Stressors Don't Control Your Stress

In this week’s newsletter, I talk about ways to care for ourselves and others in times of collective uncertainty. It can feel challenging to show up for others while managing our own anxieties. This dilemma is something that many of us in caregiving or client-centered roles face—how do we provide wholehearted support when we’re navigating similar emotional landscapes?

Reflecting on the early days of the pandemic, I remember how every conversation was steeped in uncertainty, fear, and confusion. We couldn’t offer concrete answers, nor could we promise immediate relief. But there were powerful ways we could be present, supporting not only our clients but also ourselves and our colleagues.

One important reminder that I explore in the newsletter, and in this Youtube video, is the importance of separating the stress from the stressor. While we may not always control stressors, we can address how stress shows up in our minds and bodies. Whether it’s maintaining an elevated heart rate through movement, sharing a hearty laugh, embracing creativity, or connecting through long cuddles and intimacy, these moments matter.

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