The Way Forward

​The past sixteen months have presented challenges many of us never dreamed possible. Covid-19 ushered in an era of pain, suffering, confusion, anxiety and depression. Not one nook or cranny of our everyday lives was left untouched. From forced isolation to demanding home schooling to endless Zooming, we found ourselves in a whirlwind of disruption and dismay. And at this writing, we haven’t come completely out on the other end yet.
 
It’s safe to say another round of change and transition awaits us. As holistic people, the pandemic has wreaked havoc on our bodies, minds, and spirits. Not even the strongest and most resilient people have escaped the hold the pandemic has on our thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. How we view the world and each other in the future depends on how we respond to the call of embracing wellness once again. Good health, happiness, and hopefulness are not a given. We must each acknowledge the need for self-care and kindness toward each other during the challenging times ahead.
 
Where to start? As with just about everything in life, wellness and the ability to thrive begins within each one of us. Since we are caregivers, our focus may be turned on those we love. While this is noble, caring for others before caring for ourselves won’t put us on the healing path. We must heal ourselves first and then heal others. No one suffers more than the wounded healer.  The Standards of Self-Care remind us of the route we need to travel to regain and retain good health. These standards include: restful sleep, good nutrition, daily exercise,  functional and supportive relationships, and some form of spirituality that gives meaning to our lives.
 
I wholeheartedly suggest turning to the Healing Arts to keep us growing and thriving as we strive to return to normal. The Healing Arts include spending quality time in nature, reading, writing, journaling, cooking nutritious meals, listening to music, gardening, and hugging a beloved animal. Humans were born to create. If you draw, paint, knit, build birdhouses, write poetry, design video games, or produce films, do more of it. Spend time doing what is 100% authentically you. This is the place where creativity and imagination meet resiliency.
 
And it is resiliency that carries us through to the other side.
 
Be Well,
Patricia