The good, the bad, and the wild
George Smith, the consummate outdoorsman, now spends most of his time inside. Because of COVID-19, yes, but also because he has ALS. I'm sure George has his moments, but he manages to meet them with grace and humor.
Opening up about re-opening
This is a story about finding humor in a complicated, confusing, anxiety-provoking situation. Determined to go by the book when she re-opened her acupuncture practice, Meret Bainbridge was blindsided by something unexpected that happened. She invites us all to laugh with her.
A challenging time
Dr. Fred Craigie teaches and writes about spirituality and says he often talks about what it means “to live a good life.” He contemplates his own answer to the question during these extraordinary times.
Black flies — defenders of the wilderness!
You hate black flies even more than some other flying insects? They actually do some good in the world. Read how.
What grief is teaching all of us
For some people, the grief that COVID-19 has wrought is painfully apparent. Serious illness, death, unemployment, isolation, severe anxiety, depression. But even people who seem to be doing ok are feeling grief. Dr. Katie Eastman, a psychotherapist, says right now everyone, including her, is grieving the loss of something or someone.
COVID-19 Maine update 5/18/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Being a human is hard
Do you ever have feelings that you don't know how or what to name? For instance, you miss the way life used to be before COVID-19. You worry about what the future holds. But what are you feeling? Sadness? Anxiety? Fear? Yes, to all but you may also be experiencing grief, something Beth Dolloff understands all too well.
Life under lockdown: The introvert’s ideal
Life these days is challenging for all of us, some more than others. Roxanne Jones realizes that she is among the more fortunate. And for that, she is grateful.
Becoming an ‘I’
When you are someone who loves being around other people, the thought of being isolated for weeks on end might be unbearable. But Charlie Grindle, a self-avowed extrovert, has discovered some of the upsides.
COVID-19 Maine Update 5/12/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Here We Are
"Here we are, in this beautiful slowing down that allows us to open and know a different way. Priorities will sift and shift, as we move through this new way of being. A hopefully more loving time, a learning time and a forgiving time will become us." Some lessons from Arlene Wing
Now. Here. This.
Dancing sets her free. Fills her heart and soul with joy. But for the time being, Susan Fekety has set her dancing shoes aside. And instead of feeling her spirit soar, it began to plummet. Three short words have helped lift her up and sustain her during this challenging time: Now. Here. This.
Unsung heroes
There are a lot of unsung heroes out there right now. I would like to draw your attention to one particular group that I don't think I've heard mentioned yet. Home care providers.
COVID-19 Maine Update 5/5/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
A time for reflection
Imagine getting an email out of the blue from someone you met 35 years ago. An email that said thank you. During these uncertain times, Rhonda Montanez has been feeling more reflective and decided to reach out to someone from her past. I am that grateful someone.
Waiting
In her account of how she is managing life in self-isolation, Jane Dougall writes that she has spent most of her life waiting for something. Now is no different, but what makes this current situation so challenging is the "unknown unknowing". What Jane does know is that "we are not going back to what was."
Feeling thankful
Every day we hear the numbers. On this day, Wednesday, April 29, 2020, COVID-19 has been confirmed in 1056 people here in Maine. According to the Maine CDC, 615 people have recovered, 52 have died. But the numbers don't include everyone. Ericka Dodge Katz, for instance. This is her story.
Acceptance, lessons, and gratitude
We all have our own challenges as we try to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic, some more difficult than others. Carolyn Delaney knows what it means to face a challenge and she also understands that we can learn something from other people's journeys.
The pull to help
Her greatest joy in life is spending time with her grandchildren, but she can't right now. Rather than sit at home this Maine woman decided to come out of retirement and get back to work — nursing.
COVID-19: Maine update 4/21/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
March 5, 2020 — Let the retirement adventure begin?
Bob and Toni have been talking about their retirement dream for a long time. They'd sold their furniture, found a buyer for their house, and begun their journey when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change of plans.
At home with Jen
If you were at home with Jen during this pandemic, chances are you'd be indulging in a spoonful (or more) of ice cream every now and again. Just enough to help you feel better than okay.
Greetings from Spain
A dream come true. Well, not quite. Instead of spending a year traveling around Spain, this retired couple is now on lockdown.
Luanne Cameron’s 110 Philosophy
Ever have an idea for a book you'd like to write? When it happened to Luanne Cameron, she grabbed hold of her idea and turned it into a reality. Her book The 110 Philosophy was published in January 2020. It's all about the principles she uses to guide her through life, one that is now impacted by a global pandemic.
Coping alongside your best (long-distance) friend
Supporting each other when you have to keep your distance isn't always easy. But as this global pandemic rages on, people everywhere are coming up with creative ways to look after one another. As you'll discover in this story by Fran and Marty, it's even possible when you are separated by an ocean.
She’s a card-carrying introvert but …
Are you an extrovert or introvert? Supposedly extroverts are having the hardest time dealing with being isolated. Not necessarily so. Here's Jen Dimond's story
A child is born
In the midst of all this uncertainty and angst, there are moments of joy. One such moment occurred this past weekend when Lee Hews' first grandchild was born.
Grandparenting from a distance
Grandparents everywhere are trying to meet the challenge of social distancing. Not easy when all you want to do is scoop them up in your arms and give them a hug. Here's a little inspiration on how you can stay safe during the pandemic and still connect.
COVID-19: Maine update 4/6/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Staying at home in San Francisco
As they are in so many cities right now, the streets and sidewalks in San Francisco are nearly deserted. People living there have been under a stay-at-home order since March 16. My brother Patrick is one of them. He shares how he has been doing so far.
Driven to make more art
We all have our own ways of coping with the isolation, fear and anxiety, uncertainty, stress, you-name-it feelings that we are all experiencing these days. For Anne Strout, it's going into her studio and creating art.