5 things PR guru Monique Farmer cannot live without
MY FIVE: A series where we ask Omahans to share their five favorite things
By Monique Farmer, APR
We all have those certain things in our lives we simply cannot live without. Whether it's a loved one, a favorite possession, or a daily ritual, these items and people play a significant role in our overall well-being and happiness.
As a PR/Communication Consult, Avant Solutions, and the creator of Anvil Ready, an online communication strategy builder that aids the communication professional in creating communication plans, my five items are significant to my happiness.
Currently, I teach at the University of Texas at Austin and serve as President of the PRSA Nebraska Board. Previously, I served as the director of communications for Nebraska’s largest school district, spent 12 years in the federal government, and worked in corporate communications for ConAgra Foods, which is now ConAgra Brands.
For me, there are five things I simply cannot live without my family, my lip gloss, audiobooks, peace-and-quiet, and my cell phone.
And here’s why…
Family
Starting with my family, my husband John, my sons Tre and Jordan, and my daughter Aaliyah are the foundation of my life. They are my support system, my cheerleaders, my happy place, and my reason for…everything.
Studies have shown that a strong support system can have a positive impact on mental and physical health. That’s certainly true for me. Family love and hugs can also help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. I send many thanksgiving praises up every morning when I consider how blessed I am to have them as part of my life.
2. My Lip Gloss
Next on my list is my lip gloss. It may seem like a small thing, but for me, it’s a must-have item. I keep lip gloss in my purse, in my car, in my briefcase, and in my backpack. If lip gloss were cigarettes, I’d be well on my way to emphasymaville. Yup! I just made up a word.
Every morning when I wake up, I feel lost if I don’t have my lip gloss. I pretty much freak out if I can’t find it. Don’t judge me. We all have our idiosyncrasies. Lip gloss can be a small but powerful self-care tool. It can boost confidence and make a person feel more put-together. I need mine daily!
“I prefer audiobooks because they give me the opportunity to take in new knowledge while getting my work done throughout the day.”
3. Audio books / Audible
Audiobooks, specifically Audible, are my third must-have.
I’m an avid and voracious podcast and audiobook listener. I prefer audiobooks because they give me the opportunity to take in new knowledge while getting my work done throughout the day.
One of my goals this year is to take in at least one to two of them each week.
4. Peace and quiet.
Some regular peace-and-quiet is my fourth must-have. I grew up in a family of five children, and there was always something going on in our household — music playing, television on, people talking, yelling, arguing, or laughing. Once my children started reaching their teens and I had more time to spend by myself, I realized how much I love and appreciate peace and quiet.
Now, I try to work in at least 10 to 30 minutes of prayer and/or meditation time every day. It’s amazing the level of mental fitness it gives me. I’ve finally learned to pour in before pouring out. My stress is less. I have improved focus and an overall higher sense of well-being. Woohoo!
My Cell phone
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, as of 2020, 96% of Americans own a cell phone, and 81% own a smartphone. The phone has become an essential tool for our daily lives.
5. My cell phone
Last but not least, my cell phone is my fifth must-have. As much as I appreciate peace and quiet, I also appreciate being connected. My phone allows me to stay in touch with my family, friends, and colleagues, and it also gives me access to information, entertainment, and social media.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, as of 2020, 96% of Americans own a cell phone, and 81% own a smartphone. The phone has become an essential tool for our daily lives.
There you have it – my family, lip gloss, audiobooks, peace and quiet, and my cell phone – play a vital role in my overall well-being and happiness, and I will continue to incorporate them into my daily life for perpetuity.
Whether it's a loved one, a favorite possession, or a daily ritual, everyone has those certain things they simply cannot live without.
And that's okay because it’s the little things that make our lives truly abundant.