Connect
Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.
Rosemary: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? What motivates you to take part in the community?
@johnhans: I joined in 2016 to get help with my depression.
Rosemary: What about Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and be open with the community?
@johnhans: I like the way members can be open with one another since we’re all people who share similar health conditions, and thus we understand what each other has gone through.
Rosemary: What groups do you participate in?
@johnhans: I have participated in the Neuropathy, Depression & Anxiety and Sleep Health groups.
Rosemary: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Connect.
@johnhans: The one that is the most memorable for me is when someone asked for help for a teenager with depression. I was able to tell them about what has worked for me. It was a way for me to help someone else. I know that by sharing, I was able to let that person know they could make it through their difficult time. I wanted them to know that I had made it, and so could they.
Rosemary: What surprised you the most about Connect?
@johnhans: I was surprised by the number of people on Connect who have the same problems as I have. I feel like I’m not in the minority when I’m in the community.
Rosemary: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?
@johnhans: I have learned to listen to my body so I can decide what kind of balance I need. There are some things I can do with my energy level and mental state, and there are other things that need to wait till I’m doing better. An example might be to stop playing bingo with the other residents or delay doing cleaning. Due to my health problems, the only thing I can do is cut back so I can rest more.
Rosemary: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.
@johnhans: I like doing genealogy because it tells me what has gone into making me who I am. I have traced a number of my lines back to the 1600s or 1700s. I found out many of my ancestors had the same health problems as me. It is nice to know that others in my family have struggled with the same medical issues, but they still made it. It also allows me to see the progress medicine has made in treating some illnesses, making it much easier to live a normal life now.
Rosemary: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?
@johnhans: My personal quote I live by is from the Bible. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Rosemary: What food can you simply not resist?
@johnhans: Potato chips! If someone offers some them to me, I cannot say no. That is why I don’t buy them.
Rosemary: What do you love about where you live or vacation?
@johnhans: I love the lakes and all the friendly people where I live in Minnesota. I also appreciate the retirement community where I am now living. I know that every city does not have affordable senior housing.
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@johnhans, Thank you for participating in this Spotlight Interview. I have enjoyed getting to know you.
We began the interview process as virtual strangers, and now I consider you my virtual friend.
Please keep sharing and encouraging others.
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13 ReactionsHi @johnhans -- Thank you for letting us get to know you a little better. I discovered we have another thing in common - I don't buy potato chips either because I can't just eat one ☺ Happy Friday!!
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10 Reactions@johnhans, @johnbishop, @johnhans, I have noticed your contributions and want to thank you for your supportive posts for others. There's good news John and John. After a few years of not buying potato chips and then not liking the organic, replacement offerings, it was pretty easy to just walk by the chip and tortilla aisle. However, I am now stuck with Pita or Nan. It's all about diversity. Have a day of ease and comfort. Chris
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7 ReactionsHello John,
I can relate to your potato chip addiction. I haven't had one in nearly 2 years. I don't find it as easy as Chris to walk away from the chip aisle. I fantasize about my favorite one's with a Dr. Pepper but my doctor put a stop to the better things. of life. My nemesis is candy, chips and candy go great together with a Dr. Pepper or root beer float. Your right about affordable senior housing, Nothing is affordable in California.
Jake
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8 Reactions@johnhans Welcome to Connect and a terrific and different group of people. I think we all share the desire to help others and ourselves figure out the steps to take to make our lives better or easier. I enjoyed reading the interview @rosemarya did; she is the best. I also love the beautiful photo of the lake. So peaceful.
I know you will make a difference in a number of ways, and it's great to have you as an addition to the group.
Carol
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6 Reactions@johnhans Welcome! I liked the Spotlight on you! You sound like such a caring and helpful person. Your comment about potato chips made me laugh and reminded me of my grandson’s response to potato chips. I had just finished a quilted portrait of him and then found some “potato chip” fabric and carefully worked it so it looked like he was in a sea of chips. (This was my first quilting project since I got sick). So, I showed him the portrait and his response, “But, Mama B, you know I don’t like potato chips”!
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5 Reactions@johnhans- Thankyou for giving us a glimpse of another side of you. It's been clear to me for the last few years that that you add so much to our conversations with a very sincere empathy for others. I would agree with you that we are stronger together as a community and when one falters we are here for each other to lift them up. Pretzels are my weakness! My wife insists that I grab a small bowl and leave the bag in the pantry 🙂
Thank you for being part of the Connect community. Jim@thankful
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5 Reactions@thankful I want to thank you for your kind comments. I believe you are another caring individual who has contributed much to Connect.
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5 Reactions@johnhans- Thank you Johnhans. Here's one of my favorite vs. John 14:27 NIV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
I have always cherished knowing He is near and knows what is befalling us. Just as a child loves to hear their farther's (parents) voice I take real joy knowing He hears us and comforts us. May His Peace be over you today and always.
Jim @thankful
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7 Reactions@johnhans, you're quite right that @thankful is "another caring individual who has contributed much to Connect." You can read his Spotlight here:
- Fly Fishing, Gardening and the Northwest: Meet @thankful https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/newsfeed-post/fly-fishing-gardening-and-the-northwest-meet-thankful/
I enjoy reading all the spotlights. They really show the breadth of compassion and knowledge members share on Connect, sprinkled with art, fun and food.
See all Spotlights here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/newsfeed/
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6 Reactions