UNPACK THE BAG
Because you don’t have to carry it alone.
Remember that feeling when you first put on the uniform? The pride, the purpose, the calling to serve? Now fast forward through the years of calls, the late nights, the wins and losses, the moments that changed you. They all go into what I call your duffle bag of memories.
Some memories make the bag lighter—the lives you’ve saved, the difference you’ve made, the moments that remind you why you chose this path. But others… they add weight. The pediatric calls that haunt you. The ones you replay at 3 AM. The calls that make you hug your kids a little tighter.
That’s why Unpack the Bag was created.
Because the weight of service shouldn’t be carried alone.
Need immediate support?
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
- Fire/EMS Helpline 1-888-731-FIRE (3473)
- Copline 1-800-267-5463
- Veteran’s Crisis Line 988 & press 1 or Text 838255
- Frontline Helpline 1-866-676-7500
Articles on Resiliency for First Responders
Navigating the Otter-Beaver Organizational Paradox
In every workplace, personality differences create both challenges and opportunities. Perhaps one of the most fascinating and potentially volatile combinations is the “Otter-Beaver Organizational Paradox.” When these opposite personality types collaborate, the results can be either extraordinary innovation or frustrating deadlock. Understanding the Personality Types The Otter Personality Otters are
From Conflict to Connection: Transforming Disagreements Through Curiosity
Conflict is inevitable in our relationships, but its impact on our mental health and connections is largely determined by our approach. By shifting from a mindset of winning battles to resolving misunderstandings, we can transform even the most challenging interactions into opportunities for growth and deeper connection. The Power of
Understanding the 4 Personality Types in the Workplace
Have you ever wondered why workplace dynamics can be so complex? Why some colleagues race through projects while others meticulously analyze every detail? The answer often lies in fundamental personality differences that shape how we communicate, make decisions, and interact with our teams. The Four Core Personality Types LION (Director)
Escaping the “Devil’s Playground”: Essential Self-Care After Trauma
We’ve all heard about the importance of self-care, but when it comes to trauma recovery, certain practices become not just helpful but critical. Trauma expert Tania Glenn identifies what she calls the “Devil’s Playground”—a dangerous territory where trauma survivors often find themselves when they neglect key aspects of their recovery.
When Lives Are on the Line: Building Effective First Responder Teams
In emergency services, the difference between life and death often comes down to how well your team functions under extreme pressure. For firefighters, police, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders, effective teamwork isn’t just about organizational efficiency—it’s about saving lives. Patrick Lencioni’s influential book, The Ideal Team Player,
5 Steps to Processing Traumatic Events
First responders, healthcare workers, and others exposed to crisis situations often face moments that linger long after the emergency ends. While we all encounter difficult experiences, traumatic events can become lodged in our minds and bodies in ways that disrupt our wellbeing and sense of safety. Moving forward doesn’t mean
Finding Balance in a First Responder Life: Beyond the Uniform
The alarm sounds. You respond. Another call, another shift, another day serving others while parts of your own life remain on hold. Sound familiar? For many first responders, the work-life scale doesn’t just tip—it often completely overturns, with the weight of professional responsibility crushing everything else beneath it. The Truth
Compassion Fatigue: When the Healers Need Healing
In the world of emergency services and healthcare, we often discuss the physical dangers that first responders face—the visible risks that come with running toward danger while others run away. Yet there’s another, more insidious threat that rarely makes headlines but silently affects those who dedicate their lives to helping
The Silent Imbalance: Understanding Compassion Fatigue in First Responders
Imagine a scale—perfectly balanced at first, capable of handling substantial weight on either side while maintaining its equilibrium. This scale represents your capacity to absorb the stresses of emergency service work while sustaining your own wellbeing. For many first responders, the scale begins to tip so gradually they don’t notice
Breaking Free: How the 12 Steps Can Transform Anyone’s Life
One of the best podcasts I have listened to recently featured an interview with Ian Morgan Cron on the anatomy of addiction and the illusion of pain relief. Cron was a guest on episode 427 of the Win Today podcast with Christopher Cook. Truthfully, you can skip reading my post
The Duality of First Response: Finding Balance in a Life of Extremes
Every first responder knows the rollercoaster—that remarkable ability of this profession to lift you to the highest peaks of fulfillment and plunge you into the deepest valleys of doubt, often within the same 12-hour shift. This emotional pendulum isn’t just common; it’s practically built into the DNA of emergency services
Your Job is Not Your Identity
I have the opportunity to teach classes to first responder agencies on a regular basis. While teaching a class back-to-back about personality types in the workplace in 2023, I experienced something remarkable. After each session, someone approached me with the exact same questions: “What happens when my identity is wrapped