Change Is Hard and Needed, Perspectives From a Child & Family Therapist

Change is the only constant. Some reflections on the days ahead…

Quarantine

Halloween

Saturday

Maintaining calm and finding joy in the face of change

Due to COVID-19, we have all had to adapt and adjust this year. From learning how to live and work and entertain ourselves at home. To figuring out how to sanitize, social distance, and wear (and wash!) masks.

We have learned new ways of taking care of ourselves and each other. Quarantine Halloween is no exception. There are ways to make life easier on ourselves today. (For tips on managing fears, tears and/or sneers this Halloween, click here).

Essentially, we are tasked with practicing self-determination, boundaries, understanding, flexibility and adaptability. As we celebrate today. And move into the upcoming holiday season.

We will need to continue to find new and/or adjusted ways of celebrating old traditions. We’ll have to communicate our own hopes, needs, and desires. Now more than ever before.

And be understanding and attuned to the hopes, needs and desires of others.

Daylight Savings

Sunday

Yes, it is once again upon us! In some ways, it feels like just yesterday we were springing our clocks forward. And yet, March feels like ages ago.

As we fall back this Sunday, we are reminded that summer has come and gone. The leaves around us are transforming into vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. With the chilly winds and steady rains of the past week, many leaves have already begun to fall.

Daylight savings will cause the sun to rise earlier and set sooner. This time of year is a reminder that winter is coming. So while we can, let’s take some mindful minutes - by ourselves, with our partners and/or with our child(ren) - to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of fall.

Let’s slow down enough to notice and give gratitude for it all.

Dia de los Muertos

Monday

Coping with Loss During the Holidays

The Disney Pixar movie, Coco, put a spotlight on the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos. Some may be familiar with the Coco soundtrack and/or the storyline. Miguel, a young boy, learns about the power of connecting with his ancestors and healing intergenerational wounds.

COVID-19 is no doubt changing the ways in which Dia de los Muertos is celebrated this year. Just as COVID-19 has changed the ways families are able to mourn the loss of loved ones. In a special way, we remember and honor all those who have died this year from COVID-19 and police brutality.

We hold space for those who are grieving, keeping in mind that holidays, anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions can be particularly challenging. We are isolated but not alone. Please contact us if you and/or a loved one is in need of support.

U.S. Presidential Election

Tuesday

Holding Hope in the Face of Election Anxiety

We have written about having tough conversations with family members. We have referenced the heightened anxiety associated with this year’s election. The stress of the pandemic and the stress of everything.

The continued fight for social justice. We know Black Lives Matter. We do not know what the future holds.

We, like you, are sitting with uncertainty. During the next few days, we must tune in and listen to the needs of our body, mind and soul. We do not have control over everything, but we do have control over somethings.

We are here with you. We walk with you. We hope for better, together. We know change is hard, but we also know, it is so desperately needed.