TELECONFERENCE: Finding Your Way to Normal

An International Support Group facilitated by Dr. Marshack. This Teleconference is only for members of Meetup. Click here for membership details and to register for this call.

Topic: TELECONFERENCE: Finding Your Way to Normal

When: Friday, December 18th, 1 pm Pacific Time

Register: here.

During the holiday season, this topic is particularly poignant for most of us, isn’t it? Even more so this year.

Disaster researchers tell us that we have hit the “Discouragement Phase” of the Corona Virus Pandemic. At first, we thought it would pass. Some of us stepped it up and volunteered at social service organizations, as if this thing were short-lived. But now we have entered the “Discouragement Phase,” since there is no end in sight. Not only do we have to live with Pandemic protocols for a long time — our world has changed, and there is no going back.

Some people are starting to accept these changes and refer to “The Before Times,” or “BC” (Before Covid). The message is clear. We have gone past the point of no return, and that old life is not coming back. But there is something after discouragement. It’s called the “Reconstruction Phase,” where we rebuild our lives.

Those of us who have successfully traversed severe trauma know how to reconstruct our lives. We are in better shape than many to face the losses imposed by the Pandemic. We don’t have to stay discouraged, or wish for “The Before Times,” but we can use all of our collective creativity to find a new way forward — by being our loving, creative, and authentic selves.

Let’s gather together to discuss how you feel about this conundrum and what to do about it. I’m not saying that we can really find our way back to normal. That ship has sailed. But perhaps we can create a new normal for us; a normal that helps us stay healthy and loving and mentally centered. . . amid the chaos of living with those on the Spectrum and a global pandemic.