So here it is, based loosely around “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” If you’d like, just click the embedded audio recording from my performance (such as it is) including some fancy background shenanigans, or just read on below.
It’s been four months since I’ve written an article and I bet you’re wondering why. The answer is both as complex and simple as why I began researching then writing this article. The process I went through touches on grit, self-acceptance and growth mindset; as you know, three of my favorite topics.
2021 required much adaptation. Here's to a 2022 where that adaptation becomes acceptance, and that acceptance moves from the individual and echoes throughout a new and improved culture.
I offer a framework, something to picture. It’s as easy as 3-2-1. Three days of in-person work, two days of virtual work and one main focus…sustainable, profitable work-life balance. The 3-2-1 Week*.
We lost lives, and that grieves me. We lost lifestyles, which hurts as well. But what remained and what grew in light of what science says we could have lost makes me grateful now and keeps my hope stoked for the future.
he world is re-opening and with that comes a wealth of opportunities. Also, if my clients and social media are any indication, comes an increasing amount of stress and anxiety. Many of us have become comfortable over the last fifteen months. While life is not lived in the comfort zone, it is also not to be lived in constant stress. As we re-emerge, to do so with the most health and joy, we need to keep one thing in mind: We are still in charge.
I know it's in some ways heart wrenching to look at the 'percieved benefit' of the pandemic though some did exist. Let's focus on the idea of a psychological immune system. That's what I was thinking about as I was knocked for a loop with two days of harsh side effects from the vaccine.
As my clients and I consider re-emerging, I’m beginning to notice a set of anxious, even grief-type thoughts and emotions are also rising. Out of necessity I now describe this set of thoughts and emotions as “re-emergence stress.”
Today I give three keys to loving yourself right now in this 2021 moment, because I bet I’m not the only one who needs them. Can’t say the “L Word” to yourself, yet? You’re not alone. Self-love is hard in our culture. In psychology we talk more about self-compassion and self-acceptance than self-love, but they all make up a valuable practice.
2020, a year that no one expected, warrants closure. This one took many drafts and more thought than some, and may take more unpacking as well, but, in the end, for me, it fits. I truly encourage you, try it this time.
