BEING WELL
Finding Calm in Uncertain Times BY CATHERINE STACK ND, CNM 2020
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f anyone would have told us even half of what 2020 would bring, we would have rolled our eyes in certain disbelief. Individuals being ordered to stay home, and schools closed indefinitely with homebound parents having to take over as teachers? And, if weren’t enough, we can’t even escape to the local bar to commiserate with our friends. No hair or nail appointments leaves the high maintenance woman in a bit of a pickle considering bribery to her beloved hairdresser. Businesses essential to their owners are shut down for months and told they’re nonessential. Blindsided healthcare workers are being hailed as superheroes. No hugs allowed, and don’t be caught without a mask on in public. Many people even avoid eye contact as if the dreaded virus could jump our pathetic gazes. Local grocery stores with bare shelves, and, really, a toilet paper shortage? This list of crazy could go on and on, leaving us to shake our heads and wonder how our definition of normal is about to change. I often wish I could jump to the future, maybe ten years, and see the other side of this. What doesn’t go back to the normal of just four months ago? If you speak to folks in their eighties or older, you might find a sense of calm that is unexpected from a group at high risk for COVID-19. I am in awe of their outlook. My mom currently lives on Long Island, a COVID-19 hot spot. She doesn’t seem phased by this, and when I speak to her, she reminds me that this too shall pass. She’s lived through the 18
polio epidemic and World War II. Each of which brought their own quarantines and restrictions to daily living. Historically, we have been through many such events that pivot us to new directions and ultimately change things, often for the better when you look back. The worst possible thing individuals could do in times like this is to succumb to fear and anger. There are a lot of opposing thoughts out there from conspiracy theory to apocalypse. Political leaders are in the hot seat once again attempting to look like they have a clue as to what is going on. Angry people always need to find someone to blame. Paranoid individuals fear that someone or something is
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always out to get them. There is no benefit to surrounding yourself with these individuals—and hopefully you do not live with one. If you are one of them, get help. Your personal reality cannot be a happy place to live. Yes, for some, medication might be needed. For many, there are very helpful supplements available to help settle the internal unrest of the anxious person while figuring out what the new normal may be. Hopefully, a change in perspective with the help of prayer, meditation, or whatever you feel drawn to will soothe your soul in order to ride out this temporary storm. Anxiety has become a problem for many more individuals, as
uncertainty often fuels it. Those who need to have control, even of things they have no control over, are probably anxiously spiraling right now. The calmest individuals, who are actually the healthiest, by the way, are those who typically come from an optimistic viewpoint. They do not let their lives be dictated by fear. They tend to be grateful and look for the good in even the hardest of times. These are the people who will get through this unscathed. These are the people you need to become or surround yourself with (even if by Zoom, Facetime, or another video chat). Many individuals have a bit more time on their hands. There is no more perfect time to listen to a book while taking a walk. Learn something new. I refer to them as COVID projects: things I have done, changed, and learned during this weird era. Your perspective is the key to your emotional and, ultimately, your physical health. Don’t lose sight of this, as it is easy to get sucked in by the 24/7 news cycle and fear. Remember, the sky is still blue, the grass is still green, and the early summer air is refreshing. People are ultimately good, and there are a tremendous amount of beautiful and uplifting stories that have come out of this peculiar time. There are many extremely intelligent individuals out there who are evolving to pave the way to a better future. Keep looking for the helpers. FY Catherine (Cathi) Stack is owner, facilitator and Doctor of Naturopathy at Journey II Health, LLC in Niagara Falls. She specializes in colon health and bio-identical hormone replacement and is also a practicing staff midwife at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Her books, Free Yourself from a CONSTIPATED Life and PUSH, Labor & Delivery from the Inside Out are available on amazon.com Visit cathistack.com for more info.
