In the last couple of weeks I've shared information from a webinar by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (www.pesi.com) regarding the COVID preconditions for trauma, as well as information about Comparative Suffering. I hope this information has validated your experiences, & perhaps even provided some relief &/or some helpful strategies.

I continue to follow a routine, including exercise most days; while I'm also connecting with those who fill me up, & making sure I have things to look forward to each day, week & weekend. All of this is helpful; but I'm tired.

I am tired of...

• Comparing my suffering to others
• Struggling with anxiety about the future
• Getting frustrated at my shortened attention span & consistent mistakes
• Trying to dicipher information about how serious COVID is, how Wisconsin will remain on #SaferAtHome until the end of May, how additional businesses will open soon...
• Going through the groundhog day of my current existence
• +

And I'm hearing that I am not alone; many of you are tired, too. So are the program participants.

So when I get overwhelmed, I spend time feeling & validating my struggles; owning them in their own space. I often set a timer to do this; as it makes me feel some real strong kinds of ways & I could easily get stuck there.

I then pause & remember that those who feel well, heal well.

I list 10 benefits of feeling in the moment, I think of everyone & everything I am grateful for (without comparing my haves with others haven'ts), I think of what I'm looking forward to that day... I think & feel of anything that will bridge me from the big feelings back to the present.

Then I get myself back on track. I ask myself, "What do I need right now so that I can...(check email, finish drafting this webinar, feed my kids...)?" And I allow myself space & time to do that thing (I often set a timer for this too).

And I do get back on track. Back to being focused, responsible & pleasantly present.

Then I repeat. Sometimes 5 or more times each day.

It's exhausting & it's worth it.

Please find & use your own strategies to feel well so that the residual effects of this time are minimized. If I can be of support to you &/or your team/program, please let me know.

Keep on Keeping On & Wash Your Hands.

Be well,

Melinda