COVID-19

Hi friends, clients, and other humans who end up here for any reason! I have intended to write another blog post for more than three years, and am just now getting to it.

Much has changed in the past few months, for me personally, but also, on our planet Earth. There are myriad political and religious beliefs, health situations, educational backgrounds, family structures, mental health components, and varying locations where we each live our separate lives. But, no matter what makes you unique and different than every other human in the world, the one thing we all have in common right now, is that we are living a shared experience relating to COVID-19. No one I know is immune to the effects of this pandemic.

As a licensed mental health counselor, I know that our collective mental health is affected, and I think we have months of the unknown ahead of us, as well as, years of recovery. I want you to know that I am truly inspired, encouraged, and impressed at the amount of attention that mental health has received in the past few months! It seems that there are several (seemingly unrelated) movements with momentum right now, and I am curious how we all will benefit from COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS. I think that much of what is happening right now is the result of years or decades of UNconscious thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

So...I have been doing my best to PAY ATTENTION: to my intuition and nervous system; to the things I take in to my brain and body; to what my part is; to what is in my control...and what is not; to books and podcasts that are inspiring and helpful; to breathing and stretching and sleeping and laughing and exercising; to smiling more and making more eye contact; to slowing down to really take in what I need to take in; to praying and meditating; to grounding myself in nature; to asking for help when I need it; to minimizing any toxicity in my life; to practicing nonviolent communication; to waking up and being as fully present in each day as I possibly can.

I know I don't have all the answers or all of the information I wish I had, but I have the ability to practice being the best me that I can be. If you need inspiration or support, please reach out to someone who you know cares about you...and know that we really are all in this together, no matter what you believe/think/feel.

Now, this...if you, or anyone you know, end up in a mental health emergency, always call 911. In a crisis, there are local and state crisis lines that are easy to look up and find. ASK FOR HELP when you need it. And look out for your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, people who think differently than you, and other people you come into contact with. Let's support each other, OK?