Free 22 minute relaxation from Thomas John

With many emails offering insights into this new set of challenges, it is always pleasant to hear of something that can help... even some 'quick fixes...' Some are easier than others, but when they are free, that's a bonus. Thomas John is offering a 22 minute relaxation 'reset' guided talk... You can get it on his site, mediumthomas.com.

He is also offering a four-part program, once a week starting March 25th, 2020 for just under $20. Not sure if there are replays etc, but see the site for more info. Ideally a few people in leadership can take this to gain insight and tips and share with their networks. Getting the word out with main channels of communication (public broadcast and news reports in terms of helping people cope and receive information in ways that 'speak to them' in a friendly level manner will help everyone feel more in sync.

We need to learn many coping skills such as having back up food and even water supplies (in the city particularly....just Because it's important, then replace with a 5 gallons as those may be used up for instance. I am just thinking of that now, but let's face it, some standards to help people 'get on the same page and have a little to share' is a common sense, good idea.

A Checklist of basics could help people feel they have done enough and thought of extras (such as extra toothbrushes and tooth paste, floss, hygiene products and travel bags for going to help someone or needing to be out for a day or more for any reason. Clothes, socks, underwear, pajamas, layers of sweatshirt, rain coat and regular jacket, gloves (light work gloves for instance), good footwear, sneakers and cash and credit card, Having a good working cell phone, charger, computer, basic bank account, drivers license and even passport (if you have one) handy makes sense.

With tax time (even moved off to July 15th, 2020) gather up those documents. Get a notebook and write down all sorts of basic information for each person in terms of name, address, social security number, drivers license and health insurance information, SNAP information including wages earned in recent months (details are important for each job such as employer, frequency of pay, hourly wage, (gross pay) and evidence of that from the employer on their business form or with a letter, etc.

Same with validating one's residence with a letter from the landlord or other person as indicated (possibly a minister etc.) A utiltity bill in one's name or other evidence of residence, a bank account statement (with the name of the bank clearly indicated on an official form etc) and the account number (not necessarily the balance etc) is also helpful to have.

Take a picture of all of your credit cards and important information such as life insurance policies and health insurance. This time of year is an important time to get one's ducks in a row...and basically have contingency plans as well as basic care plans for oneself and all in one's family and circles as much as possible.

Clarifying who one's health care representative would be if needed, and thinking about The Five Wishes type questions to consider what measures one would want if needing life-support and other help depending on certain conditions and circumstances (a short-term illness or a serious injury etc.)

There is more on this kind of serious set of matters to consider and plan for online. Help is available through Doulagivers.com and other End of Life Doulas (EOLDs) which are largely about planning for how you want things to go with your life and care and to develop support systems even if needing help for years (due to illness, injury, dementia or other ongoing conditions that may be part of one's end of life or serious decline or needs.)

For people with children, care plans for each one should be written out clearly and with support from professionals as may be needed for current and future scenarios. In addition wills would be helpful and important to consider making with consults with an attorney even if doing research online. There may be updates and changes needed over time, so think of updating yearly or as makes sense. 

In terms of legal custody or divorce matters, research those kinds of concerns Before one has children or gets married if at all possible. Same with considering ways to have personal time if in a relationship, married or with children. Think of plans with professionals and be aware of options to have independent outings, trial separation time in addition to taking trips or having support in your home and circles before, during and even after any kind of transition or legal matter. 

There may be more options for mediation or collaborative divorce approaches particularly with good screenings and support. Learning about resources shared on this blog as well as others can help more people in general learn about important resources such as Safe & Together Institute, LundyBancroft.com, and CA Protective Parents Association.

There are people learning from one another in many ways, and with more integrative approaches as well to addressing matters with a sense of support for all parties to connect with their heart and pursue safety, wellness and accountability. Getting paperwork to back up any concerns about finances or evidence that things are done as one expects.

Keeping a journal about people, places and activities, purchases and patterns in one's life can be helpful at any time, but moreso when there is change or challenge in one's life. Thanks for considering these ideas and sharing with others in one's community from leaders to neighbors and more (perhaps with signs even anonymously, based on material from DuluthModel.org for instance.)