Another great article, Katie. Very informative, infuriating and heartbreaking. Thanks very much for the link to skirsch.io/how-to-treat-covid. It's very comprehensive. All the info one could want is all right there easily accessible. Also appreciated all the thought-provoking quotes that you included.
One problem I'm having is how to carry on longtime relationships as if it's business as usual.
It's hard to talk about the things we all used to talk about before our world was turned upside down, while ignoring the elephant in the room. It feels disingenuous to me. I end up losing "my cool" and then I just make it worse. I wonder if I should even send Christmas cards to these friends. What does one say when one can't say what one really wants to? It just feels dishonest.
Thanks for reading! I’m glad you found the links useful. I hope they help you to stay healthy and find proper treatment if you need it.
You articulate the social challenges of our upside down world so well! Choosing what to say, when to say it and when to keep silent requires high level diplomacy skills.
I frequently remind myself what I enjoyed about someone before the chasmic divide called covid and focus on that, opening my heart and making conversation about mutual topics of interest. This helps me avoid getting one dimensional and married to a position which I’d have to feel defensive about.
I sometimes remain silent in social groups where it’s assumed everyone is on board with the official narrative if it’s not relevant to what’s happening or I’m with acquaintances. I guess it all depends on the situation and your history with the person and how comfortable you feel with your position and how compelled you are to share about it.
It sounds like you feel that your two options are being disingenuous or losing your cool, making you want to walk away from certain friendships. Is that it? Can you emphasize the connection you shared BC (before covid)? It’s all so tricky, especially around holiday time.
It’s tough but It’s also a time of tremendous opportunity for spiritual growth, which it sounds like you’re doing.
Thanks for taking the time to write this very thoughtful reply. You are so right about the situation requiring "high level diplomacy skills", which unfortunately have never been my strong point. But what you said about reminding myself of what it was about my friends that I enjoyed so much before it all fell apart....that really resonated with me, and brought tears to my eyes. I will definitely try to make an effort to do so.
And I was feeling like I wanted to walk away from these relationships. I wanted the internal conflict to go away, but I knew that wasn't really rational.
You are very wise, Katie, and I'm grateful our paths have crossed.
I follow a couple of other writers on Substack and I contribute a nominal amount each month, $5, for what they call a paid subscription. I would be more than happy to do the same for you. So please consider using that option, or another one for your readers to show their appreciation. I don't know anything about your ministry, like if you only counsel people online, or if you have a community that you lead somewhere.
What you do in some ways sounds like spiritual direction. Anyway, maybe when you have time you might share some of that info.
Also is there a website or email where you can be reached privately without using this comment section?
I’m glad my words brought some comfort and a positive shift in your point of view.
My ministry is now confined to online spiritual coaching aka spiritual direction. Before the world shut down I taught yoga, spiritual retreats, and did in person counseling, as well as officiating weddings and funerals.
I’m a lifelong Jersey girl, but I’ve spent the last year in
Miami with my family. I’ll be returning to NJ in the new year, and am open to what that move might hold. I’m discerning what’s next for my ministry, including offering paid subscriptions.
Another great article, Katie. Very informative, infuriating and heartbreaking. Thanks very much for the link to skirsch.io/how-to-treat-covid. It's very comprehensive. All the info one could want is all right there easily accessible. Also appreciated all the thought-provoking quotes that you included.
One problem I'm having is how to carry on longtime relationships as if it's business as usual.
It's hard to talk about the things we all used to talk about before our world was turned upside down, while ignoring the elephant in the room. It feels disingenuous to me. I end up losing "my cool" and then I just make it worse. I wonder if I should even send Christmas cards to these friends. What does one say when one can't say what one really wants to? It just feels dishonest.
Thanks for reading! I’m glad you found the links useful. I hope they help you to stay healthy and find proper treatment if you need it.
You articulate the social challenges of our upside down world so well! Choosing what to say, when to say it and when to keep silent requires high level diplomacy skills.
I frequently remind myself what I enjoyed about someone before the chasmic divide called covid and focus on that, opening my heart and making conversation about mutual topics of interest. This helps me avoid getting one dimensional and married to a position which I’d have to feel defensive about.
I sometimes remain silent in social groups where it’s assumed everyone is on board with the official narrative if it’s not relevant to what’s happening or I’m with acquaintances. I guess it all depends on the situation and your history with the person and how comfortable you feel with your position and how compelled you are to share about it.
It sounds like you feel that your two options are being disingenuous or losing your cool, making you want to walk away from certain friendships. Is that it? Can you emphasize the connection you shared BC (before covid)? It’s all so tricky, especially around holiday time.
It’s tough but It’s also a time of tremendous opportunity for spiritual growth, which it sounds like you’re doing.
Many Blessings!
Katie
Dear Katie,
Thanks for taking the time to write this very thoughtful reply. You are so right about the situation requiring "high level diplomacy skills", which unfortunately have never been my strong point. But what you said about reminding myself of what it was about my friends that I enjoyed so much before it all fell apart....that really resonated with me, and brought tears to my eyes. I will definitely try to make an effort to do so.
And I was feeling like I wanted to walk away from these relationships. I wanted the internal conflict to go away, but I knew that wasn't really rational.
You are very wise, Katie, and I'm grateful our paths have crossed.
I follow a couple of other writers on Substack and I contribute a nominal amount each month, $5, for what they call a paid subscription. I would be more than happy to do the same for you. So please consider using that option, or another one for your readers to show their appreciation. I don't know anything about your ministry, like if you only counsel people online, or if you have a community that you lead somewhere.
What you do in some ways sounds like spiritual direction. Anyway, maybe when you have time you might share some of that info.
Also is there a website or email where you can be reached privately without using this comment section?
Thanks again.
Rocket
I’m glad my words brought some comfort and a positive shift in your point of view.
My ministry is now confined to online spiritual coaching aka spiritual direction. Before the world shut down I taught yoga, spiritual retreats, and did in person counseling, as well as officiating weddings and funerals.
I’m a lifelong Jersey girl, but I’ve spent the last year in
Miami with my family. I’ll be returning to NJ in the new year, and am open to what that move might hold. I’m discerning what’s next for my ministry, including offering paid subscriptions.
Thanks for asking!
Many Blessings, Rocket,
Katie
Contact me revkatiegrace@gmail.com