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Nothing is Perfect
Jun 20, 2021 by Janet Zinn
Happy Father’s Day. For all who are fathers or have present and past relationships with your fathers, only you know how best to honor what you’re experiencing. And, for those who do not have relationships with your dads, or who have complicated relationships, take care of yourselves. That’s all I’ll say about that.
I was preoccupied this past week with a few things that didn’t quite work out the way I would have liked. You know when you hear people say, “I don’t like to complain,” and then they’re off and running with their objections? I am not that person. I actually like to complain. Truthfully it’s more that I feel compelled to complain, than that I like it, out and out. I tend to be very particular and even when things are going really well, I’m apt to find the fly in the ointment.
A Week in the Country, Week Seven in the Time of Transition
Jun 13, 2021 by Janet Zinn
It’s heading towards dusk this Saturday evening. We’ve left the city for a short stay in the Catskills. The air Is fresh, the bird songs ever present. Our arrival was greeted by running ground hogs. On my walk of the vast property, I saw a leaping buck, ducks, yellow, blue and black with red birds. It feels good to have left the endless concrete for greener pastures. I love New York City and have no desire to reside anywhere that requires driving to get from one spot to another. Though taking a road trip is a nice change of pace.
The Charm of a Three Day Weekend, Week Six in the Time of Transition
Jun 06, 2021 by Janet Zinn
Memorial Day reminded me of the joy of a three-day weekend. I can always use three days. I don’t so much see it as an extra 24 hours, as I do experience it as needed time. If we split up the weekend, one day is devoted to accomplishing chores, while completing unfinished tasks from the previous week. The next day is for socializing. Whether we catch up virtually or in person, it can be nice to check in with friends and loved ones. And the third day is for much needed rest. That is what I consider a full and gratifying weekend.
No Ending to Mental Health Awareness Month, Week Five in the Time of Transition
May 30, 2021 by Janet Zinn
We’re at the end of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. That doesn’t mean we can ditch the care we require for our mental well-being. Perhaps now more than ever we must hone in on our emotional welfare. As we face many more options than what had been available just a month ago, I find that I am oversaturated with hopes, desires and hesitation. Listening to my intuition is key, but the noise of opening up, facing all we can do, what we “should do,” along with what we’d like to keep from our time in the pandemic, can feel dizzying. I face many choices, while I proceed at a low speed.
A Wild Time, Week Four in the Time of Transition
May 23, 2021 by Janet Zinn
I was the only adult not accompanying children. The bug carousel was my last stop before exiting the Bronx Zoo. After walking the zoo and enjoying the animals and the respective information on wildlife conservation, I thought, ‘why not?’ Giving my inner child a treat seemed imperative. Sometimes it just doesn’t matter if it makes sense or not.
The Joy and Trepidation of Seeing Smiles, Week Three in the Time of Transition
May 16, 2021 by Janet Zinn
I woke up early and ran to the East River promenade to get a glimpse of the sunrise. I almost forgot my mask, but quickly put it in my pocket testing the waters of walking down the block without one. No one was wearing masks but the few of us out were all at least 20 feet apart. That felt comfortable enough for me.
Complications of Mother's Day, Week Two in the Time of Transition
May 08, 2021 by Janet Zinn
As a mother and daughter, I find I have such mixed feelings about Mother’s Day. Here is one day that’s been set aside to celebrate moms. Yet, it has always felt fraught for me. Growing up I created hand-made gifts for Mother’s Day. Excited to present them to my mommy, I could feel her mixed disappointment at the poorly executed drawing or heart-shaped construction paper card. Nonetheless, she displayed these child crafts on the refrigerator so that I could also feel her appreciation for my offerings, lack of craftiness, and all.
Neither Here Nor There, Week One in the Time of Transition
May 02, 2021 by Janet Zinn
We are the lucky ones. We have available vaccines that put us in a unique position. We have entered a transitional time from living a life in a pandemic to moving to a new, not fully known, post-pandemic period. So, here we are.
Good Will, Week 59 in the Time of Coronavirus
Apr 25, 2021 by Janet Zinn
This past week I posted a birthday wish for my 22-year-old child on FaceBook. So many share the downside of social media. And, yes, there are downsides, nonetheless, my most recent experience has been one of kindness and care. In the past I’ve been reunited with friends near and far with whom I had lost touch. Some have since passed away. And, social media, namely FaceBook, gave us a chance to reconnect, reminding us of the moments that have shaped us.
Emotions Ebb & Flow, Week Twenty-Eight of the New Abnormal
Jul 10, 2022 by Janet Zinn
The cycling of moods continues. Today I’m happy. It’s beautiful outside. I get to walk on fairly empty sidewalks, and I’m ticking things off my to-do list. Earlier this week I was crestfallen. Too many tragedies and so much shared pain in the world. I find it fascinating how the ups and downs shift from day to day. Well, really, from moment to moment.
Individualism, Week 58 in the Time of Coronavirus
Apr 18, 2021 by Janet Zinn
I’ve been confused. I thought I knew myself. Instead, who I knew was a woman who was highly influenced by the world around me. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just wasn’t representative of the totality of me. We’ve all been there. Whether we’re enticed by a product commercial, or whether we want to join in on experiences with those who surround us, we make choices based on an outside influence. Sometimes this works to our advantage. I’ve visited beautiful places based on recommendations. I’ve also spent a good amount of money on things I didn’t need, and ultimately didn’t want.
Foggy, Week 57 in the Time of Coronavirus
Apr 11, 2021 by Janet Zinn
It’s foggy this morning. How apropos for these times. Our minds are foggy. Well, mine is. By the end of any given day I have limited access to names and words. If I want to relax in the evening, I’m challenged to remember one of a number of shows I enjoy watching.
Hello Again, Spring, Week 56 in the Time of Coronavirus
Apr 04, 2021 by Janet Zinn
This past week proved to be particularly challenging for so many of my clients, as well as friends and colleagues. Walking through the city brings a needed brightness as the early signs of Spring appear. The warm air feels fresh. The cooler air keeps the parks emptier. Either has its benefits.
How Are You? Week 55 in the Time of Coronavirus
Mar 28, 2021 by Janet Zinn
It’s a rainy Sunday, overcast and wet outside. I ventured out early to capture the sunrise on the East River, instead I was welcomed with grey clouds and mist. Beautiful in its subtly, but not as majestic as even a partially cloudy day. A day like today can be difficult for those going through hardships, the bereaved, the infirmed, caregivers, those suffering from mental illness, parents with young children, parents with older children, the lonely, and anyone else who is dealing with their own life struggles. One of the worst questions, yet most often asked is, “How are you?” How do we answer that in a pandemic?
Love & Hardship, Week 54 in the Time of Coronavirus
Mar 21, 2021 by Janet Zinn
Throughout this past week I heard how difficult the week was. We had all gone through a year milestone, but there would be no celebrating. How do we celebrate one year of a pandemic? We don’t. We hunker down, as we had for over 52 weeks, and trudge on. It has been recommended that when we feel particularly vulnerable that is the best time to incorporate a self-care and self-love practice. And, though I share self-care tips, all of which I either try or do on a regular basis, self-love and self-care can feel like ephemeral notions.
What a Year! Week 53 in the Time of Coronavirus
Mar 14, 2021 by Janet Zinn
I am befuddled. The last thing I need is an hour of lost sleep. And, yet, one less hour of living in a pandemic sounds pretty good. The common rationale for the perpetuation of daylight savings time is extended daylight. Sunlight has been invaluable to us these past twelve months. Sunrises, sunsets, and the shades of illumination while outdoors have provided medicinal assets in this time of Coronavirus. So, we will sacrifice an hour’s sleep for lighter days.
Oh, The Memories, Week 52 in the Time of Coronavirus
Mar 07, 2021 by Janet Zinn
This is the last week of a full year of social distancing and all that comes with it. Most of us are ready to finish this disruptive chapter and return to the activities we love. Yet, I imagine there will come of a time in the future when we will wax nostalgic for this time.
Insult to Injury, 2020 Taxes, Week 51 in the Time of Coronavirus
Feb 28, 2021 by Janet Zinn
I like scrambled eggs. They are soft and comforting. However, when my mind is scrambled I find no comfort in that. These past two weekends I’ve endeavored to do my taxes. Doing taxes in the time of Coronavirus is less than optimal. That said, I am going to take a nap. An afternoon siesta is not a usual practice, especially when slogging through last year’s numbers. In the past I’ve faced the forms down and I get through it, complaining while I add up sums and input data. Today is different. I don’t have the wherewithal. I’m having difficulty focusing. Taxes in a pandemic is another ridiculously compulsorily task we’re forced to endure.
Let's Be Real, Week 50 in the Time of Coronavirus
Feb 21, 2021 by Janet Zinn
As we approach a year in semi-lockdown we’ve been filled with powerful emotions. Social niceties often allude us as we exchange suspicious looks with masked strangers. We don’t have to dig deep to touch upon anxiety or aggravation. They are neatly placed on the surface of our emotional reservoirs. Our tolerance level has been masterfully challenged. And at times our sustained tolerance is losing ground. Well-wishers tout positivity. I am all for optimism. Heck, I write my blog with self-care tips. But when we’re on the edge, as we often find ourselves in this pandemic, the last thing we want to hear is how lucky we are.
Week 49, Love in the Time of Coronavirus
Feb 14, 2021 by Janet Zinn
I wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day. In doing so, I am very aware that Valentine’s Day is loaded. Maybe even more so in the pandemic. Here in New York restaurants are now open for indoor dining. Some will make it a romantic evening. Some will fight because they have very different safety parameters. Some will feel lonely as they have in years past. Some will be uniquely solo in this Covid-19 year.
