On a Zoom call yesterday, a woman declared, “Learn the difference between intuition guiding you and your fear misleading you.”  I sat with the idea for a moment and realized how important our attitude has been through this shut-in process.  My emotions have swung from, “We can do this!” to feeling weepy and unwilling to dress in anything but comfy workout clothes.  And, now there’s a second wind… more isolation and extended closures of businesses.

“Learn the difference between intuition guiding you and your fear misleading you.”

As my new grandson’s expression develops and his big sister spreads kisses all over his forehead, I think about the balance of love versus fear.  Parenting is a job of immense love; a teeter-totter of trusting your gut and not allowing your fear to stunt their growth and development.

Our attitude and the influencers in our lives have a direct correlation to our longevity.  Who or what is influencing you during this time? How have you been able to manage your connections as well as your levels of stress and isolation?

What is safe, what is brave, what is reckless?  Who or what will I allow to influence me and provide leadership in a fearful environment?
Find the balance.  Do not be afraid. Instead, use facts to assess your personal risk and the risk to your family.  Then trust your gut and find ways to feel free in the community.

Here are some ideas:

1. Mask and Treat –Neighborhoods are supporting a trick or treat concept of walking the children through the neighborhood in costume and masks for them to pick up items like candy or books left at a doorstep or curb.
2. Block Party – Bring tables to the front yard – with some separation – to have dinner with your neighbors.
3. Blow Bubbles – From your balcony or anywhere outside, blow bubbles!  This is an instant smile maker and people will stop to watch!
4. Get A Little Closer– Call friends, tag them in social media, and see if they would be interested in a dinner on your lawn.
5. Reduce Your Anxiety – Take deep breaths and blow out!  Take this time to rest and restore your mind, body, and soul.
6. Yell for A Minute – It’s okay to feel disappointment and your other emotions.  Give yourself permission to cry or yell for a minute.  Then recall all you are grateful for and rebuild your sense of joy.  Joy and love are as contagious as fear and panic.
7. Be Silly – Listen to music – super loud if it feels good!  Put all your goofiness into it with funny voices and faces.
8. Dance Party – with a few friends in costumes and / or masks. Laugh and then laugh some more.  FaceTime some friends who can’t join you in person.
9. Take A Quiz – go to www.aboutseniorsolutions.com and click on VISIONARY AGING.  Take the quiz to see what kind of planner you are.  I snuck this one in because I am so excited about the information and want to share it with you!

Please reach out if you need help or want more information on SHAPE UP or the resources mentioned.  Please connect with About Senior Solutions on Facebook to be a part of things we’re planning, too.

Be Safe, Be Brave!