This collection mirrors the collective struggles and triumphs of unprecedented times, offering a rich assortment of self-care techniques that resonate with readers from all walks of life. Each post, akin to a short chapter, pulses with the essence of a city-and a world-navigating the unknown.
"This book is for those who are ready to heal. It’s an inspirational and thoughtful resource for that still-festering piece of us. It is packed with benevolent advice and provides a great way to cope with the things outside of your control. " – Independent Book Reviews
Change is Inevitable, Week Forty-Four in the No Longer New Abnormal
If change is the only constant in life, why do we have such a hard time with it? When two old friends died this past week I was grateful to have known them. Although my life will not change much since they were no longer regular presences in my current life, their kindness, compassion and humor have stayed with me since we met in the 80’s. However, their close family and friends now will feel the change in their lives profoundly, as do we all when death comes to those we love.
It's A Lot of Work to Find Ease, Week Forty-Three in the No Longer new Abnormal
In the USA we have a national and local election coming up and the stress related to that is palpable in most communities. There is division and animosity. Strong feelings are being played out in arguments, and in non-political spaces. Road rage, short tempers and dismissiveness abound. To offset that we have to make intentional choices. Can we find lightness in all of this infuriation? I’m working on it. But it’s not easy. Meditation works. It’s not an instant fix, but the more I spend time focusing on the present the more I can stay in all the other present moments, and not get caught up in election anxiety. Patience helps. If I can understand that my expectation that things should go a certain way are in conflict with the reality at hand, I can calm myself down.
Unloading, Week Forty-Two in the No Longer New Abnormal
I have too much stuff. I just spent hours going through drawers and closets to clean out what I don’t want anymore and what I don’t need. Though I’m happy I did that and now I can bring bags to the thrift store, and bags to the trash, I am still left with too much stuff. Some things like outdated membership cards were easy to throw out. Vitamins and minerals I rarely take, office supplies I may need at some unknown point in time, and other sundry items make it harder for me to determine their usefulness. When I was younger and lived alone, the small apartment size made it easy to throw things out. I simply didn’t have the space. Though I am so grateful for all the storage space in our present apartment, I find that clutter accumulates in the recesses of those closets.
Happy/Sad, Week Forty-Two in the No Longer New Abnormal
Have you ever done something that makes you so happy you can feel the sadness below the surface? That is exactly what I’m experiencing now. I went for a run. The weather is beautiful in New York City. Perfect for a run. The sun was tucked under the clouds so that I could see a gleam, but I didn’t have to shade my eyes. East End Avenue, right by the water, was free of traffic so that I could soften my steps with Asphalt rather than pounding the concrete pavement. I was happy to get out after too long a break from running. I didn’t overdo it. I went as far as I could while respecting my limitations. All was good. Yet, while I felt gratitude and joy, I also felt heavy hearted. There is much in the world that saddens me. I see no easy fixes. And, too many are struggling and even suffering due to dehumanizing beliefs, powerful weather forces, war, bullying, and judgement with righteousness. Need I go on?
Marilyn Maye, Week Forty-One in the No Longer New Abnormal
Marilyn Maye is a legend. Perhaps you haven’t heard of her? She is a 92-year-old cabaret singer who gives her audiences stylized singing and beautiful arrangements of standards. I had been meaning to see her for years and it finally happened this past week. A dear friend and I came to see her at 54 Below, the storied cabaret underneath the Studio 54 Theater. Marilyn’s first album came out in 1965. She appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson more than any other singer, 76 times. I could go on, but you can easily look her up.