“If I were to skip one, this is not the one to skip. This is maybe the most important one,” Jon said, then shocked himself into silence. He came to grips with his answer in pauses. “I need to think about that for a while. Yeah, maybe this is the most important—I don’t want to set the bar to high, Jeez,” he said, smiling at himself.
Today we’re going to focus on how to amp up that gratitude for these trying times. You want that increased happiness, improved health, better sleep and boosted immune system? You gotta fight for it. You gotta weaponize your gratitude.
At the center of Samhain was one crucial dynamic: Letting go to that which has passed away so they, and we, can move on. What better time to let go of some of our COVID-19 losses than Halloween? What better way to honor the festival which has changed so much over the centuries than to return to its roots amid our current changing culture?
In these new times, with new practices, is even more vital to keep up traditions. Hence, my annual six word stories of the summer.
On the other side of this virus will be a new, and better culture but only if we make it so. We can’t go backward, as much as I would wish it, but we can go boldly forward based on shared values, and into a tomorrow that is safe, connected and joyful.
If we choose to prioritize our interdependence with others and take CDC mandated steps, we validate our own independence.
Let's continue to fight Corona. Let's build a better normal not just a new one. A normal where every race, color, gender identity and nationality has justice and safety. A normal where family is not just a byproduct of adult work life, but a homestead which blossoms the crop of our career from its soil.
Understanding and harnessing our growth, not living in the prior trauma, is key to crafting a Yellow life that is safe, enjoyable, and sustainable. Using two other trauma counseling tools; Gradual Exposure and Narrative Therapy we can craft that Yellow life in just three steps.
I believe that we will come through this better than we came in. Each of the resources I shared today had that theme in mind. They each have right now positive, fun help to provide but they also build for the future. Now is the time to start emotional, physical, spiritual and self care practices. Now, when there may be a few extra, quieter minutes in the day. I believe that we will reconnect, return to work and to school. Let's use these resources to start training for that time
We must forge a new enjoyable life in the present COVID19 reality. Face it and embrace it—not just endure it—for that lifestyle will foster balanced mental health, a strong immune system and build a better post-COVID future right now.
