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WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
(can you see the heart?)
I am writing this newsletter today from my home where I am now meeting with all of my clients virtually. I know many of you are receiving this message as you work from home too. Perhaps you are working via Zoom and homeschooling your kids. I hope you are all healthy and well and finding creative ways to cope and connect during these uncertain times.
Stress, anxiety and feelings of disconnection and isolation are high right now as we deal with something that is quite out of our control. That said, finding things, even small things that feel somewhat in our control can be helpful in regulating the nervous system. People are sharing wonderful suggestions everywhere. These are just a few of many.
(I'd love to hear what's working for you!)
- Create a schedule. Try to wake up at the same time and go to bed at the same time. Get dressed (really) and have tasks to accomplish. Of course allow room for flexibility too but a schedule offers a sense of normalcy.
- Connect. Have your morning coffee with a friend via Zoom, start a virtual book club, or host a pizza party or happy hour with family across the country.
- Exercise. There are many ways to get your steps in, try a new on-line yoga or pilates class, dance or just simply walk, walk, walk (while responsibly practicing social distancing).
- Play. Color. Cook. Create.
- Limit media. It makes sense to stay informed however it's not helpful to have the news running in the background all day. (Play this instead.) Find a news source you trust and check it once or twice a day, preferably not before bed.
- Meditate. It's your superpower! Insight Timer, Calm, Headspace, UCLA MARC. You'll notice the difference even if you spend just a few minutes each day.
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A silver lining of this uncertain time is that it has led us to creatively connect with one another. Families have shared the current building anxiety that accompanies the foundational questions that teen adoptees address. Your teen is housebound and seeking connection. Angela Gee and I have collaborated to create a space for teen adoptees across times zones to connect and share during this difficult time.
Beginning April 2, 2020 we will be offering a weekly video conferencing group
Thursday 2-3pm PST for teens age 13-19.
With straight talk in a safely supervised space our drop-in groups are designed to fit and fill your teen's new schedule.
When: Weekly, beginning Thursday April 2, 2020
Time: 2-3pm PST
Where: Zoom!
$20 per meeting, however no one will be turned away.
RSVP and registration required.
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For the next 4 weeks I will be offering a free virtual
support group for
adults who were adopted.
We'll meet via Zoom.
I hosted a group last week and it seemed helpful for those who attended. I received several messages asking if I might offer different days/times so others could participate. I'm happy to be able to do that.
Meeting days/times:
Friday, April 3, 3:00-3:45pm PST
Tuesday, April 7, 2:00-2:45pm PST
Monday, April 13, 12:00-12:45pm PST
Wednesday, April 22, 4:00-4:45pm PST
The link to join the meetings will be posted on the sites below.
I look forward to connecting with you there.
Feel free to forward this to anyone who may be interested.
Be well. Stay healthy. Reach out.
With gratitude,
Lesli Johnson, MFT
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