese said she has received support from many people across the league following the incident and during the process of the investigation. 'Obviously it's tough, but I think I have a great support system. I'm loved by so many people and ,obviously, in the moment it is hard to hear, but my support system is great,' the 23-year-old added. 'I've gone through so many different things in the past couple of years in my life, but I think just having the support and this love, and being a part of an organization that really supports me and loves me is something I just couldn't imagine not being a part of.' Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh gave credit to Reese with how she's dealt with the process. 'She's handled it great. I mean, for her, it's about basketball, so I think that's where her mind is at and for us we want to be as locked in as possible to our game plan and what we want to do moving forward into Thursday,' Marsh said. 'I mean, Angel's a winner. Angel's a competitor, and she wants to be there for her teammates and we're certainly there for her as well.' Marsh added that all those at the franchise will be behind the star second-year player. 'I think that we always want to be there to support each other no matter what we're going through in our personal lives or professional lives. It's the kind of environment that we want to create here. It's who we want to be as individuals and who we want to be as teammates.' The WNBA said after the alleged incident that it 'strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms,' while the Fever said they are helping the league with the investigation. Indiana's star guard Caitlin Clark issued a similar message after a Fever practice on Monday. 'There's no place for that in our game, there's no place for that in society,' Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, told reporters after practice on Monday. 'Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena, whether player or fan, to have a great experience,' Clark added. 'I appreciate the league doing that (the investigation). I appreciate that the Fever organization has been at the forefront of that since day one. The investigation we'll leave up to them to find anything and take the proper action if so.' The Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky will play each other three more times during the regular season. CNN's Jill Martin and Ben Morse contributed to reporting.
CNN
20-05-2025
- Sport
- CNN
Angel Reese says she feels supported by WNBA as league investigates alleged fan abuse during Saturday's game
Angel Reese on Tuesday praised the WNBA for taking up an investigation into alleged abuse aimed at the Chicago Sky player and the way the league and her team have had her back. The WNBA said it was investigating reports of abuse directed towards the second-year forward during Chicago's loss to the Indiana Fever on Saturday. 'Obviously there's no place in this league for that,' Reese said during media availability on Tuesday. 'I think the WNBA and our team and our organization has done a great job supporting me.' Reese said she has received support from many people across the league following the incident and during the process of the investigation. 'Obviously it's tough, but I think I have a great support system. I'm loved by so many people and ,obviously, in the moment it is hard to hear, but my support system is great,' the 23-year-old added. 'I've gone through so many different things in the past couple of years in my life, but I think just having the support and this love, and being a part of an organization that really supports me and loves me is something I just couldn't imagine not being a part of.' Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh gave credit to Reese with how she's dealt with the process. 'She's handled it great. I mean, for her, it's about basketball, so I think that's where her mind is at and for us we want to be as locked in as possible to our game plan and what we want to do moving forward into Thursday,' Marsh said. 'I mean, Angel's a winner. Angel's a competitor, and she wants to be there for her teammates and we're certainly there for her as well.' Marsh added that all those at the franchise will be behind the star second-year player. 'I think that we always want to be there to support each other no matter what we're going through in our personal lives or professional lives. It's the kind of environment that we want to create here. It's who we want to be as individuals and who we want to be as teammates.' The WNBA said after the alleged incident that it 'strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms,' while the Fever said they are helping the league with the investigation. Indiana's star guard Caitlin Clark issued a similar message after a Fever practice on Monday. 'There's no place for that in our game, there's no place for that in society,' Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, told reporters after practice on Monday. 'Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena, whether player or fan, to have a great experience,' Clark added. 'I appreciate the league doing that (the investigation). I appreciate that the Fever organization has been at the forefront of that since day one. The investigation we'll leave up to them to find anything and take the proper action if so.' The Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky will play each other three more times during the regular season. CNN's Jill Martin and Ben Morse contributed to reporting.
