The Zone, Vol 15: Navigating Uncharted Waters


by The ParaDocs

July 8, 2020

The Zone Weekly with paraDocs

As Covid cases rise in in many states across the US, questions about our future linger. Will schools open in the Fall? Are my loved ones safe? Will we ever go back to any semblance of normal? While the future is a question mark, one thing is certain – we are navigating unchartered waters. This calls for a new vision of how we show up in the world.

In Volume 15 of this guest series, Psychotherapist, Dr. Francis L. Battisti and Nutritionist, Dr. Helen Battisti guide us in charting new paths forward.

For over 10 years, they have worked closely with us on aging concerns and have presented many webinars and in-person workshops. Their newsletter, The Zone, is a weekly mental health and nutrition tip sheet during times of change.


As these times of unchartered waters continue, the charting of each of our individual and collective journey needs to be re-formulated. Like boating when you’re steering a boat in unfamiliar waters without charts, you draw on all the resources available to you. These may include your past experiences, your depth finder, your visual perspective, assistance from other boaters on and off your boat, and your gut instincts. We also must remain vigilant observers of our surroundings as we proceed on our uncharted path forward.
In our present lives, charting our course for the next period will require each person to reflect on where we want to be and what needs to happen to get us there. This life-enhancing process involves active commitment, dedication, reflection of past experiences, acknowledgement of personal strengths, recognition of pitfalls and a willingness to be flexible with your personal chart for the inevitable detours.
 

Key Takeaways

  • This is a time of critical uncharted waters.
  • Developing a reformulated course for your life is essential.
  • Draw on present and future resources to chart your future.

Best Practices

  • Reflect on your strengths and how you have used them to move yourself forward to this point in your life.
  • Provide balanced nutrition to your gut so that it can be trusted.
  • Have the right people involved who have critical knowledge of the situation.

Things to Limit

  • Procrastination.
  • Binging on junk food.
  • Isolation.

In summary, in order to pursue a fulfilling life, each of us needs to be the captain of our ship. This carries a responsibility for not only navigating ourselves, but others as well. Preparation and execution for our shared future is a foundational principle of a quality life.


Quote of the Week

“Four steps to achievement. Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.” – William A. Ward

About the author 

The ParaDocs

The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P. and Chief Academic Officer and, Dr. Helen E. Battisti, PhD, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist. The purpose of The Zone is to provide a weekly mental-health and nutrition tip-sheet during times of change.

If you would like to subscribe to The Zone, please email info@avilainstitute.org and we will get you on the mailing list.


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