Daily Gratitude: We definitely need to remember this quote every single day right now. There is too much anger and hate – on both sides. Why not concentrate on doing small, kind and caring things for others. Make small changes (ripples) with this kindness and love. It will spread. As long as you don’t negate it with even more anger and hatred. You know. Like the person who acts so religious and does everything right on Sunday at church but for the other 6 days is an arrogant, holier than thou person who is mean and rude. You don’t want your emotion filled rhetoric (and even axtions) to derail all the good you can do to help others. There are a lot more people right now needing assistance. I bet you know at least one person on Medicaid that will now be in deep trouble and maybe even die. What can you do to help that person? How much will being indignant help them? Put your energy into love, kindness and caring.

Daily Gratitude: Boy, is this right on for me. I am having to be flexible and the resistance my soul is feeling is massive. It’s a good thing I know a fair amount about resistance. Being a death doula now and a volunteer at Abode, I’m finding my schedule has to be altered. “What? I have to do what, when? How am I going to train for Vol State? But what about….” So I’m remembering my why for each of the things on my plate; I’m remembering I juggled quite a lot more before I retired; I’m telling myself to let go and it will feel so much easier. When something is worth it to you (you have a deep why), you can find a way. Don’t expect that discovery process to be quick or easy but it will happen. Just have faith…and keep your “why” way up front. Write out all your “why’s” and post them on your mirrors and fridge and anywhere you look frequently. Embedding this in your mind will help ease the resistance and sooner or later you’ll wonder what the fuss was all about.

Daily Gratitude: One thing I’m noticing even in my early stages of working with people at the end of life is how many are lonely. But it is also a “dis-ease” I’m seeing in those who have lost someone or something close. I think loneliness has its own pandemic features. We all need to be aware of it, not just in ourselves but in others. It’s a responsibility we, as humans, have. It seems that when people need companionship and visitation most is when they are most abandoned. Being a death doula is so much more than being a doctor. Both are essential. But now if I can just help someone be a little less lonely at the time they need it the most, I will have done a good thing. The key point here, though, is that all of us can help with this issue. It requires no special training, talent or skills (well, listening is a skill) to just be with someone. I became a death doula because I don’t want people to die alone. It’s their own personal foxhole of sorts and I want to hunker down in it with them, hold their hand and let them know that they can leave this world loved. Wouldn’t you want that at your end? Why not pay it forward and help people who are lonely. Be there with them; don’t just tell them you’re there for them. They may never ask. Be proactive and when you spot someone with this affliction, let them know you see it and they aren’t a leper in your eyes. Tell them you’re going to be there with them, not just for them. Be persistent because they are afraid and don’t want to impose or be a burden. Slow your life down so you can tend to them.