I felt inspired to open up a discussion with each of you — to share how we are processing with one another. You never know how your experience might help someone else’s.
I'm doing all the things I typically do for self-care, including hiking, baths, bike rides, and extra cuddles with my fur babies. Still, the big one is deliberately not bottling up what I'm feeling and sharing it with others, which is relatively new for me and not something I would have ever done before or after an election.
I've been trying to show myself more compassion by allowing my emotions to be—acknowledging each feeling as it comes without bottling it up or needing to fix it. Yesterday, I sent my husband a text that said, "I'm really, really depressed about this election still."
It was a small moment of honesty, but it felt freeing to put those feelings into words, safely, instead of pushing them aside.
I've come to the understanding that I can't change the external situation, but I can be the best me I can be given it. Wha does that mean? I don't know yet! Maybe it's being kinder and reaching out to people more in general, maybe supporting things I believe in more directly. And as you say, letting my emotions be what they are in the moment and expressing them - sometimes they are very scared, sometimes very angry, sometimes very sad.
Janice, I really love this idea of working on the best me I can be in any given situation. That, to me, is the ultimate sign of both accountability and compassion. When I read your writing, it seems to me that you doing just what you say you are—supporting the things you believe in openly and directly. It sounds like some of it is brave new territory, but I support it!
Kristi, I had to laugh. Your comment about brave new territory could not be more true. Speaking more of my truth seems to be the focus these days.Thank you for the vote of confidence. And take care!
I've been relying heavily on some practices from recovery that not only bring me peace of mind, but keep my nervous system regulated; love and tolerance of others, prayers like the Serenity Prayer, the mantra, 'I Don't Know' when I find myself future tripping or on the verge of freaking out. My creature comforts are snuggles with my furry creatures, running and working out with my boyfriend and peanut butter cups. Oh, and the Martha Stewart Doc didn't hurt!
Oooh, I just haven't yet made time for the Martha Stewart doc, but it's on my watch list! I also hear the Ina Garten memoir is a must. The Serenity Prayer really comes in handy for times like these.
I'm doing all the things I typically do for self-care, including hiking, baths, bike rides, and extra cuddles with my fur babies. Still, the big one is deliberately not bottling up what I'm feeling and sharing it with others, which is relatively new for me and not something I would have ever done before or after an election.
I've been trying to show myself more compassion by allowing my emotions to be—acknowledging each feeling as it comes without bottling it up or needing to fix it. Yesterday, I sent my husband a text that said, "I'm really, really depressed about this election still."
It was a small moment of honesty, but it felt freeing to put those feelings into words, safely, instead of pushing them aside.
I've come to the understanding that I can't change the external situation, but I can be the best me I can be given it. Wha does that mean? I don't know yet! Maybe it's being kinder and reaching out to people more in general, maybe supporting things I believe in more directly. And as you say, letting my emotions be what they are in the moment and expressing them - sometimes they are very scared, sometimes very angry, sometimes very sad.
Janice, I really love this idea of working on the best me I can be in any given situation. That, to me, is the ultimate sign of both accountability and compassion. When I read your writing, it seems to me that you doing just what you say you are—supporting the things you believe in openly and directly. It sounds like some of it is brave new territory, but I support it!
Kristi, I had to laugh. Your comment about brave new territory could not be more true. Speaking more of my truth seems to be the focus these days.Thank you for the vote of confidence. And take care!
I've been relying heavily on some practices from recovery that not only bring me peace of mind, but keep my nervous system regulated; love and tolerance of others, prayers like the Serenity Prayer, the mantra, 'I Don't Know' when I find myself future tripping or on the verge of freaking out. My creature comforts are snuggles with my furry creatures, running and working out with my boyfriend and peanut butter cups. Oh, and the Martha Stewart Doc didn't hurt!
Oooh, I just haven't yet made time for the Martha Stewart doc, but it's on my watch list! I also hear the Ina Garten memoir is a must. The Serenity Prayer really comes in handy for times like these.