Well, fall has arrived with all of its crisp air and morning beauty. Time for all things warm and cozy. I enjoy this time of year, yet there’s a part of me that is still yearning for spring and summer. Easter is always highly anticipated, I wanted to attend some new festivals this summer, and I have never gone this long without a trip back home. Add on COVID-19, social and political unrest for seven months (so far), and it has been a long, hard year.
Loss has come in so many forms, New Year resolutions never had a chance. So, how do we measure success?
Given that success is not linear there have been wins all along the way. Here are a few things to consider:
•Renewed relationships with others and self
•Renewed sense of spirituality
•Embracing art
•Grasping of new concepts like online meetings and virtual school
•Participation in activities that moved a positive agenda forward
•Choosing to take a healthy risk during all of this uncertainty
•Any form of radical self-care
These are a fraction of the amazing things I have seen people do this year. While it is tempting to consider 2020 a total loss, it’s not. With all of the adjacent disappointment, it has showcased just how brilliant, resilient, and kindhearted humans can be.
This is an especially important reflection as depression and anxiety have come knocking for the young and old alike. Making it hard to remain hopeful for much of anything. Yes, choosing optimism during these times is a challenge in itself but without plentiful means of sanctuary it is necessary.
Absolutely necessary.
If you have to, make a grounding box. This a box of things for you to return to when you are feeling anxious to help restore balance within. In it you place something for all of your senses. Touch may be a stress ball, fidget spinner, etc. For sight put in magazine cut outs or pictures that foster happy thoughts. Smell can be incense, soaps, or candles. For sound you can have a list of calming music to put on, or even a small sand Zen garden. Bottled water to sip on. Positive affirmations, breathing cue cards, and adult coloring books are great additions too. Whatever restores calm for you.
It’s important that we take care of ourselves and lean into the community not only to help, but for help when we need it. You’ve made it this far, keep going.
A native of Phoenix, Arizona Aundrea Sayrie is a firm believer in the power of words, faith and a strong spirit. Her greatest desire is to encourage those around her to discover and honor their truth, and to passionately live on purpose.
Any views or opinions expressed in “Living on Purpose” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Watershed Voice staff or its board of directors.
