We’re all experiencing loss on multiple levels right now. Whether it’s loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or loss of the familiar, we’re all grieving in our own way.

In Volume 6 of this guest series, Psychotherapist, Dr. Francis L. Battisti, and Nutritionist, Dr. Helen Battisti help us navigate loss and, in the process, regain personal power.

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 the Coronavirus Pandemic continues, as much as we may try to deny it, it’s becoming increasingly clear that something truly has changed, and it is not reversible. Since we are bombarded with a barrage of possibilities, we may experience a hollowness in our gut and wonder what is the next step.

Resilience, the ability to cope in spite of barriers and setbacks, is a state of mind that we have accessed before and perhaps not realized. From a child learning to walk, to overcoming the fear of going to school, to the jitters of starting a new job, or the loss of someone or something you loved, we have experienced resilience.

The process of loss that we are experiencing from the Pandemic is one that touches us all. From the loss of loved-ones, to the loss of our job, to the loss of our “normal”, to the loss of choices, to the loss of security and safety, or to the loss of a real ”warm-fuzzy” hug, we all experience these losses in different ways. Our unique life situation also has an important impact on how we react to our sense of loss.

Facing our individual experience with a resilient mindset can offer us an engaging, empowering view from which we can navigate our losses. Knowing ourselves and knowing our strengths offers us a framework to overcome the possible powerlessness that some of us may be experiencing. This resilient attitude enables people to bend with current circumstances and not break.

Key Takeaways

• We are all experiencing some level of loss.
• Life circumstances impact the loss experience.
• Drawing on our personal strengths empowers us to learn from our losses.
• Loss can be a great teacher.

Best Practices

• Become more familiar with your strengths.  There are a number of online Strength Assessments available.
• Nourish your mind-body-spirit with the proper nutrients we know we need.
• Ask, “What am I learning from my experienced losses?”

Things to Limit

• Self-criticism.
• Thinking that we have no control over our personal fate.
• Thinking that everything “must be” the way we want it to be.
• Waiting for the perfect time to practice self-care.

In closing, any skill that is worth learning takes practice, focus, and commitment. We can only fail when we give-up. This chaotic time can provide the opportunity for further personal growth.

Quote of the Week 

“It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos.” –  Donna Karan

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.

We have developed The ZONE, because that is exactly where you want to be during this pandemic. A place of focused attention to doing exactly what needs to be done to get you to where you need to be. 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.