At the beginning of the year, members of the JMAC team each made a personal commitment related to mental health, balance, or wellbeing at work. Now, at the midpoint of the year, we are revisiting those intentions to reflect on what has changed, what has been challenging, and what practices have actually lasted beyond January motivation. This mid-year pulse check offers an honest look at how our team is approaching wellness in real time and how intentional habits continue to shape the way we work, communicate, and support one another.
Audree Hernandez, Senior Account Executive
Have you been able to keep your mental health commitment, and how are you feeling about it?
I do my best to really make this a ritual in my mornings or on my down days. I feel like I’ve been good at acknowledging when I need to get those affirmations in.
What commitment would you like to make to prioritize your wellness for the rest of 2026?
Running. Run club, gym, taking my dog for walks, taking myself outside– whatever form it may be.
Casey Burke, Content Writer
Have you been able to keep your mental health commitment, and how are you feeling about it?
My commitment was to devote more of my free time to playing music. So far I’ve had a very busy year and still haven’t been able to do that as much as I’d like, but I’m planning to make time in the second half of the year!
What commitment would you like to make to prioritize your wellness for the rest of 2026?
I would like to commit to getting better sleep. Too often I end up staying up late or not feeling rested, and I’d like to build better habits.
Joana Joselle Estipona, Executive Assistant
Have you been able to keep your mental health commitment, and how are you feeling about it?
Yes, I’ve been able to keep my commitment to myself, and I’m feeling more confident in providing support. Becoming more confident has also helped me be more proactive in offering support to others whenever they need it.
What commitment would you like to make to prioritize your wellness for the rest of 2026?
For the rest of 2026, I want to commit to prioritizing my wellness by maintaining a healthier balance between work and personal time. I also want to continue building my confidence and practicing self-care so I can stay mentally and emotionally well, while still being able to proactively support and help others.
John McCartney, APR, Agency Principal
Have you been able to keep your mental health commitment, and how are you feeling about it?
Yes, I believe I have. I’ve stayed consistent with many of the practices I committed to, including therapy, journaling, meditation, and creating more intentional space for self-reflection. I’ve also continued exploring new interests and experiences that challenge me to grow. More than anything, I feel proud that I’ve approached personal growth with curiosity instead of pressure, and I’ve learned that wellness is less about perfection and more about consistency and self-awareness.
What commitment would you like to make to prioritize your wellness for the rest of 2026?
For the rest of 2026, I want to continue making space for balance, creativity, and presence outside of work. I want to stay intentional about protecting time for rest, relationships, travel, and creative hobbies like photography and language learning. I also want to continue giving myself permission to slow down when needed and recognize that wellness is not something you achieve once, but something you actively practice every day.
Shari Blackburn, Account Manager
Have you been able to keep your mental health commitment, and how are you feeling about it?
I believe so. It’s been an interesting 2026 in general, but one of my greatest commitments in this point in time of my life is to truly work on my spirituality and aligning better with my higher purpose. I think now more than ever, I’ve felt the need to rejuvenate myself, my environment and really focus on things that truly matter in life.
What commitment would you like to make to prioritize your wellness for the rest of 2026?
I think as humans, we’re all collectively evolving and so there isn’t a “destination” or “attainable goal,” per se. It’s the journey of enlightenment, safety, health and love – that’s what I’m truly committed to at this point in my life (and basically the rest of my life). Tapping into my true potential, sharing positivity and love to those around me, and live a life of gratitude, hope and integrity. I’m sure there’s steps along the way, such as eating healthier, getting better sleep, exercising, reading more, etc., but those are all small outliers to the bigger potential for myself in this lifetime.
