The event took place on April 26th, 2023, 7:00-8:30 pm at Union South, Varsity Hall. Our attendees enjoyed socializing, playing games, entering our raffles, taking photos, and dining on delicious meals during the our Pre-Award Ceremony time!

Beginning the Award Ceremony,​ once all were seated, Katherine Zimmerman, 2022-24 NAMI-UW President gave a speech to welcome our guests and give thanks to our dedicated members and our talented executive board leaders: Vice President, Lauren Roskopf; Bandana Project Director, Noelle Kotrly; Events Coordinator, Kat Schneider; Marketing Director, Abbey Skramstad; Workshop Coordinator, Isabella Reilley; Volunteer Coordinator, Anna Rehfeld; Fundraising Coordinator & Treasurer, Zach Goetz; and Secretary, Alyssa Shack. Kat Schneider also gave an heartfelt and amazing speech recapping all of the social events she hosted this year and said thanks to our members, along with shouting out a few members for their outstanding participation! Then, we took a trip down memory lane by watching a video showcasing the exciting and fun events we hosted this year and finally announced our 2023 NAMI-UW Spring Gala Award Winners along with our raffle winners!

By: Dorothy Watson
​
​Major life changes can be difficult to handle, but it is possible to manage them in a healthy and
productive way. The first step is to be honest with yourself about how you are feeling and any
concerns or fears that come up during the transition process. The next step is to take some time
for self-reflection and think carefully about the direction you want your life to go in. You can use
the following tips to take action when you're ready to handle your life change.

Learn How to Relax
The first step in navigating major life changes is to develop relaxation techniques that work for
you. This could include yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling. Taking the
time to relax your mind and body will help reduce stress levels, which can make it easier to
tackle the next steps in making big life changes.

Stay Positive
When making big life changes, it’s important to focus on the positives in your life. Think about
what has been working well for you and what you are grateful for. This will help keep your
spirits up during this transitional period and remind you of all the good things that are still
happening in your life, even if other aspects are changing.

Set Manageable Goals
Making big life changes often requires setting achievable goals so that each step along the way
feels manageable. Break down large tasks into smaller tasks so that they feel more doable and
less intimidating. Setting achievable goals will also give you something tangible to work toward
every day until you reach your larger goal of making a major change in your life.

Maintain Connections
It’s important to have friends who can offer support when going through major life changes, as
they can provide emotional support as well as practical advice when necessary. Reach out to
friends who have gone through similar experiences or those who can listen without judgment so
that you feel less alone during this time of transition. Having this social support will help you
build confidence.

Find a Less Stressful Job
If one of your major goals is changing jobs, consider using free online resources to update your
resume or portfolio before applying for any positions. You'll also want to keep all of those files
together for easy access; there is a tool to help with this that even lets you rearrange the
documents so you can keep everything organized. No matter what type of job you're looking for,
going in with a stellar resume and portfolio can help you do it with confidence.

Make a Move
Moving can be an intimidating process, especially if you're thinking of going to a new city or
state. However, sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what's needed to jumpstart a new
career or some inspiration. For an easier transition, consider moving to a smaller space that
requires less maintenance. You can look for Madison rentals online, narrowing down the options
by price, the number of rooms you need, and the neighborhoods you're interested in. Some sites
even offer an online tour so you can see exactly what the space looks like without visiting in
person.

Making big life changes can take a lot out of you, both emotionally and physically. It is important
to take care of yourself during this time and focus on maintaining your mental health. By taking
steps like finding a new job and exploring rentals and relocating, you can handle anything life
throws at you.