August 28, 2020

Natural Highs


In Covid, many more people have naturally been struggling in one degree or another with depression. It's a crazy ass world we are all walking in. I was telling a friend lately that we all just need to keep walking each other through the mess.

Literally and figuratively.

I believe that most of us are searching for a grounding cord in a very big way.  

The good news is that our bodies are a reservoir of chemical resources that we can tap into at any time to feel better and we sometimes forget about this. We're all natural chemistry sets that don’t cost even a dime.    

However, on the other side of the coin, is that it is often helpful to just allow ourselves to feel blue. Putting our arms around the darkness helps us to move through it, rather than trying to push it away. A mental health day on the couch isn't a bad thing.

Also this week, a short Covid article that helped me to better understand why I like to talk to people, even strangers and people I barely know.:

THE VALUE OF TALKING TO STRANGERS.

Have a good weekend my friends.

💗

August 22, 2020

Two Threes

 

As we all move along in a new life, evolving with covid, and we traverse the hills and valleys where it takes us, I’m grateful that some of the coping skills that I harnessed in the few hard years prior to the pandemic, continue to nurture me. 

The virus won’t last forever but it’s not going to go away until everyone starts taking it seriously. 

Someday, it will be in our rear view mirror and I’m very curious what we will all then see in front of us. 

Given the current political situation, there are so many rabbit holes I could go into discussing right now, but this post is intended to be a relief from our fucked-up crazy political climate. The most positive thing I can say about politics is that hopefully we are on the brink of a great awakening. I pray.

It might take another four years with this Bozo but hopefully that’s not where we’re headed. This is my vibration, my prayer, my hope.

Which brings me to the first set of three things, that help me navigate difficult times-

My 3 coping skills:

1.) BE HERE NOW, there is no present like the present. When I begin to worry about the future or rehash some of the past, it can quickly throw me off kilter. One of the beauties of covid is that, almost like osmosis, it has taught us to live more beautifully in the present.

2.) Every day I try my best to take care of myself with yoga, swimming or running, eating well, journaling, getting enough sleep, talking with loved ones and taking time for the things that I love to do.

3.) Each day I ask myself "What needs to be done today?" and as best as I can, I set about doing it. I also continue to do and search for what I love, for what lights me up and brings me joy.

My 3 coping items:

(If I have these with me wherever I go, I am pretty content)

1.) My running shoes and speedo/goggles for swimming laps or open water.

2.) A good book that allows me to fall into someone else's story and have a diversion away from the world.

3.) My knitting  


Maybe you have a similar list?


Also this week, a quote from ADHD specialist Dr. Ned Hallowell:

Happiness = Love + Connection + Play

Yay! So grab someone and go out and have some fun!


I was texting with an old friend today and she shared:

"It's an odd time we're in but we really do just have to take it one day at a time and make each day as happy, peaceful and as fulfilling as we can."

Truly.

Sending my love out to all of you, 
Louise