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
Best Non-Fiction, Week Forty-Six in the No Longer New Abnormal
I was reading through my emails when I received a thoughtful text from a very kind person who sent me a picture of my book on the table of the Best Non-Fiction of 2024. This was at the Barnes & Noble on the Upper Eastside of Manhattan. How considerate it was to send me that picture. And, how thrilled I was seeing my book in the photo. It’s been challenging playing the promotion game, and I am not great at promoting my own interests. Yes, I think the book would be helpful especially at this time. I think it’s important to find the self-care tips during hardships whenever and wherever they show up. And, thinking of what got us through past difficulties allows us to remember that we will get through this, too. Those were a couple of reasons I wrote In the Time of Coronavirus. I was so pleased when good reviews started to come in from those I didn’t know. And, grateful for the couple of reviews from those who do know me, and still liked the book.
Quotes for the Moment, Week Forty-Five in the No Longer New Abnormal
Rather than add to the disquieting mix of this past week’s conversation, I am going to share two quotes that may be helpful now and going forward. The first one was shared by my sister-in-law, Catherine North. She has always been a champion for encouraging the best in those around her. The second quote was shard in response to the first as a continuation of inspiration. That was shared by a newer friend who I came to know during the pandemic. Her name is Erin Falk and she lives with joy sharing her adventures as if we were there. The pictures were taken this past week. Walking helped me see what I love in and about the city of New York.
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.