Love and Loss

The past two years have been a rollercoaster for many of us personally and professionally. We may feel a sense of loss. We may have lost friends, family, people we support, and co-workers. Many of us have also lost our sense of normalcy. Normalcy is what helps the world make sense. Not knowing what the future holds can be a scary place. It is essential that we consider that all people we meet moment by moment and day to day are struggling to stay afloat. It is important that we give people grace and consider that each person we encounter is doing the best they can in their given circumstances.

Many self-advocates and people working in our field are struggling due to a lack of connection. We don’t have the ability to interact with each other in the physical world as frequently. This means people aren’t often in the same physical space together to laugh, tell stories, or connect. This is a frequent complaint/struggle I hear across the board. People miss and need connection. Without it, our personal and professional lives suffer.

For many it is not possible to have the same in-person interaction we all crave. Sometimes that means we need to get creative for those that we support. Consider hosting virtual activities. Maybe you could have a virtual Girls Night Out or Hanging with the Guys. Sometimes people just need some fun time to connect with each other. Laughter is so important for our mental health. It is important for every facet of our system. From Self-Advocates, Direct Support Professionals, and Program Specialists to Provider Administration, Supports Coordinators, Administrative Entities, and our HCQU, everyone is affected. Sometimes we need to just put down the goals, paperwork, and projects and enjoy the humanness of each other. Once your cup runs dry, it becomes difficult to fill it back up.

My challenge to you today is how are you filling your cup? and how are you helping those around you to fill theirs? Some things you can do for yourself may include:

• Watch a comedy show
• Go for a walk
• Play with an animal
• Disconnect from social media
• Write down things you are grateful for
• Stretch
• Call a friend

Whatever it might be, find something or someway to put back into yourself. These are rough times in the world we are living in. The next time you feel overwhelmed and irritated, step away, take a breath, and try to remember each of us needs kindness and laughter, maybe a little more today.