Pandemic. Quarantine. Job insecurity. Disconnection. Social Distance. Masks, gloves & face shields. Food insecurity. Crisis schooling. Working while parenting. Furloughs. Sleepless nights. Racism. Protests. Riots. All the things in life have been tested and disrupted in this first half of 2020. It is highly likely that you, dear reader, have been impacted by more than one of these issues listed above. Many of us are heavy with worry, sadness, overwhelm, sadness, immobility, confusion, guilt, and any number of intense emotions.

The hardest part of navigating this pandemic and the recent social activism is in the “not knowing”. When is it safe? When will we return to normal? Many of my clients, regardless of age, are in various states of overwhelm or paralysis based on the overload of chronic crisis mode. Each time we come back to a few solid questions that I thought might be helpful to you as well.

1. How does today’s environment impact or change my world?

2. What can I control?

3. What is one thing that I can do to move forward today?

4. What resources do I need in order to move forward?

When you apply these questions to the worry or stress at hand, it can be helpful to create a pause just long enough for you to catch your breath, check in with yourself, determine how the climate may be impacting you personally, and reassess what you can control. COVID-19 feeling ambiguous? What can you control? You may determine that you can control your news intake, who comes into your environment and the level of protective gear that you have. What is the one thing you can do to move forward today? Perhaps it is to turn off the TV until work is completed. Perhaps it is to make masks, take a walk with your dog, meditate, donate to a food bank, or call a friend. Each of us may have a different answer at any given point in the day. Determining the resources necessary to effect that change for that moment is an important step in checking in with yourself regarding the ability to accomplish that goal or task.

The recent death of Mr. George Floyd has brought present-day racism in our country front and center. I encourage each of you to listen, learn, and process where you sit with this topic. I have clients that have been paralyzed by the overwhelming emotions and history of racism in our communities. I know many have been moved to action in my communities. As each of us figure out where and how we play a role in this movement, taking a moment to pause and find your ground is an important step. The questions above are still relevant. They have helped me find the head space to consider my own role. I know that I may not get it right every time, but I have been able to get clear on how and where I can support those in need.

Processing the current events of today is worth your attention.