Getting through Challenging Times

Walking the Dog

There’s a lot going on in the world, not to mention our personal lives. As someone who is highly sensitive and prone to anxiety, I’ve had to make some changes so that I’m not always in a state of panic, fear, or helplessness. The list below is specific to me, but maybe it will spur you to identify some small things to do daily that will help alleviate stress.

1)      Creating. I know this is obvious since this website features both my poetry and art, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a creative outlet in your life. We are all creative. If you haven’t identified your medium or outlet, spend time doing that, and keep in mind that creativity encompasses much more than the traditional arts. Maybe it’s how you put an outfit together, decorate the house, fix a car, or cook your food. Engage in those creative outlets daily. Currently, I am working on two quilts. One is to celebrate the life of a friend & colleague who died too soon. She was the co-founder of the GA Mountain Storytelling Festival here in the north GA mountains, and I selected materials that remind me of her positivity and cheerfulness. I also asked her friends to send me her quippy sayings that she used often, and I’m sewing them onto the sashing. I’ll then donate the quilt to the Festival this April. The other quilt I’m working on is from a pattern by the artist Heidi Parkes. It’s a vignettes quilt, and for each block we follow an artistic guideline, such as value, juxtaposition, contextualization. It’s like a sampler quilt. I’m learning SO much and having a fantastic time.

2)      Community. Where can you go to feel safe? To feel totally comfortable being yourself? Hopefully home! I look forward to going home each day after work, putting on my “comfy” clothes and big soft socks, spending time with the family, and sewing as the hubby and I watch our favorite shows. I also started a women’s group for support and advocacy that meets once a month.

3)      Birds. Yes, birds. I’m not a bird watcher per say (a great way to de-stress, though!), but I bought a cheap feeder with suction cups that sticks to my bedroom window. Each morning, I wake to birds (they kick like cats do in the litter box!), eating the food I’ve put out for them. I’ve learned the names of the different ones, and I’m happy to see them first thing, knowing I’ve provided some sustenance for another sentient being.

4)      Analog watch. I already have a smart phone. I do not need a smart watch. I thought I did. It could track my steps, let me know my heart rate, etc. -- basically things I can gauge myself. It was too much for me, even with notifications mainly turned off. I switched back to my analog and things are much calmer.

5)      Limited news time, and a variety. News is tough. I don’t trust every headline. I don’t read the news first thing in the morning, and I switched my homepage to a non-news site. I limit my time watching or reading the news, and I look at a variety of sources to see a variety of perspectives, with The Guardian being my main go-to. When I’m in a strong place, I take time to call my senators or rep if I have a pressing issue on my mind. When I’m feeling vulnerable, I take care of myself. (I’m making this sound easier than it is, but I’m living into it).

6)      Being okay with not being okay. Some days are terrible. Even with all the above in place, I feel panicky about our political state and the world in general. I allow myself to have a bad day. As my husband reminded me, we all have them. When I do, I engage in my breathing techniques, walk around more than usual, drink more water, and let myself cry if it helps. Most importantly, I don’t beat myself up, and I remind myself I am not helpless.

7)      I read for pleasure. I select books that I enjoy. They may not be light or beach reading (that’s fine, too), but I enjoy them to the point where I’m able to escape the current moment.

8)      I realize that I am both Nothing and Something. This thought came to me during a recent walk with my dog (another good thing to do). In the state of the universe, I’m just a speck of dust – basically Nothing. But because there’s a tiny bit of “me” floating around, I’m also Something. And that something can be kind, thoughtful, creative, and loving. A lot of tiny bits of kindness floating around can make a positive difference. Be that tiny something of goodness. It matters.