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Reflect and Restart with the SELF Program: Your Partner in Well-Being |
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As we close out the year and look toward a fresh start, it's the perfect time to reflect on how life’s challenges have impacted your overall well-being. From planning major life events to managing everyday stress, taking care of your mental and emotional health is key to setting yourself up for success in the new year. That’s where the Strive Employee Life & Family (SELF) program comes in. The SELF program, offered through ComPsych, is here to help you reduce stress, improve your health, and restore balance—all at no cost to you.
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Local, In-Person Counseling: Receive behavioral health counseling services to help with everyday issues such as stress, relationships, parenting, grief and loss, and substance abuse. |
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FinancialConnect®: Get expert financial advice, whether you’re looking to get out of debt, plan for retirement, or save for future goals like college. |
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LegalConnect®: Need legal advice? Get a phone consultation with an attorney or an in-person meeting with discounted rates for further assistance. |
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IDResources®: If you're facing identity theft or fraud, the SELF program offers expert guidance to resolve issues and protect your financial well-being. |
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FamilySource®: Everyday stresses like childcare, elder care, or planning a major life move can be handled with personalized plans and local referrals. |
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GuidanceResources® Online: Explore an extensive online library with articles on wellness, family, finance, and more. Plus, use the "Ask a Guidance Consultant" feature for quick answers to your specific questions. |
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Whether you’re dealing with daily pressures, navigating life changes, or just need support, the SELF program is available 24/7, 365 days a year for state employees eligible for MCHCP medical coverage, and their household members. Plus, you can continue using SELF for 18 months after retirement, and your household members can access it for six months following your passing.
If you're eager to dive deeper into how the SELF program can support your well-being, simply click here to start your journey toward balance and relief.
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“I didn’t think I could ever foster, but the joy of seeing a dog make a family whole far outweighs the short-term pain of giving them up. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy.” |
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Gina, a current State of Missouri team member, embraced November’s MO Benefits challenge to get involved in the community. Gina proudly volunteers and fosters for Rescue One Springfield, a local rescue organization that has saved over 10,000 animals. Rescue One is a fully foster based, donation funded 501(c)(3) organization driven by volunteers like Gina. Volunteers help with everything from cleaning and transporting animals to building parade floats. Gina is particularly passionate about the Puppies for Parole program, a partnership between Rescue One and the Missouri Department of Corrections, which provides at-risk dogs with training and offers meaningful rehabilitative experiences for offenders in correctional facilities. Gina recently represented Rescue One at the Killuminati Foundation’s Day of the Dog Celebration, where an adoptable dog, Panini, was crowned Queen of the event! Though fostering can be emotionally challenging, Gina finds deep joy in watching these animals find their forever families. Check out more information about Rescue One and their adoptable pets here.
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As we approach the end of the year, December is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and restart. One of the most effective ways to organize your thoughts, process experiences, and set new intentions is through journaling. This simple habit helps you to reflect on the past, clarify your thoughts, and set goals for the future, giving you a fresh start in the coming year.
Journaling is not just about writing, it’s about creating a space to connect with yourself, think through challenges, and celebrate successes. As we navigate our work and personal lives, journaling can provide clarity on what we’ve achieved, what we’ve learned, and where we want to go next. Here’s how journaling can help you reflect and restart:
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Self-reflection: By writing down your thoughts and experiences, you can look back on the year and see how far you’ve come. What challenges did you overcome? What are you most proud of?
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Goal setting: Once you’ve reflected, use your insights to set intentions for the new year. What would you like to change? What new habits or practices can help you move forward?
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Stress relief: Journaling can also be a space to release stress and process emotions, offering a sense of calm as you move toward a fresh start.
To help you get started, below is a journaling prompt for each day in December. Use these prompts throughout December to prepare for a fresh start in the new year. By taking time to reflect on the lessons of the past, you’ll be better equipped to restart with clear intentions and renewed energy in 2025!
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