I’m back! Hoping this update finds you very well and slowly letting go of the best of summer. Maybe you are a Fall person like me and welcoming the cooler mornings and the vibrant colors that have awakened the trees here and there. Our world is certainly changing on many levels.
Savoring the Last of Summer
For those of you who hate to say goodbye to summer, what specific things can you continue to incorporate into your schedule as we transition into Fall? Perhaps you love beach reads in the summer. Make a little time for pleasure reading in the mornings or evenings instead of scrolling. Take walks and enjoy the sunshine or perhaps be intentional about meeting friends for coffee outside or an evening glass of wine. Having something to look forward to eases the transition and can be preventative if you struggle with seasonal depression. Get more tips here!
Hot Button Conversations
This is the time of year when conversations can become increasingly divisive, especially between friends and family and may stay that way for awhile. I am choosing to believe we are more alike than different, even if the differences seem surprising and confusing these days. I’ve heard many people say, “I just can’t believe this person would believe x” or “How can they think this way?” Before you jump to criticism, I would encourage you to think about a few things:
Stay curious: What makes them think this way? We are a product of our own experiences, and someone’s path up to this point may look very different than your own. You only know what you only know.
Remember the relationship: What experiences have you shared that have connected you in the past? How has this person showed up for you? What have you admired about them? We can’t forget about the things that have bonded us in this one moment.
Practice acceptance: Certainly try to have productive conversations that lead with listening, but if you find yourself frustrated and in the same place—agree to disagree. Practice accepting this person for who they are and focus on their positive attributes that you have considered.
I know some relationships end over these issues, and that may be their natural course, but if the relationship meant something to you, it’s worth trying to hold on to it.
For more on other hot button conversations, see my interview in the NYT Well Newsletter.
Holding on to H.O.P.E.
Whether you or someone you love is facing a challenging time, there are things you can do to support them and get through it yourself. I had a chance to share some thoughts on this on the TODAY Show on 9/11.
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