What the world need now is…
love, sweet love (thanks Hal David & Burt Bacharach)
more justice for people treated unfairly
more compassion and empathy
more singing, art, creative expression
We are in a trying time, yeah?
Hope this post will provide some comfort and a ray of sunshine or two in the midst of it all.
I’ve lived with anxiety for as long as I can remember. I didn’t know how to identify it until maybe 7 years ago. I have a wellness team - therapist, coach, massage therapist (I whole-heartedly believe this is necessary for my mental and physical wellness). My mental health has been pretty good the last few years. I began struggling again with the added stress of my mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis last year, and the last 8 months have been a roller-coaster in managing my anxiety.
I understand that folks who are new to anxiety have been looking for help during this time. I’ve been collecting articles and quotes that have been helpful in processing this difficult and uncertain time. And, as this week will likely bring even more high stress and anxiety as we await election results, (LAST DAY TO VOTE IS TOMORROW!) I’m sending you peace and some ideas on how to manage that stress/anxiety. You are not alone. This meme is from @theanxietyhealer on Instagram.
In this article, Tara Haelle explains that are brains are not made for unending uncertainty.
“I think we maybe underestimate how severe the adversity is and that people may be experiencing a normal reaction to a pretty severe and ongoing, unfolding, cascading disaster,” Masten says. “It’s important to recognize that it’s normal in a situation of great uncertainty and chronic stress to get exhausted and to feel ups and downs, to feel like you’re depleted or experience periods of burnout.”
So, there is good reason to be anxious. And, it is also exhausting worrying and being anxious. You wouldn’t think I, of all people, would need this reminder, but here it is: it’s always better when I SING. It gives my brain and body a much needed respite. I hope you’re singing too! Our world needs more art, music and creation.
Speaking of singing and sharing art, Moira Smiley (isn’t that a beautiful name?!), offers us this hopeful pertinent message in song. Click through to her Bandcamp page to buy a digital download.
My new friend and creative coach, Emily Ann Peterson, shares a story in her book Bare Naked Bravery (highly recommend!!) about smashing pumpkins at a friend’s annual October chili cook-off party. It was a crappy year and she was at a breaking point and needed to smash into the wrongs and ills and reset. By the way, I joined Emily Ann’s School of Bravery this year and it has been inspiring and transformative. Check it out if you’re looking for some much needed bravery to spark your creativity.
Inspired by Emily Ann’s story, I’ve collected a few leftover jack-o-lanterns from friends to put my back (oh, my poor back!) into letting out some of my frustrations this year. Here is a thought for every swing I’ll take this weekend….
Alzheimer’s sucks!
Racism sucks!
Denial of white supremacy / white privilege sucks!
COVID-19 sucks!
Anxiety and uncertainty suck!
Not meeting with my Harmony class sucks!
Not getting a tax break b/c I’m single and have no kids SUCKS!
Having to do more paperwork to get approval for things (like buying a house) b/c I own a small business sucks!
I might then cry and sing one of my favorite saddest of songs, “I can’t make you love me” and then I’ll celebrate better things to come and sing one my favorite songs with my sweetheart, Thomas Rhett’s sexy Sand. (sorry for any political ads you have to endure to watch videos.)
If you’ve still got a pumpkin or two on the porch, what would be on your smash list?
One of my saving graces these last several months has been walking. The fresh air, meditative movement helps my brain, sight-seeing in my own neighborhood. And, of course, gratitude helps too. I’m lucky to do work that I love with people who love to sing. I’m so glad that we can still do our work online!
Next up, if you’re needing some vocal strengthening, VOCAL BOOTCAMP begins next Monday. For singers, professional voice users (that might be everyone right now!). If you find your voice tired in Zoom or conference calls, this is for you. Singers who’ve been taking a break, this would be a great way to get back in shape vocally. Six Mondays at 6 - sign up here!
WE NEED YOUR VOICE IN THE WORLD!
xoxo julie
