Tag: isolation

What Is the Experience of “Staying-Safe-At Home” Teaching You?

by Mershon Niesner

Language has created the word ‘loneliness’ to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word ‘solitude’ to express the glory of being alone. Paul Tillich, philosopher and theologian

Writing in a CLOVID-19 Diary is helping me process my feelings as I record my stay-safe-at-home life experience for posterity. Growing up as an only child with one parent, I learned early how to be alone without being lonely. However, this time of isolation has challenged my coping skills. Honestly—I’m struggling with this new reality. 

In order to gain a more positive perspective, I recently listed what I’m learning. See if anything resonates with you then write your own list.

So far, I’m learning how to: 

* appreciate stillness more

* value my worth by who I am rather than by how much I do

* be more introspective than I’ve been in years

* be more patient

* lean on my faith as it relates to this new life

* appreciate my husband more

* soak in nature more than ever

* make-do with the ingredients I have in my pantry

* make-do with who I am without outside reinforcement or acknowledgement

* recognize, with greater clarity, the great racial, economic, and political divide

* have empathy for the tremendous physical, economic, and emotional suffering without being personally overwhelmed

Affirmation: I can do this.

Coaching questions: So far, what are your takeaways from your stay-at-home experience? How is this experience changing you? 

Stay safe!

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Photo by Leon Liu on Unsplash

Thinking of Anne Frank

by Mershon Niesner

I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains. Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

I’ve been thinking about Anne Frank lately. She was thirteen when she started writing The Diary of a Young Girl while hiding in a small space for two years and thirty-five days. Not only was Anne’s family of four hiding from the Nazis, they were sheltering and sharing food with four others at the risk of their own lives. 

Two months after the Allied landings in Normandy, the police discovered the Franks’ hiding place and all those in hiding were arrested. Anne and her sister Margot survived Auschwitz only to be sent to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. There the two girls died of typhus shortly before the camp was liberated by the British Army on April 15, 1945. Anne was 15, her sister was 19.

Affirmation: Thinking about other’s circumstances helps me accept mine.

Coaching questions: What’s been the most difficult aspect about sheltering in place for you? What are you learning about yourself and others? 

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Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

How Are You Handling Isolation?

by Mershon Niesner

If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do. Lucille Ball

People used to ask me how I got so much done. I hadn’t seriously considered the question until now that my new reality of isolation is moving into week two. Without my DAILY schedule of meetings, groups, events, outings, I’m getting less done than I used to. Lucille Ball was right!

While it feels okay right now to be in “gear-down” mode, in the future I want to be sure that I’m using my time well by honoring my gifts, taking good care of myself, taking care of others (remotely), and generally living each day to the fullest as I always have. I’m allowing myself another few days of “down time” then I’m getting serious about my to-do list, limiting my time on social media, and setting new long-term goals.

Affirmation: I will remain true to myself in this new reality.

Coaching questions: Is there anything tripping you up as you gear-down in this new reality? How will you stay true to yourself? What’s the best part of being home-bound? What’s the worst?

Leave me a comment about how you’re doing. I’m thinking about my blogging community worldwide!

 

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Alexa To the Rescue

by Mershon Niesner

More than eight million adults age fifty and older are affected by isolation. AARP Bulletin

Isolation is different from loneliness. Isolation is when someone is physically or emotionally disconnected from friends, family and community. Loneliness describes how people perceive their situation. Prolonged isolation is a risk factor for poor health, an impact equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a recent study.

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) is experiencing with Alexa, voice-activated technology, to help alleviate isolation. Residents of retirement communities testing the device enjoy asking Alexa to tell them jokes, play certain music, give them the news, play audiobooks, or access the community calendar. Seek out someone you know who might be isolated and pay them a visit.

Affirmation: I’m blessed with community.

Coaching questions: If you live alone, how do you combat isolation and loneliness? Consider the future….how will you combat isolation? Developing interests, hobbies, and friends now will help you cope later.