What role has faith played in your experience during the pandemic? Do your beliefs give up hope? Do they comfort you even when things get difficult?
In Volume 24 of this guest series, Psychotherapist, Dr. Francis L. Battisti and Nutritionist, Dr. Helen Battisti encourage us to evaluate our beliefs and how practicing activities or mindsets founded on them can be helpful.
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 we continue to see that some of the plans that various colleges, schools, and businesses developed have had to be changed, we realize that we are still in a time of uncertainty and exploration. We may be moving away from the eye of the storm and preparing for what comes next. It may be the time to take the best of what we know and create the future we need.
During these challenging times, many individuals have taken time to think about what is important to them and make plans accordingly. To reflect and think about this in a systematic fashion can be very beneficial. Examples of a process to accomplish this can be the following. Thinking about what and where you would like to be in six months. Thinking about the aspects of your physical, mental or spiritual life and where you would like to be within them. Then think about the activities and frame of mind that you need to continue to practice to reach this point. These are the strengths that you possess and that have assisted you in your pursuits throughout your life. These are foundational to your success. Now, think about those activities and mindsets that defeat you and have beleaguered you over the years. Perhaps those that were useful at one time, however you have outgrown them and it is time to stop practicing them. Now, think of practices and mindsets that may be new to you that you believe you need to start practicing. Although this process can be unsettling by the level of change it requires, the outcome can be gratifying.
Key Takeaways
- As we realize that necessary changes to our planning are necessary, we may be witnessing the end of the eye of the storm.
- Think about what you need to start – stop – continue doing to reach your desired goal.
- This type of thinking and reflecting is difficult.
Best Practices
- Thinking that another stage of the storm will not happen.
- Thinking that your body and mind will stay healthy without practicing self care.
- Thinking that you can do this all on your own.
Things to Limit
- Thinking that another stage of the storm will not happen.
- Thinking that your body and mind will stay healthy without practicing self care.
- Thinking that you can do this all on your own.
In summary, change is a continual process that is frequently not comfortable, but necessary for growth. Reflecting on what you need to Start – Stop – Continue may provide you with a useful template to reaching your desired goals.
Quote of the Week
“Seedlings of life sometimes come out of the fertilizer of what was left behind.”
-Gillian Duce
