By Marilyn Halpern, LSW, MSW  ~

“How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.”  – Annie Dillard

The COVID-19 pandemic continues as we usher in a new year.  As over 2.1 million people in the United States have received their first COVID vaccine, collectively we are getting our second wind. It seems with each inoculation hope becomes more tangible.

Perhaps the pandemic experience has allowed you to reflect on what fosters resilience.  The past nine months have offered ample time to consider hardships. In a matter of weeks, our lives were transformed into a brittle mix of loss, anxiety, isolation, unwanted changes, frustration, economic uncertainties, depression, screen fatigue and loneliness. For many, the days and months have spanned to form a traumatic year. As we face the new year, how do we recover from the setbacks and challenges of 2020?

Here are some tips to develop resilience into the new year:

1. Acknowledge the situation, be guided by facts, and continue to practice the three W’s: wear a mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands.
2. Approach the coming year with the spirit of being adaptive, thoughtful, and intentional. Try to move away from being reactive.
3. Focus on wellness and developing good habits. Over time, small changes can have a major impact. Think progress over perfection.
4. Reflect daily and breathe deeply.  This simple practice of being intentional and nourishing our brain with oxygen can do wonders for our resilience to stress.  Allow yourself to imagine a new day of opportunity; take in a few slow, deep breaths. Imagine breathing in relaxation and breathing out tension. 

The Insight Timer app can be a tremendous, free resource for beginning or renewing an interest in mindfulness.  

Colorado libraries offer a plethora of free classes.  You do not need to be a member of a particular library to participate in classes.  Currently all programs are held by phone or on-line.
Arapahoe Public Library offers Meditation classes on Tuesday mornings lead by Jill Zastko.
Denver Public Library has partnered with instructor Lisa Lowe to offer Meditation classes Monday evenings and Friday Mornings. Ms. Lowe also offers Qi-Gong Classes on Tuesday mornings.
Jefferson County Public Library offers a Mid-morning, call-in Meditation class on Thursday mornings.
Pikes Peak Library District offers Virtual Yoga with instructor Svetlana Nudelman three mornings a week.
To sign up for classes or to learn more about these opportunities, contact the libraries directly. 

Wishing you and your family hope and health in 2021 with presence, peace, action and adventure.  

Marilyn Halpern is a medical power of attorney, care manager and professional guardian in the Denver Metro area.  For more information www.aspencareservices.com

Photo credit: Dick Vogel