During one of my recent home-alone lock downs, I watched The Wolf of Wall Street for the third or fourth time and became fixated by the scene at the end of the movie. A presumably reformed Jordan Belfort is introduced to a crowd of wannabe tycoons eager for advice from the bad boy of fast fortunes.

Belfort, convincingly played by Leonardo DiCaprio, walks on stage in an un-tucked dress shirt and new blue jeans to a round of applause. He stops, sighs and studies the room much like a hungry carnivore, surveying meat. He quietly steps down from the stage and approaches several anxious attendees in the front row and holds up his pen.

“Sell me this Pen,” he asks.

As they stumble with various pedestrian responses, “Um… it’s an amazing pen,” “Well, it’s a nice pen,” and “I personally love this pen.” I found myself chiming in from the couch, “C’mon, you can do better than that!”

I eventually posed the question to myself. How would I sell that pen?

That pen is power. It makes communication tangible and memorable. It’s part of a creative process that physically engages the more than 30 muscles in the human hand in the act of inspiration and influence. That pen is how we organize and formulate our thoughts into universally recognizable symbols. It is proof of concept, napkin math, and back-of-envelope calculations. It is the dotting of I’s and the crossing of t’s in a universal attempt to teach, train and elucidate. That pen is our bayonet in the deep, dark trenches of selling and persuasion.

I soon realized, however, that I can’t think of this pen the same way that I did last year. Illness, death, pandemics, riots, and massive job losses have changed things. This has been a hard year for many; I am no exception. 2020 has tested our mettle, challenged our sensibilities, and conjured up tribal coping skills that few modern generations have had to muster. We all experienced that transcendent moment in the second week of April when we came face-to-face with the Bubonic gaze of our 14th century ancestors.

As we masked up, holed up and obsessed about our body temperature – the world became a place of them and us. The hoarders and the hand-wringers – the Wile E. Coyotes and the Chicken Littles. The coronavirus proved soulless and indiscriminate; an alien life form that slipped into large cities and small towns, creeping surreptitiously like ‘the blob’ seeping through the aisles of the Colonial Theater.

We dutifully distanced and disembarked from our fellow man. Self-imprisoned Rapunzels shrinking in our makeshift towers – we zoomed and remoted, uploaded and downloaded in a daily ritual that became unedited and unkempt.

The world of touch was suddenly suspect. Light switches, door knobs, keys, and buttons became Ground Zero for respiratory droplets. We ordered from Amazon but were afraid of the delivery boxes. We braved the grocery store but stressed over the card reader. We counted 14 days from every casual encounter with the postman and the check-out girl. We had pandemic planners, blue surgical gloves, and N-95 masks but would have readily surrendered our kingdom for some toilet paper.

The mental gymnastics of tracing the door handle to our hands, our hands to our face, and our face to our eyes – was exhausting. As our minds and bodies fell apart and our relationships disintegrated, there were no trends lines to track the spread of sadness and desolation.

So how would I sell this pen in 2020? I would say it’s our chance to once again wrap our glove-less fingers around the palpable, tactile joys of life. It’s a means by which to pour our internal monologue of hope onto a page and re-create the poetry of proximity. It’s our opportunity to pull the chairs closer, peel up the foot print decals, and refill the theaters and restaurants with the beautiful unmasked faces of humanity.

This pen is self-determination. It’s a means to draft a better ending – to step out of this Truman Show and venture beyond the dome where simulation ends and slow dances begin. This is how we find our way home and crash the demarcation lines of safe distance to return to the beautiful chaos of reckless togetherness.

If you don’t buy this pen right now in September of 2020 then you, my friend, don’t believe in come backs.

This is really embarrassing. But I’m sure I’m not alone.

I somehow got the guts to get on the scales last month and discovered that I had gained 23 pounds during the pandemic.

Is this what they mean by middle-aged spread? I felt like a slug. Deep sigh. It was like that humorous poem, “When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but 20 extra pounds on hips, thighs, and rear.”

This fact is especially hard to share since I wrote a book titled, “Ten Secrets to Losing Weight After 50.”

How Did This Happen to Me?

Several years ago, after caring for my Mom who had Lewy Body Dementia, I packed a lot of pounds on. I was horrified to weigh 172 after her death. The most I had weighed in my life thus far. So, I did a lot of research and experimenting, lost 15 pounds – even though admittedly it’s a booger to lose weight as you age, then shared how I did it in this book. I even managed to keep the weight off… until the pandemic.

I broke my 5-pound rule shared in my book – if I gain 5 pounds it’s time to lose 5 pounds. Everyone else was stress-eating, indulging, and drinking wine. Why not me? We all had to comfort ourselves somehow, right? After the pandemic was over, I’d lose the weight again, I reasoned. After all, I knew how to do it.

Well, the trouble with that kind of thinking is that COVID stuck around for a lot longer than I planned. Originally, I told myself that January 1rst I’d start losing weight. Surely, 2021 will be a better year with less stress. Then one day, I was sitting in front of a full-length closet door mirror and my reflection shocked me. I took a photo, gritted my teeth, and decided to face the music on the scales.

I tipped the scales at 180 pounds. Sadly, I had broken my previous record. My BMI is 29 and 30 is considered obese. I was on the cusp. At the rate I was going, I’d easily accomplish that feat by the first of the year.

The Seriousness of Obesity During a Pandemic

I couldn’t let that happen. After all, this is not the time to become obese. Southern California, where I live, is the current epicenter for COVID as we head into 2021. According to the CDC, obesity increases the risk of severe illness from the coronavirus and may triple the risk of hospitalization. Put simply, as BMI increases, the risk of death from COVID-19 increases.

Yes, a vaccine is around the corner, but here’s some more bad news: Studies have demonstrated that obesity may be linked to lower vaccine responses. Yikes!

So, yes, I hated the way I looked, but that isn’t my primary motivation for losing weight. I want to lower my risks from becoming seriously ill or dying from COVID. Plus, I just turned 60 a few months ago. I want to stay healthy and strong so I can travel again when this is all over, play with my grandkids, and live longer.

No Time Like the Present

No more procrastinating. Last month, I began my journey to a healthier me. I wanted to be held accountable, so I bravely posted my weight on my author’s Facebook page and declared that I was going to start following my own advice in my book. It was super scary to make this announcement in case I failed, but it was time to get honest with myself and others.

A few weeks later, my hubby posted a picture of me on a hike. I had lost some weight by then, but still looked a bit heavy. Normally, I would have scolded him for posting this pic. Since I’ve gained weight, ashamed, I only allowed head shots. But, you know what? I’m owning it! I let go of Facebook approvals.

I re-read the chapter in my book about changing my attitude (like thinking losing weight is impossible when you’re older and lamenting that methods that worked when I was younger, didn’t work anymore). I reviewed my tips on how to overcome a slower metabolism and loss of muscle mass, control stress eating, avoid going hungry, and ways to get past stubborn plateaus.

Pretty good stuff – now I only had to follow through on my own suggestions.

Choosing the Right Diet

So, I began my journey and the weight started coming off. I didn’t cut out all carbs, consume grapefruit, eat at certain times of the day, use specific supplements, or eat raw foods. There were no dangerous surgeries, diet pills, expensive weight loss programs, pricey supplements, expensive gym membership fees, or personal trainers involved. And no starving myself or following crazy fad diets that are not only unhealthy but don’t work in the long run.

You don’t have to do any of that to lose weight. Steer clear of all those trendy diets your friends are raving about that work temporarily but are unsustainable. As we get older, it’s important to make health – not fast weight loss – a priority. Experts warn that rapid weight loss can cause malnutrition and loss of lean muscle mass. Fad diets can also cause digestive difficulties; for example, many of the trendy high protein diets can cause severe constipation. On top of that, you’re more likely to gain the weight back. Who needs all that?

Remember, you’re older and wiser. Your goals are different now. You aren’t dropping weight to look good in a bikini this summer or fit into a pair of tight jeans by the weekend. You want to lose weight so you can live longer and stay healthy and strong.

There’s a lot of confusion about choosing the right diet. You’ll want to use a plan that is nutritionally balanced with no forbidden foods and that is easy to follow, allows occasional indulgences, and provides permanent healthy lifestyle changes.

While writing my book, I tried a few of the top recommended diets from the US News World Report’s List of “Best Diets Overall,” including the Mediterranean Diet, DASH Diet, and Weight Watchers (by the way, the popular Keto, Paleo, Atkins, and Raw Food diets ranked as some of the worst on their list). I shared the pros and cons of the top diets, their requirements, and my personal thoughts based on my own experience.

Weight Watchers, which is rated number one for Best Weight Loss Diets, worked best for me during that time, so that’s the plan I’m currently using. Everyone is different, however, so you’ll need to find what works best for you. If you want to try any of the other healthy diets listed, you can find inexpensive used copies of books outlining the diets along with recipes on Amazon.

So, here I am a month later and, thank-goodness, my tips still work like magic! How much weight have I lost? I’m 169 pounds, so I lost 11 pounds in four weeks. I’m off to a pretty good start and determined to stay in this for the long haul!

I’m already feeling so much better physically, mentally, and emotionally. During the pandemic when so much is out of our control, it is empowering to regain control of my eating.

Setting Mini-Deadlines

Experts tend to agree, if you need to lose a lot of weight, setting smaller goals works better than aiming for an intimidating, seemingly-impossible number that seems so far in the future you can’t imagine it.

Makes sense. Setting a goal of losing 10 pounds in six weeks is less overwhelming than setting a goal of losing 100 pounds in a year. Short-term milestones keep you focused on your success and progress instead of fixated on how much weight you still need to lose. Meeting your mini-deadlines is encouraging and energizing.

In my case, I need to lose about 30 pounds to reach a healthy weight. My first goal was to lose 10 pounds in six weeks, which happily I accomplished. However, from past experience, I know that weight drops off faster when you first start dieting. It slows down after that with a few plateaus thrown in that hinders progress.

So, I expect to lose one to two pounds a week here on out. Some weeks I may not lose anything – I may even gain a pound or two. That’s okay. Keep in mind, when you’re past the age of 50, your metabolism slows down and you lose muscle mass. That means losing weight is more challenging and will likely take more time. But it is certainly not impossible! And well worth the effort.

So, here on out, I’m going to make it my goal to lose five pounds a month – and focus just on those five pounds instead of all the weight I still need to lose.

Who Wants to Join Me?

So, it’s the start of a new year with all those resolutions. Is weight loss on your list? Are there any brave souls out there who want to join me on my journey?

Do you need help? Want to know what tried and true “tricks” I have up my sleeve to lose weight after 50? Do you need the answers to questions like: How can you control stress eating? What can you do to avoid feeling hungry? Which kind of exercises produce the best results? How can you get past those stubborn plateaus?

If so, subscribe to my blog, BabyBoomerBliss.net, and you’ll receive a free copy of my book, 10 Secrets to Losing Weight After 50. Or, if you prefer, you can purchase a Kindle edition of my book on Amazon for only $2.99 (a paperback edition is available for $7.99). By the way, if you read and enjoy the book, reviews are SO appreciated!

You can also like my author’s FB page to receive weight loss tips and follow my progress. I post a picture of my scales weekly and have promised to share my successes – and, yes, my struggles and failures as well.

For example, I knew that the last week of the year would be challenging since I was off my normal schedule. So, I made it a goal to simply maintain my weight that week. I believe it’s okay to take periodic short breaks as long as you don’t go TOO crazy and have a set date to begin eating healthy again. It probably helps in the long run. I let my followers know I gained back a pound. I’ll keep it real.

If you decide to join me on my weight loss journey, here is one more tip from my book. No matter how much weight you gain back during this process, keep your long-term goals ahead of you and eventually get back to eating healthier and exercising. Be kind to yourself and don’t expect perfection. One bad decision doesn’t need to wreck your whole diet unless you allow it to do so. Keep your vision of success alive and well. Remind yourself of all the reasons you want to lose weight. If you have a bad day, week, month, or even year, start each day anew and don’t beat yourself up for setbacks. Living a healthier lifestyle is a process.

We can do this together!

The ageing elderly face unwanted challenges. Duane was almost 80 when his sweetheart died. They’d been together 57 years, spending their adult lives doing everything together. They raised a family, pulled through tough times of financial hardship, dealt with his earlier health issues, and later her Alzheimer’s health worries, all the while sustaining a strong relationship and a secure happy home.

Like many couples they’d each had their own areas of responsibility, with Joan primarily running the household. Upon being widowed Duane had to learn to deal with all the ‘other’ things; all outside of his comfort zone. but he persevered. The adjustment to physically doing all things wasn’t very difficult because he had been picking up the slack as Joan’s health dwindled over eight years as her dementia/Alzheimer’s condition permanently detoured her abilities. Being alone since her death was a far more difficult adjustment. It has been an emotional, lonely, and ongoing grieving journey.

Since the pandemic it’s apparent that there are many people like Duane. There are many elderly people who live alone, who try not to be a bother to anyone and be independent. They try to maintain a structure to each day. They try to lead a fulfilling active, and acceptable lives. However, as they grow older and experience the evolution of the aging journey, they meet new challenges. Some are not wanted. Each birthday is often accompanied with some unwanted guest, tiredness, aches and pains from muscles and limbs, loss of independence. The dominant result is increased dependence on others. The aging process robs them of discretionary independence.

Yes, they may have close friends and loving families who make efforts to keep in contact, who may be allowed to visit with serious safety measures during the pandemic. They are living alone, still trying to take good care of themselves, some are fit and active, yet COVID is certain to seriously affect their emotional, mental, and physical abilities. Also, some like Duane struggle with physical disabilities. Their dependency – emotional and physical needs require a different pathway. Interest in life and motivation to do things is limited. Happiness and hope are diminished by the COVID journey. Television and routine chores may not fully sustain them. The lockdown “In jail do not pass go” may be their permanent position until the end of their lives. Since the COVID Pandemic, as Duane puts it, “I’m in jail and I can’t pass go and collect $100 dollars!” Grief is abundantly present. How to navigate along your grief healing journey, when sorrows bear down on you, and an ache in your heart goes on and on, is a confusing question?

So, you are not the first nor will you be the last to ask searching questions when sorrows bear down on you or an ache in your heart goes on and on. Physical challenges detours independence; grief and loss magnify. A grief happening can cause a continuing struggle with emotional and mental health challenges that weigh heavily on your soul as you suffer from grief, loss and sorrow without hope of healing. There will be times in your live when even your best physical and spiritual effort, and earnest pleading prayers will not immediately yield the victories for which you have yearned.

“Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a “healing” cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are “healed” by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us.” ~ Elder Dallin H. Oaks November Ensign 2006

The important thing is to remember you can pass through your grief and return to a happier and better place. You can seek inspiration. You can embrace your inner strength. You can begin healing and start healing like a boss!

Or would you rather set home in a tizzy, and stew?

Remember:

“Cowardice asks the question – is it safe?

Expediency asks the question – is it politic?

Vanity asks the question – is it popular?

But conscience asks the question – is it right?

And there comes a time when one must take a position

that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular;

but one must take it BECAUSE it is right.”

~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

There really is a time when you must take a position. You must take a position of what you will do, and when you will call yourself to take action. Deciding what and when you will begin to stop grieving and start healing is all about your attitude. It is up-to-you! How about now?

It is almost impossible to stage a traditional Valentine’s Day outing when everyone is locked up or wearing masks and distancing at least six feet apart. The days of fancy dinners in exotic locations are out of reach. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy and show love if you are willing to be creative and wise.

Let’s examine the three psychological aspects of love:

Thoughts – So many times I have been touched by individuals who tell me that they have been thinking about me. What a compliment! Someone who invests time and energy into reviewing memories or wondering about my well-being is a lovely thing. Those who think about how they can honour another person go even a step further. Planning a surprise or interaction takes commitment and even if you can’t meet in person, you can think of ways to make another person’s day better. At Christmas, for example, my daughter’s family had a full meal delivered to my door for me. Great thoughts turned into thoughtful action. Who are you thinking about this week?

Feelings – The first blush of love can bring passionate feelings that are delightful but with time, the feelings often mature into constant assurance, deep loyalty and the confidence of being cared for. When times are difficult, the feelings can fade or even change into ones that are not as pleasant. It is therefore important to know that no matter what happens issues can be resolved and the relationship can last. In fact, shared trouble often builds stronger ties! One warning though – don’t always lead with your feelings for they can be like chaff in the wind and change quickly!

Behaviours – Proclaiming your love and then treating another person poorly isn’t good enough. Your behaviours must match your words. Giving gifts won’t make up for disrespect or abuse. Promises are not enough. You can show a person that you love them with simple gestures that will be treasured for years to come. Phone an aged friend and find out that the call made their day! Send a thank you card to someone who didn’t expect it. Take out the garbage (before being asked!). Like the popular song from “My Fair Lady” states “Don’t talk of love… SHOW ME!”

So, this Valentine’s Day will be different – but it might be the best one yet!

Don’t just focus on the romantic part. Instead, make a list of people who you love and then start thinking about how you can behave in an appropriate way to express your feelings. Think about things that they have talked about as wishes in the past and what has pleased them previously. Do research that will offer you new ideas. Try making a card or gift rather than buying one.

And remember to use your words. There is nothing as powerful and treasured as kind words that are expressed sincerely.

Love to all of you who show that you care by reading my columns!

And happy pandemic Valentine’s Day!

Especially during this pandemic, it is vitally important to learn to live in the present rather than envisioning living an abysmal future. Keeping a positive attitude is key to coping, especially in times of adversity. At such times, it may seem impossible to believe that one’s peace, calm, and hope really can be maintained or restored in the face of such uncertain times. Yet, it is both possible and necessary to live in today, to decrease worry, and find new ways to cope with the effects of Covid-19, and the associated isolation.

If we are to continue to restore and experience good mind-body-spirit wellness, we need to use all of our resources-not just some. Faith-belief and prayer can be very helpful in fighting unbridled worry, fear, and anxiety. Such negativity is the real enemies, too often disrupting our physical health and wellness. They serve to highly impact our mind-body-spirit connection in negative ways, even lowering our immunity and mood. Within the context of holistic well-being and overall mind-body healing, hopefulness combined with uplifting faith beliefs go a long way to eliminate fear, anxiety, depression and despair. These positive attributes enable us to face any and every situation in new and improved ways, so that we can become our best self–regardless of the situation we face. When we are worried and hopeless, that is far-reaching, too, overwhelming us, and spreading to others swiftly, with a high level of contagion, that can parallel the corona-virus.

To effectively evict worry, fear and negativity, we need to find ways to experience the highest level of calm and inner peace possible. Our mind-body-spirit health may very well depend on it. The close connection between body, mind and spirit is real. We need to choose to embrace positivity–even and especially, in this time of great adversity. It really is a choice that we alone must make each day. Though counseling may be helpful for some needing practical help while wrestling with fear, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic, others may choose to pray to God and ask for His help. However, some people combine prayer and counseling for best results. It just depends on how you choose to cope, as to what you decide to do to find peace and serenity in these tumultuous times.

Fearless Faith

Judeo-Christian teaching tells us that God is a loving, compassionate god who works tirelessly to provide practical help in the form of comfort, protection, healing, and guidance. He generously blesses each of us daily through His grace, providing for our every need. It takes fearless faith to believe that help from God is on the way-even if just for an attitude adjustment. Scripture reveals that God only wants the very best for us, drawing us ever closer to Him, especially in times of adversity when we are in most need of His help. Many people the world over believe that God will make a way for us to get past this pandemic, and every circumstance, and lead us into a future filled with hope.

Alleviating Negativity

One’s faith belief and practices, such as prayer, can be very important, uplifting and central to helping a person gain a positive perspective. It can alleviate any and all negativity that we face within ourselves. Life challenges like this pandemic can either make you bitter or better. Faith belief is clearly a personal choice that we all need to make on a daily basis, despite enduring difficult, challenging situations. Growing in faith-especially in ‘fearless faith’– enables us to put aside all negativity, and face the future with renewed confidence and anticipation of good things ahead. Faith can give us hope, and helps us to stay positive even when all seems lost or we are weary and totally overwhelmed..

Though we yearn for the day that we can be out and about without social distancing due to this pandemic, spending time together, in person, with friends and family, it is important to try to stay in the here and now. It is uplifting to think that nothing lasts forever in this life, it’s all temporary, and surely relief is on the way. Hopefully in a matter of months, they will develop a safe vaccine that will prove that to be true. Then we as a nation–as a world–will likely re-emerge stronger from the struggle, grateful for our freedom and our loved ones, and ready to return to life as we know it.

© Copyright 2020 | Adele M. Gill

Has the American political system, become weaker, and attracted lesser individuals, recently, or, perhaps, was it never, as strong, as many, wanted to believe it was, in, past – years? Why is there, so – little, common sense, these days? While, certain issues are expected to be partisan, many, such as handling this horrific pandemic, should not, be! What could/ should, be, more unifying, than effectively, addressing, public health – related, issues, in a meaningful, effective manner? After, over 600, 000 Americans, have lost their lives, due to health issues, related to this virus, and millions of reported infections, as well as the prolonged length, of the pandemic, and the associated restrictions, we still observe a significant minority of our citizens, who, oppose following common sense, expert – suggested guidelines/ suggestions, such as social distancing, wearing a mask (when indicated), and getting vaccinated! With the variants, now being witnessed, and the data, which indicates, about 95% (or more) of the serious cases and hospitalizations, are infecting, the unvaccinated, common sense, would indicate, if we wish to overcome it, we need to proceed, in personally responsible, facts – based, manners! With, that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, review, consider, examine, and discuss, 5 essentials.

1. Greater good/ Public health as highest priority: What could/ should, possibly, be, more important, than the overall, public health, and safety of our citizens, etc? Why is there, continued, resistance, when the greater good, should be the highest priority? If, we super – imposed, political maps, from the 2020 elections, with, the break – out of new cases, it clearly indicates, the political – divide, continues harming the nation’s health!

2. Public health shouldn’t be political!: Although, there are many issues, where political/ partisan differences, may be helpful, achieving the finest, possible, public health, should not, be!

3. Follow scientists/ doctors/ experts, not the deniers, and/ or, conspiracy theorists: When, the vast majority of the experts, including scientists, doctors, etc, state, definitively, the need to follow a specific course, why do so many, seem attracted to those, who deny the pandemic exists, and/ or, focus on unproven, conspiracy theories?

4. Examine the data, not interpretations: Too often, those with a specific, political position, etc, articulate interpretations of data, based on, either, purposely, reporting it, or selectively, using, only the data, which supports, a specific position, etc! It is wisest to carefully, thoroughly, examine the data, rather than basing an opinion, on someone’s interpretation, which might be, supporting some, self – interest, etc! This requires, learning, how to examine data, in a complete way, and correctly!

5. Be strategic, and action plan, focused: When it comes to this pandemic, avoid, populist – rhetoric, and statements, and demand, well – considered, strategic and action plans, in a focused manner! Individual citizens must come – together, and unify, to use, measures, which will, significantly, effectively, address the ramifications of this virus!

Wake up, America, and start, using common sense, to do, what’s best, for the greater good! There is, perhaps, no area, where this is more essential, than, regarding, public health policies, and cooperation!

The Coronavirus pandemic of early 2020 has forced a new normal on virtually everyone, nonprofit organizations included.

Governors’ executive orders to shelter in place, organizations restricting travel, and preventative precautions leading us to work at our home desks now put a premium on using the phone and online meeting software.

Who would have predicted that Alexander Graham Bell’s innovative tool would experience a resurgence in 2020? It’s not just smart phone apps, important as they are, but basic connectivity and communication that matter now.

Unlike much social media that tends to isolate us from one another, the phone brings us closer. It makes possible and can even improve relationships.

In March 2020, no one knows exactly how the coronavirus pandemic will play out. We know it will run its course sooner or later, we know people will suffer and some will die, we know the economy will take a hit, but we don’t know how powerful this hit will be or for how long. We don’t know how long we’ll shelter in place or when people will once again feel it’s safe to travel.

Meanwhile, if your nonprofit depends upon gifting to operate, you’re wondering what kind of funding decline your organization will experience. And we all know that fundraising is “a contact sport,” so we feel all the more vulnerable because we can’t get out and visit our donors. Thus, the phone.

The telephone as it used to be called is a great relational device. When you call donors, just like that, you are “there.” In their space. Those donors presumably are also sheltering in place, have less to occupy their time, and likely will be thrilled to hear from you. I know, because I’ve tried this.

An unhurried but not-too-long phone conversation allows you to touch your donor where they live. You care about them and you let them know. How are they? Are they OK? Oh, by the way, this is how the nonprofit is doing. This is the proactive approach the nonprofit is taking to advance its mission in the new normal.

It’s an unobtrusive update.

In a phone conversation you can hear or convey a smile. You can express concern or empathy, clarify understanding, engage, solicit input or ideas, share vision, or most of all, just listen. Be there.

Conduct your calls this way:

 Be systematic, work your list.

 Identify brief talking points, beginning with “How are you?”

 Convey genuine concern.

 Thank them for their friendship.

 Share how and what the organization is doing, especially re crisis response.

 Maybe ask for a gift, depends on them and the nature of the call.

 Leave a brief but caring voice mail if you don’t reach them.

 Send a follow up email.

That’s it. Inexpensive, efficient, enormously effective.

Phones were invented in the 19th Century, but their power is still evident in the 21st Century.

The impact of the COVID-19 virus continues to rage on.

As the weeks and months accumulate, the number of infections and related health issues continue to spike. Nearly everyone has been impacted in one form or another.

Many have realized a life changing medical event either individually or within their family.

Millions of us have been thrown into the teeth of the economic downturn. Some have lost their jobs or seen their salaries reduced.

Normal day-to-day activities such as grocery shopping, travel and attending school continue to be compromised, often amidst great debate and controversy. Lest we forget, the reminders of these occurrences appear daily on the news and social media.

During these trying times it would be easy to face bouts of depression and/or turn to drugs and alcohol as a misguided antidote. Instead here are some action steps you can take to better maintain your emotional and physical health for not only now, but also for the long-term.

1. Believe in something greater than yourself. My family and friends have an unwavering belief in God and that God will steer us through this crises. America and the world have faced world wars, famine, and depressions and the nation has always found a way to not only survive but greatly succeed once the crisis is over. A belief in a higher power can serve as a beacon when times seem desperate. Also finding a worthy cause can help you focus on serving those less fortunate whether it’s feeding the hungry, helping the downtrodden find jobs or other charitable endeavor. One can certainly find a cause worth pursuing.

2. Develop new goals and objectives. Many are using this time to enhance their skills, develop a new hobby, change careers or find new ways to improve their lives. The increased amount of home shuttering has provided individuals with the incentive to learn about new potential opportunities from both a professional and social aspect. Individuals are spending more time studying these options and revising their long term dreams and aspirations. This provides positive energy as you not only define your goals but create an action plan to accomplish them.

3. Maintain consistency. Once you establish your new goals check your progress on a daily basis. Technology exists to monitor your activity on your PC, tablet and/or iPhone. These daily check-ins will help you keep your goals top-of-mind, adjust your plan as necessary, and prevent you from floating off course. It also keeps your enthusiasm at a high level.

4. Accentuate communication with friends and social connections. Despite the quarantine and ongoing advice to remain at home, many individuals have found creative ways to still keep in touch with friends and colleagues and adhere to health guidelines. As has been documented in the media, outdoor patio get-togethers can provide necessary social interaction. Outdoor fitness activities such as walking, running and biking with friends can help maintain social balance as well as contribute to your physical health. Zoom calls, email, phone conversations and other aspects of social media can also help overcome the feelings of loneliness and despair.

5. Discuss personal challenges with parents and mentors. Young adults and others often feel lonely and disconnected even in normal times. The pandemic has supersized these issues. Discussing one’s personal dilemmas with a spouse or parent can help bring those challenges to the forefront and create a worthwhile response. However those who would rather seek other alternatives can join a peer group and/or work with a mentor or coach. Some nonprofit organizations offer a coach at no charge. Coaches can offer a different perspective from a family member, one that is totally objective without the baggage of past experiences. In many cases the coach may have already faced the same issues as the individual and can offer real world advice for a better and faster solution.

2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. It will be remembered as the year of the pandemic. Historically, it happens every 100 years. It’s just so unfortunate that we experienced it during our time.

Most people didn’t expect it coming so quickly. Even big super power countries are caught off guard and totally unprepared for the havoc brought by this pandemic. They too are struggling to contain the effect.

Millions have lost their jobs. Savings dried up, unemployment figures skyrocketed. A lot of people don’t have savings to spare. Global economies dive into recession. Debts are piling up to continue to support the people.

In good times, we usually get a recommendation to have at least 6 months worth of expenses in savings and emergency fund. In investment, we were also advised to diversify, not putting all our eggs in one basket.

However, this proves inadequate during pandemic. Who would have thought it would last for more than a year? Who would have thought it will ground all flights, put millions of people unemployed and quarantine most of the people leaving all businesses in survival mode. Eventually, most of those businesses end up closing to further cut their losses.

To those with no medical insurance and got hospitalized due to the virus, they have another problem to worry. They may survive the pandemic but left with thousands of hospital bills. During this time we appreciate the types of insurance we can avail to protect ourselves in scenario such as this.

Government around the world reacted by giving aid to their people. But they also never anticipated to give aids for several months. Those impoverished countries can only do so little to their citizen. People are left to tend for themselves and survive the pandemic.

On the other hand, the rich gets richer. They are the one with huge pile of cash on their disposal. While ordinary people are selling their assets at a loss to finance their daily needs, it’s the rich who buys them all for a profit. During sunny days, they are the one who save for the rainy days ahead. Their attitude proves very useful during this time.

The vaccine will come soon to end economic havoc this pandemic brought us. While we are still waiting, we still need to mind our expenses to make sure our savings will last till the end. Asses all your current source of income, assets and other things with value. Make sure that you managed them properly.

As of the writing of this article in the second quarter of 2020, the answer to that question is: no. The RCFE License has not changed, but we can expect some of the requirements in the future will. Why you ask? Well, it is simple really. If you will recall the big MRSA scare, as this superbug changed the landscape of Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly by adding many additional mandates for bacteria control, the State of California did institute many new guidelines.

So, you can expect as authorities get a handle on the CoronaVirus and figure out how best to safeguard our elderly seniors living in residential care facilities, that there will be even more rules and regulations. And, these regulations will be expected to be known by Residential Care Facility personnel, nurses, administrators, and that each facility will have to have a plan specific to the outbreak of any future pandemic virus or disease.

How soon will these new requirements come forth? We cannot say for sure, only they are inevitable, and we expect them sooner than later. After all, at no other time has our country experienced a pandemic quite like this one in our modern age. It has shaken America to its core, and the nursing home sector to its knees. The Industry works hard to share best management practices and that is much of what must be known for an RCFE License.

There will certainly be new protocols put into place at every RCFE in the State of California. And, since the State of California is always on the leading edge of the best possible management practices to ensure our seniors are cared for, you can rest assured that the rest of the country won’t be far behind in requiring much of the same, if not the exact rules and regulations stipulated in the forthcoming guidelines.

The RCFE Licenses soon will come with stipulations, regulations, rules, and new requirements that must be followed, and the paperwork associated will be audited by state regulators with harsh fines, or possible shutdowns of facilities who fail to timely come back into compliance. This will occur because it must, because we are all in this together, and we don’t want to lose any more lives to this or any future pandemic.

It’s always important to have a radar on the horizon and our industry does, soon it will be time to implement these new procedural changes to continue our very important work at Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly.