Hi everyone.

I decided to write a brief message to check in with my loyal readers and to see how you are all doing.  This is a real test for all of us on how we cope with these changes.  Those of you who know me, know that I don’t hold back.  It’s been a challenge for me to listen to some people complain about canceling trips, hair appointments, and of course, meetings.  We all have to deal with this. All of us are inconvenienced and have to deal with things that are beyond our control!

I realize that we have different coping methods.  This is not a judgment on my side.  I am observing how others deal with stress and I must admit that it’s refreshing to see that most of us are doing a damn good job.  I do what I can to control myself when I hear others complain about how inconvenienced they are for the smallest things.

Hey, I coach others on how to understand their triggers and to control how they react.  We are all being tested right now, and are scared, frustrated, worried, etc.  We are not alone in this area.  I feel my role in life is helping others resolve their conflict.  We can’t resolve these things right now because of all the uncertainty.  BUT we can still do our best to appreciate our families, friends, coworkers, healthcare professionals and of course first responders.

Please share with me some of the complaints that drive you crazy from people who are acting selfish and NOT looking at the big picture – the health of our nation and the world.  This is the real deal.

This is what I’m doing to stay sane

• I live in MI and walk as much as I can outside as long as it’s warmer than 32 degrees.
• Organizing my office which has been a huge stress release for me.
• I spend time on zoom meetings with coaching and speaking friends discussing ideas on how to help our clients during these times.
• The one rule during these meetings is not to discuss the Corona Virus.  We all agree that these online meetings help energize us.
• Last week my family including our kids and grandkids met online during a zoom meeting.  We laughed and just talked like we always do when we get together.
• Preparing new recipes – some were great :).  This has been a very positive experience since my husband and I have more time to be creative in the kitchen.

I have 2 questions for you.  I encourage you to answer in the comment section or send me a private email.

1. What are you doing to stay sane?

2. What stories can you share about people who just don’t get how important it is for us to listen to the scientists and doctors?  I’m sure that you know others who complain about these inconveniences that we are all experiencing.

In a perfect world, I would love to speak to all of you on the phone to hear your answers.  Obviously I care about all of you and if you want to set up a time just to say, “hi” let’s schedule a phone call or send me an email HERE.  Hey, we are all home for a few weeks anyway.

The quote below describes how I’m feeling right now.  Hope it helps you.  Remember, Cicero said, “Where there is life, there is hope. ”

I watch the news like most of you do to stay informed.  The challenge is that the news is full of very frightening statistics.  We must – I repeat, we must find time to take care of ourselves and loved ones right now more than ever.  We know that this too will pass.  Until it does, let’s stay connected.  I want to hear back from you.  Please let me know how you are doing.

I hope that you are all safe, strong, and do what you can to stay as healthy as possible both mentally and physically.  Again, please reach out to me, let’s talk just to connect in real-time.

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP
Career Coach and Communication Strategist