Therapists have such a good way of making you look at a thing like it was so obvious all along, don’t they? This is full of brilliant advice that I’m already internally groaning about because it’s so much easier to just spiral about all of the things outside of my control and how bad they are. Thank you for the gentle reminders that we can make so much difference closer to home if we focus our energy in the right ways and acknowledge the power we do have.
The Loveland Foundation's Therapy Fund would be a great option for financial support! They provide financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy around the U.S. They pay for a range of 4-12 sessions (depending on what the individual is seeking), and they only work with high quality and culturally competent service providers, too.
I volunteer time, energy and money to two wonderful St Pete Charities: Reach St Pete is working to eradicate homelessness, they also have a warehouse with gentle second hand clothing, toiletries and a grocery store bus - all allowing homeless people the dignity of being able to shop for free. I volunteer at the warehouse to sort donations, collect or deliver donations to clients who may not have a car. I also collect from partners we have for example Baby Cycle provide us with baby food, diapers and clothing once a month. I volunteer at monthly shopping opportunities for the homeless and generally advocate the charity where I can.
Then secondly when Covid began I started delivering food parcels for Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger who work in conjunction with Meals on Wheels. At first I just collected boxes and delivered food to families of kids being schooled at home who were missing out on meals at school. Then I realised they also had a elderly programme and after 9 months I switched to that. Delivering food to seniors is the best part of my week. I now also pack and sort food at the warehouse, but the connection with the elderly I have made fills my heart.
I am the board of a non-profit whose mission is: “To help our neighbors to prevent hunger and homelessness while working toward financial stability.” We are located in Allen, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. Our county routinely lands on “best places to live” lists, so there is a veneer that all is fabulous here. Yet, our agency has seen a near doubling in need since 2019. Yes, some of that is the pandemic, but even more is that our housing costs have skyrocketed in the the last three years. Anyway, we would love to be considered for one of your monthly donations. You can find more information at www.acocares.org. I completely share your feelings of overwhelm. I also appreciate you sharing your therapists wise words. They are helpful.
I volunteered for several years (and still donate to) HIAS, and organization that stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity. HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives. This cause has been meaningful to me because my grandfather and great uncle were refugees from Russia that came to America. HIAS also helped part of my husband's family resettle in America.
I really understand this. I am starting to watch people travel (for work and pleasure), my nieces go to school dances, many seeming to be operating like the pandemic is over. But for me it's not. I was always an introvert but after two years like this, even something like a family get together (with 5 people) for Thanksgiving was a lot for my nervous system. And yet, I know I need community and human connection too - I've been thinking so much about this lately. I remember in June thinking I was going to take it slowly, one small thing at a time, letting myself adjust even as everyone else seemed to be rushing out with masks off. Thank you for reminding me this will need to be even more so now. For people who have been out and done more through all of this, perhaps the adjustment timeline is different - and it's ok for me to work on my timeline and not feel ashamed. Thank you for this.
I keep using the phrase "give yourself grace". And someone else said it to me today. And I said it to my dad (navigating his first Christmas without my mom). So very much grace we must give ourselves. You've been though so much - and just going through this pandemic would have been enough all by itself.
The Richmond SPCA does AMAZING things -- rescuing dogs and cats from natural disasters, for instance -- and also works to heavily involve the community (people and local businesses). They could always use more help for the animals!
Therapists have such a good way of making you look at a thing like it was so obvious all along, don’t they? This is full of brilliant advice that I’m already internally groaning about because it’s so much easier to just spiral about all of the things outside of my control and how bad they are. Thank you for the gentle reminders that we can make so much difference closer to home if we focus our energy in the right ways and acknowledge the power we do have.
They do! It’s so annoying! 😉 I have a feeling I’m going to be using this visualization a lot in 2022. I’m so glad it was helpful for you too!
The Loveland Foundation's Therapy Fund would be a great option for financial support! They provide financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy around the U.S. They pay for a range of 4-12 sessions (depending on what the individual is seeking), and they only work with high quality and culturally competent service providers, too.
https://thelovelandfoundation.org/loveland-therapy-fund/
Great suggestion! Thank you, Madison!
I volunteer time, energy and money to two wonderful St Pete Charities: Reach St Pete is working to eradicate homelessness, they also have a warehouse with gentle second hand clothing, toiletries and a grocery store bus - all allowing homeless people the dignity of being able to shop for free. I volunteer at the warehouse to sort donations, collect or deliver donations to clients who may not have a car. I also collect from partners we have for example Baby Cycle provide us with baby food, diapers and clothing once a month. I volunteer at monthly shopping opportunities for the homeless and generally advocate the charity where I can.
Then secondly when Covid began I started delivering food parcels for Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger who work in conjunction with Meals on Wheels. At first I just collected boxes and delivered food to families of kids being schooled at home who were missing out on meals at school. Then I realised they also had a elderly programme and after 9 months I switched to that. Delivering food to seniors is the best part of my week. I now also pack and sort food at the warehouse, but the connection with the elderly I have made fills my heart.
I love this, Wendy. My next door neighbor in St. Pete received Meals on Wheels deliveries and I know it was so very appreciated.
I am the board of a non-profit whose mission is: “To help our neighbors to prevent hunger and homelessness while working toward financial stability.” We are located in Allen, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. Our county routinely lands on “best places to live” lists, so there is a veneer that all is fabulous here. Yet, our agency has seen a near doubling in need since 2019. Yes, some of that is the pandemic, but even more is that our housing costs have skyrocketed in the the last three years. Anyway, we would love to be considered for one of your monthly donations. You can find more information at www.acocares.org. I completely share your feelings of overwhelm. I also appreciate you sharing your therapists wise words. They are helpful.
Thank you for suggesting this! What a great organization to be involved with ❤️
I volunteered for several years (and still donate to) HIAS, and organization that stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity. HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives. This cause has been meaningful to me because my grandfather and great uncle were refugees from Russia that came to America. HIAS also helped part of my husband's family resettle in America.
Wow, what important work. Thank you, Lindsay!
I really understand this. I am starting to watch people travel (for work and pleasure), my nieces go to school dances, many seeming to be operating like the pandemic is over. But for me it's not. I was always an introvert but after two years like this, even something like a family get together (with 5 people) for Thanksgiving was a lot for my nervous system. And yet, I know I need community and human connection too - I've been thinking so much about this lately. I remember in June thinking I was going to take it slowly, one small thing at a time, letting myself adjust even as everyone else seemed to be rushing out with masks off. Thank you for reminding me this will need to be even more so now. For people who have been out and done more through all of this, perhaps the adjustment timeline is different - and it's ok for me to work on my timeline and not feel ashamed. Thank you for this.
Thank YOU. I’m so glad you get it! Your comment helped me be more compassionate with myself today. xo
I keep using the phrase "give yourself grace". And someone else said it to me today. And I said it to my dad (navigating his first Christmas without my mom). So very much grace we must give ourselves. You've been though so much - and just going through this pandemic would have been enough all by itself.
The Richmond SPCA does AMAZING things -- rescuing dogs and cats from natural disasters, for instance -- and also works to heavily involve the community (people and local businesses). They could always use more help for the animals!
Love this! Thanks for the suggestion, Erin!