Hello, and welcome to episode 37 of  The JOY Factor Podcast! My guest today is Safriana Degroat and we're chatting about considerations around safely using medical cannabis, According to the National Conference of State Legislators,  “As of Feb. 3, 2022, 37 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products.”  Despite the rapidly increasing availability of medical marijuana there are too few settings where patients can have open conversations with their healthcare providers  about their needs, concerns and experiences using cannabis. Too often people feel shame or judgement about their medical cannabis use and oftentimes doctors and therapists are ill-equiped or uninformed of how best to provide trauma informed care. Our conversation today will give you safety guidelines to consider and a way to explore best practices for use.  Bio Through her own personal healing journey, Safrianna embraced her passion for creating a world where all people can be “freely themselves”. She has a Masters in Community Mental Health and is a licensed professional therapist. In 2020, she founded her company, Luna Counseling & Creative Services, LLC, promoting wellness through therapy, education, and professional coaching. She recently launched Living LUNA with her wife, Ikenna. Living LUNA is a podcast and digital community that affirms the worth of all people, acknowledging the right for everyone to live life unashamed, full of love and authenticity.  What does the phrase joy factor mean to you? Safi’s joy factor = “making empowered choices again and again.” What you do now influences your future enjoyment.  A question she lives by: Am I enjoying myself right now? Remember, we have the power to take actions that do or don’t align with the ones that do. What We’ll Learn Safriana Degroat is not a medical doctor. Before trying any cannabis consult your doctor and DO NOT consume cannabis that has not been prescribed to you. Avoid purchasing cannabis off the street and keep all medical marijuana in a locked container out of reach of children or pets. Medical Cannabis- how safe or dangerous is it? Without proper medical guidance cannabis has a high potential to be abused or become addictive. Safi shared her framework for safely exploring correct strains and doses once you have been approved for a medical marijuana card. Remember the acronym RIDER Research- Do this for anything you ingest. What impact might it have on us if we have other medical issues or conditions? Ask your doctor. Research the strains ahead of time. Ask: What’s the turpine breakdown? Intention- Understanding why you are trying to use cannabis in the first place. Get honest, be specific. What symptoms are you needing help treating? What other healing modalities are part of your plan? Remember, cannabis is not a stand alone treatment. Documentation- Document your cannabis use if you want to fine tune what works best for your needs. Is it for pain, focus, writing? Safi uses different strains for specific reasons. Document how you were impacted when you use a specific strain.  Experimentation- Find what works for us personally, and keep your dosing as small as possible.  Repetition- Repeat the results, journal, look at dominant terpenes.  Tips from Safi: Be informed. Know the dosages and chemical compositions and don’t overdo it.  Take as little as you can get away with and consult with your healthcare provider for ongoing guidance and support.  Find other people you can trust to discuss, compare and learn for mutual benefit.   For younger brains it’s not as good of a fit. If you are 24 or younger, this should not be a main part of your care plan. How has medical marijuana affected her? “It’s made me a more joyful person.” Cannabis and spiritual work have helped her healing from PTSD progress because she has found it easier to relax and integrate what she was learning and experiencing.   “I dance more. I enjoy more. “ -Important Health Information- From the website Cannabis Conversations  What are the signs of cannabis use disorder? Cannabis use disorder is the medical diagnosis for problematic cannabis use. Cannabis use is problematic when it begins to impact an individual’s life. Some common signs of cannabis use disorder include: Using more cannabis than intended Trying but failing to stop using cannabis when you want to Spending a lot of time using cannabis Craving cannabis Using cannabis even when it causes problems at home, at school, or at work Continuing to use cannabis despite social, relationship, or school-related problems Giving up important activities with family or friends in favor of using cannabis Using cannabis in high-risk situations, like while driving a car Continuing to use cannabis despite physical or psychological problems Needing to use more cannabis to get the same high Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use of cannabis If you keep cannabis and cannabis products at your home, they should be stored safely, locked up, and out of reach of children and pets. Accidentally consuming edibles is a risk for children and pets that can result in cannabis toxicity or the need for emergency medical attention. If there is an accidental exposure to cannabis or cannabis products of any kind — call Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222 or visit your Emergency Room if needed.  Motivational Figure, Quote something guiding light-  “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou What matters most in life is our peace and us radiating that peace out to others. Make more energy for our peace and then make others feel that peace. Resources Mentioned Leafly- Research new strains.  Greenhealth Docs- telehealth appointments with  High Yoga- Strains to use for different yoga poses. I know why the Caged Bird Sings Other Useful Information For Safe Dosing, Warnings and Guidelines.  Important Information and Warnings about Medical Cannabis Before you start, talk with your doctor and therapist to create a medical marijuana care team. Startlow, go slow, stay low:  Start low- Studies show that beyond 20-40 mg/day for THC and 50-100 mg/day for CBD, there are no additional benefits from a higher dose for most patients.  Go slow- increase your intake very slowly, and try to stay as low as possible with amount consumed. Edibles can be dangerous because they are slower to digest. Use caution and wait at least 2 hours before taking another dose.  Always, err on the side of caution. People at an  increased risk of harm if they use medical cannabis include those who are:  Children, adolescents, young adults 18-25  Pregnant or breastfeeding At increased risk of addiction or dependence Affected by serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia Diagnosed with heart or liver disease Do not operate heavy machinery or vehicles while using medical cannabis. Keep all medical cannabis stored in a locked container safely out of reach of children and pets.  Do not give away, trade or sell medical cannabis to others. Follow all applicable laws for the state you are in or are a resident of.   Reach Safi https://www.safrianna.com/420friendly Safi’s main hub is Discord- instant messaging Living Luna Discord Community- social hub, hangout and uplift each other-Authentic Connection She has a podcast- Living Luna talking about authenticity, marginalization, inviting other voices  Launched a Patreon- Glad to receive financial support for people who believe in our mission. www.safriana.com free resources- cannabis journal Rise Program- Resilience, Integration, Self Empowerment-  Building Blocks, Quick, Easy, Low Cost, High Impact Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen.  Your support truly matters. If you feel led to offer a donation to keep our podcast running you can contribute here. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast  Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast    

Today’s Show Hello, and welcome to season 8, episode 36 of  The JOY Factor Podcast! My guest today is Dr. Sue Williams Dr.Williams grew up in Iowa and earned her BA in Psychology at University of Iowa. She is a 2001 graduate of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. She specializes in Working with autoimmune diseases, Chronic Fatigue, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, LYME, MS, Hepatitis, cancer, ED, Asthma/Allregies, COPD, Macular Degeneration, Candida, Heart Disease, Mold toxicity, weight management. fertility issues and women’s health. Dr. Sue Williams vast health and wellness consultations over the past 18 years contributes to her ability to support individuals with chronic and acute conditions, she will refer individuals out as necessary. Sue Williams embraces her mission of helping individuals stay healthy and balanced. Whether it is with her extensive knowledge of supplementation, ability to balance prescription medications with natural remedies, knowledge of ideal range values for blood chemistry, or her understanding of hormone interactions and genetic impacts on the body she always strives to treat the root of the problem without suppressing symptoms. No matter what a patient is suffering from, she works with them to heal their entire life- from the foods they eat, to the activities they participate in, and the thoughts they think, to achieve whole-body restoration for each particular patient. What does the phrase joy factor mean to you? Today my joy factor is food. I love to eat and I love to cook as my love language. I put thought and care into the food we eat and for my family and am thankful for my ability to think about what we want to put into our bodies and feed our families.  What We’ll Learn Shop the parameters of the grocery store and eat as much organic food as possible. If you’re eating the skin of the food, try to buy organic. Sue recommends shopping at Aldi :).  If you’re feeling achy or stiff… What are you eating everyday? Evaluate your nightshade veggie consumption (tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, peppers) Joint pain/stiffness, headaches, chronic neck, back and shoulder pain are all signs of inflammation. Finger and feet swelling. Eat more apples- high in quercetin- anti-inflammatory. Find the joy in getting started with a concrete goal and plan to eat more veggies!  Tips to help empower you to add more vegetables to your diet Remember they are high in fiber- the more we have the more toxins can be washed out of our body.  Choose a vegetable you like. Half your plate should be vegetables. Try some new vegetables. Very easy to roast your vegetables. Cauliflower rice is a great addition to most diets- tasty and easy to season. Ask- how do I make fresh foods and what is the easiest way to do it? Saute Pressure cooking/Instant Pot. Add more beans to your diet! Do it with love. Emotional and Mental Tips See food as healing for the body What does my body need to feel strong and healthy? Ask good questions:  Why am I eating this? Will these chips make me feel better after I eat them?  What side effects from the food am I getting? Is there a better choice for me? If I don’t have a better choice can I have my quick fix choice (chips etc.) can I have only one serving? Tips for Eating Mindfully Pausing to ask: Where does your food come from? Say a prayer of thanks for the food Eat your food as slowly as possible Enjoy the textures, smells, multiple flavors Slow down and savor! Resources Mentioned 30 Day Diabetes Miracle Cookbook Foxpoint Spice-Great for vegetables Justice Spice Connect with Sue Williams: eatnurturegrow@gmail.com Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today’s Show Hello, and welcome to episode 35 The JOY Factor. My guest today is trauma specialist and substance abuse counselor Stephanie Snyder. You can read more about Stephanie’s background here .  Listen in as Stephanie shares her unique perspective on joy and healing as it relates to substance addiction and recovery. What We’ll Learn Healing is a mind, body and soul experience. When someone starts the journey of healing and goes from surviving to thriving they are able to see joy and beauty in the little things and eventually the bigger things!  A recovery saying Stephanie references: I can hear the birds sing again. You have recovered enough and have healed enough that you can hear things that are outside of yourself instead of only being able to focus on what’s going on inside of you.  Questions to consider when considering getting help. We need to speak out against mental health stigmas. Labels dehumanize people.  Treatment success depends on having safe, non-judgmental space to address the fear and intimidation clients may feel. Recovery and the development of self-worth develops in phases. Families need to heal together. It’s not just one person, the whole family unit is impacted.  Society has put so many expectations on parents. The first thing to help parents understand: This is not your fault.  Our children learn how to cope with things not just through the family unit but from other things they’re surrounded by in society. A few considerations regarding medicinal marijuana use. Child’s brain is still developing until 21. Just like with alcohol and cigarettes, there’s a legal age and biological factors that need to be factored in.  Very important to educate yourself before you engage in any kind of medicine based treatment. You can’t advocate for yourself and learn how to take care of yourself if you don’t know what’s going into your body.  Consult a professional and educate yourself.  Medical grade and CBD products are very different from street marijuana.  The amount of fentanyl on the streets is scary. Very easily absorbed through the skin.  If someone is considering medical marijuana I advocate for them to do it the safe, legal way and not just buy it off the street.  Favorite quote: “My goal is to do better than I did yesterday.” Resources  Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration Know the risks of marijuana National Institute on Drug Abuse  Trauma Informed Substance Abuse Treatment   Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast  

Hello and welcome to episode 34 of The JOY Factor Podcast. Today's show is sponsored by Prose. Thanks to my personalized Prose routine, I can honestly say I’ve never been more in love with my hair! Today we've got a special conversation with our guest Cheryl Rice Cheryl Rice works with women eager to be leaders in their own lives. Since 1990 she has been working with clients to improve individual, team and executive performance. In her powerful seminars, Cheryl inspires women to use their voice and vision for maximum impact. Her clients include: Pfizer, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Penn Medicine, Campbells Soup, and the Wharton School. Cheryl is also the author of the inspiring memoir, Where Have I Been All My Life? A Journey Toward Love and Wholeness. Additionally, her essays on life, love and loss have appeared in local and national publications including the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Chicago Tribune, Cure Today, and Maria Shriver’s Blog, Architects of Change. In 2016, Cheryl founded the You Matter Marathon – No Running Required - a global initiative that creates positive connections between individuals and within communities. With a BA in Psychology from Monmouth University, an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a MS in Organization Development from Pepperdine University, Cheryl brings significant academic training to compliment her practical work experience. Additionally, Cheryl has completed her professional coach certification, obtained a certificate in applied positive psychology and taught classes in organization change at local universities. Cheryl's Contact Information: cheryl@cherylriceleadership.com www.youmattermarathon.com https://www.facebook.com/YouMatterMarathon https://www.instagram.com/youmattermarathon/ @umattermarathon Additional Resources  Sign up for You Matter Marathon Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today’s Show Welcome to episode 33 of the JOY Factor Podcast. Today’s Guest is Jeff Harry  Jeff Harry shows individuals and companies how to tap into their true selves, to feel their happiest and most fulfilled — all by playing. Jeff has worked with Google, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Adobe, the NFL, Amazon, and Facebook, helping their staff to infuse more play into the day-to-day.   While we spend most of our time pretending to be important, serious grownups, it's when we let go of that facade and just play, that the real magic happens. Fully embracing your own nerdy genius — whatever that is — gives you the power to make a difference and change lives.  Jeff believes that we already have many of the answers we seek, and by simply unleashing our inner child, we can find our purpose and, in turn, help to create a better world.   Thank you to Prose Hair for sponsoring this episode. I love their products because they make my hair look, feel and smell great! TWITTER: @prosehair FACEBOOK: @prosehair INSTAGRAM: @prose HASHTAG: #prosehair, #prosepraise What We’ll Learn It's ok to play. It's a skill we all have but need to remember. You deserve to have some play in your day. A playful attitude is contagious. Just for today...remember to play! Reach out to Jeff SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES: Website: RediscoverYourPlay.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jeffharryplays Instagram: @jeffharryplays TikTok: @jeffharryplays Medium: @jeffharryplays Twitter: @jeffharryplays LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-harry-6991a94/ Your Joy Factor It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. Did you learn anything that can help you with your own joy factor? If so, pass it on to your friends and family and give us a positive review at  The JOY Factor Podcast. Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast  

Welcome to Episode #32 of The JOY Factor. Today we're talking about art therapy with our guest Meg Mcmurdy. Art therapy is a powerful healing modality for all ages and interests. Listen is as Meg shares her own journey and busts a few myths about what art therapy is and isn't.  Meg McMurdy (she/her) "As a trauma informed therapist, I have witnessed the power of art therapy to assist my clients in deepening their path to healing. Combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness approaches, creative expression through art can support the whole person and be truly transformative. Making art isn’t required or expected but I offer it and will customize an approach best suited to your needs. Our work together will be guided by choice and you will have my undivided attention and support. I love working with adolescents and adults along with neurodiverse individuals and am skilled at treating anxiety, depression and ADHD symptoms. Being a life-long learner is something that I hold dearly and strive to make that passion come through in my work as a therapist. I believe that we can all heal, learn and grow best when we have time, support and tools to find relief from painful symptoms and stress patterns. It is a true honor to align with my client’s needs and help them imagine a better future. I am a graduate of The George Washington University where I received my Master’s in Art Therapy. I am an LGPC (Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor) and LGPAT (Licensed Graduate Professional Art Therapist)." Meg’s Contact Information: www.inner-evolution.com Additional Resources  If you need help, please text SHARE to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line. You can also call The Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to be connected to free and confidential support and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Check out the Quarantine Family Toolkit by Kristin Ramsey, ATR-BC, LPC, which offers suggestions and resources on how to talk with children about COVID-19, a sample daily schedule for working/learning at home, online apps, podcasts and other resources for daily activities, mindfulness activities and short guided muscle relaxation script, as well as many art activities instructions and examples.  Resources for addressing COVID-19 — The National Council for Behavioral Health offers resources to help manage coronavirus-related anxiety and to communicate with your kids about this crisis among other topics. Behavioral health care workers will also find resources including telehealth best-practices and implications for certain vulnerable client groups. Affirmations for Coping during Coronavirus Times — AATA Blog, March 30, 2020 https://www.expressiveartworkshops.com/expressive-art-resources/100-art-therapy-exercises/ Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today’s Show Hello, and welcome to The JOY Factor. It’s good to be back here and I’m thrilled to have Sue Nesler joining me. She is a blended family maven and owner and CEO of Yoga East Healing Arts Studio and Counseling. So take a break and settle in to nourish your spirit and find a little joy. About Sue I am Sue Nesler MS, MA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, NCC. A Blended family maven who exercises, gardens, and enjoys learning and cooking. I am the owner and CEO of Yoga East Healing Arts Studio which houses a yoga and meditation practice studio offering classes and yoga therapy, retail lounge, Registered yoga school at the 200 and 300 hour levels, an accredited meditation teacher training, and is the YTT educational hub in the Teri-State area in Cape Girardeau, MO. Also, a newly launched branch of the business-Healing Arts Counseling. A person-centered, holistic, and existential counseling service helping people find wellness and joy. What We’ll Learn How awareness can transform our experience. What can shift when we take the time to take care our ourselves. How support from others can lay the groundwork for mind, body and spiritual healing. Connect with Sue Nesler: Sue’s Website Facebook Instagram Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast Brought to You by: 

Today’s Show Welcome to episode 30 of the JOY Factor Podcast. Today’s Guest is Bethany Perry, CAN, AAEC, IAHC, E-RYT Bethany is an emerging thought leader on combining the power of neuroscience and intuition. She transforms the lives of women and men who are challenged with emotional and physical traumas.  Dedicating over 30 years of her life’s work to helping people heal and grow by creating a non-judgmental space where each individual can discover freedom from the past to live the life they desire.  What We’ll Learn Brainspotting can help everyone find more freedom. Freedom means less space for  judgment and more for love Where we look affects how we feel. When we’re looking for something we tend to find it so why not make it joy? Focused reflection and practice leads to transformation and joy. Resources Mentioned Visit  http://www.bethanyperry.com for two Guided Meditations on moving from fear to love.  Reach out to Bethany: http://www.bethanyperry.com Amen Clinic Your Joy Factor It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. Did you learn anything that can help you with your own joy factor? If so, pass it on to your friends and family and give us a positive review at  The JOY Factor Podcast. Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast  

Welcome to Episode 29 of The JOY Factor. Our guest today is Jana Glass: Jana started her career working with children and families struggling with mental health issues. She has experience in a variety of settings including in-home therapy, outpatient therapy, day treatment, and residential care. She founded Supportive Solutions twelve years ago to support people managing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma and abuse, infertility, and grief. Although she works with a wide spectrum of clients, her special interests include Healing Trauma, Substance Abuse, and Maternal Mental Health. Prioritizing this population including infertility, miscarriage, difficult births, pre and post-partum depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Jana is acutely aware of the challenges that can accompany individuals and couples on their journey to become parent(s). She struggled with infertility for over three years that included painful experiences of multiple miscarriages, surgeries and invasive reproductive assistance interventions, hospital bedrest, a difficult birth, NICU stay, as well as post-partum mood challenges. Jana was able to find healing through family and community support along with Brainspotting therapy. From these obstacles and challenges, Jana gained a unique ability to understand and empathize with clients still building their desired family. She works with families of all compositions including blended families, LGBTQ Families, and Individuals building their own family. Jana is passionate about helping to foster hope when faced with situations that appear hopeless. Highlights and Glimmers from Today's Show Brainspotting: When trauma overloads our system, brainspotting helps our head and heart realign so that we are better able to make sense of what happened,  move on, and feel better. This healing approach expands our capacity to reflect on the experience and see it as just part of our story that we overcame instead of something that feels like it’s still happening in the present. We will always remember what happened but it won’t hurt anymore.  As Jana would say, “It takes its rightful place on the timeline of your life.” “Creating the space for it to be different allows people to have more possibilities which breeds more hope. Having possibilities is enormous for people. “ There are many paths to healing and Brainspotting is an amazing one to include. The brain is powerful and knows how to heal. There are many lessons to be learned along the way.  Here are a few: Learn how to give and receive support. Really listen and try to understand. So many things can’t be fixed but showing you are present and attuned is more important than finding the right words. Do what you can to stay curious. Try not to make too many assumptions about a situation. It’s ok to have ideas but try not to hold on too tightly and be open to where the day takes you. Generate hope by making whatever safe connections you have available to you. Work to build empathy. Be an ally by deeply listening or know your limits. Expectations of the way things are supposed to be steals joy. Try to be more reasonable with how much you can do in a day and what you expect of others.  Relationships are more important than anything else. So many different things that come up that don’t go the way we’d hope but we can navigate those times with more skills when we stay connected and nurture our relationships.  Keep that love connection and relationship in the front-that’s how we tap back into the joy.  There is a point to turn things around.  Focus on the rebound. We can fall down but we get back up.  Be in the moment  The small things are the big things. Every moment isn’t perfect but the times you can find a reason to smile or be silly are  beautiful. Right here right now.  If you try one thing that didn’t work out for you keep trying. Go with the flow but stay on the path. Jana’s Contact Information: www.supportivesolutionsga.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/perinatalbrainspotting/ Resources Mentioned  Postpartum Support International Certification in Perinatal Mental Health Look for folks who have specialized specific training in the area of perinatal mental health.  Learn more about Brainspotting Recognize when you could use a little outside support. Never been a time where it’s more accessible to find help online. Including brainspotting. Thank you for Listening It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Hello and welcome to episode #28 of the JOY Factor Podcast. I’m glad you’re tuning in and thankful that so far, so good. My family is healthy and safe. I hope the same is true for you. The month of March seems like a blur and as we face this collective trauma of both the facts we have about COVID 19 and the uncertainty surrounding it, It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions right now. You might be angry one minute and exhausted the next. It may be tempting to deny what is happening or to compulsively check the news. All of the psychological reactions we are experiencing can be viewed through this lens of collective trauma. I’d like to also remind you that we have a beautiful invitation unfolding. There’s an opportunity to rise up together and operate out of a place of trust, faith, hope and JOY! There’s a great meme with questions to ask yourself each day floating around the internet and when I saw it I thought- this is perfect for me to share with you all here. Not sure who made the original post but many thanks for everyone who is spreading such good reflections. As we run down this list I’m sending you a dose of compassion. This is hard. We are struggling. Some moments are easier than others. Daily life goes on but we all face significant challenges in the coming days. Take what you can use from our conversation but please go gently with yourself and those around you. So, get comfortable and let me share a few daily questions to ask yourself while you are washing your hands, coughing into your elbow, avoiding your face, keeping a safe distance from others and….best of all! Staying home when you can. You know the drill right? LOL What am I grateful for today? The brain responds favorably to gratitude. What are you grateful for right now? What’s the smallest thing you can stop and give thanks for? Can you help other people cultivate some gratitude? Who am I checking in on or connecting with today? Find someone to check on. If you don’t have family or friends you feel close to, now is the perfect opportunity to reach out. Is there a neighbor you sometimes see but never speak to? What about the staff at your local grocery store? Let them know you are thinking about them. Figure out a way to reach out. Another thing- maybe you’re the one who could use a hand. What do you need to loosen the grip around in order to ask for help? I highly encourage you to dig deep and put your needs on the table. What comes around goes around my friends. We’re in this together so let’s act like it. What expectations of normal am I letting go of today? Those of us working from home and trying to do some sort of homeschooling have quickly discovered the need for a new playbook. What was normal last week is now yesterday’s news. What are your expectations for yourself? Your partner? Your kids? Anyone in your life? What are you capable of? What are your limitations? Take a deep breath. Sigh it out. You are not alone. All of humanity is How am I getting outside today? It’s spring here in Maryland and I am on the hunt for new buds and blooming forsythia. I hope wherever you are It’s possible to breathe in some fresh air and experience the grounding safety of the outside world. What’s your plan for today? How am I moving my body today? Take walk, jiggle and shake your body, move any limb you can. Stretch, lift weights, jog. Figure it out and plan ahead. Ditch the uncomfortable gear and prepare by having good walking shoes nearby. Check out our resources page for more details on free ways to get movinig. What beauty am I either creating, cultivating, or inviting in? When we bring creativity on to the scene we open up a world of possibility. What can you build, grow, paint, bake, draw, shape, move design? The list goes on and on. Look around your home and consider what’s there to help activate your creativity and then set up (or dust off your workspace and give it a go! When I safely arrive at the other side of this pandemic how would I like to be able to reflect on my own personal growth and healing? What tools and resources would you like to be able to recognize gaining for strengthening? I think it’s a powerful thing to reflect on how adversity can help us reach toward potential we weren’t aware of having. What would it be like to look back and recognize how this experience helped you grow? I would love to hear your reflections on these questions! Find the thejoyfactorpodcast on Facebook and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. Your joy factor is right here with you. It’s ok to smile, it’s ok to laugh, to dance, to rest. Take good care of yourself. Compassion means noticing that you are struggling, remembering that it is human to struggle and responding with kindness and care. Take a breath in, on the exhale, let go of whatever might be needing to be released. Repeat and take care.