10-10-2023 8:05pm

Sudden Change

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - SUDDEN CHANGE

So, your life's going along as usual--your daily routine of errands, laundry, food shopping, and paying the bills. And then suddenly, everything changes. Change can come out of nowhere. You find yourself having to switch gears to focus on an abrupt shift. This can shatter your emotions, but it doesn't have to if you have some good tools to help yourself stay calm.

I've written often about living in the moment and staying present. There really is no other way to live, especially when things suddenly change. In this case, I'll talk about a family member, spouse or partner who suddenly takes ill. You find yourself having to drop everything and prioritize. I find one of the best ways to do this is to write a list. I'm a big list person. Writing a list keeps things in focus, and it's a great way to get things done. Whether it's surgery that is needed or an extended hospital or nursing home stay, getting your priorities in order is paramount to staying focused on your loved one in need.

You may find yourself with many things that need to get done and not know where to begin. Write that list. I think it's also important to not overwhelm yourself with too many tasks on a given day. Make sure to do one thing at a time. It might be a good idea to put the most important task at the top of your list and when it's done, move the next task up. This can be very effective so that you don't become overwhelmed and shut down. We must keep going, but we're not an Energizer bunny.

Our nervous system can react in an extreme way when we hear someone is sick and needs urgent care. Our heartrate speeds up, our thoughts become overwhelming, and our ability to do things may be impaired.

The fight, flight, or freeze response refers to involuntary physiological changes that happen in the body and mind when a person feels threatened. It can cause rapid breathing, flushed skin, tense muscles, and more. This response exists to keep people safe, preparing them to face, escape, or hide from danger. However, people can experience this response whether the danger is real or not. We can't get too far ahead of ourselves and think about the "what ifs." This can trigger awful feelings.

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, pause for a moment, sit down, relax, take some deep breaths, and bring yourself to calm. Love yourself in this moment. Most times, these intense feelings will pass quickly. We must be keepers of our own well-being.

It's most likely you will have to take care of someone at some point in your life. When it's sudden, it can be challenging. But we can be prepared with some good tools that can help us. Relax. Breathe. Calm. Love.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we must take extra good care of ourselves while taking care of others.

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SKYLARKS' PICK OF THE WEEK - A SUNSET RIDE

When you find yourself having to care for someone, take care of yourself, too. One of my favorite things to do is watch the sunset. Whether it's at your favorite beach or marina, watching the sunset can bring you to a calm, centered place where you can feel rejuvenated and able to face the challenges ahead of you.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What do you do to calm yourself when faced with a stressful situation?

Please write your answer in the Reply section below. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - OUT IN THE COUNTRY by THREE DOG NIGHT

LYRICS

Whenever I need to leave it all behind
Or feel the need to get away
I find a quiet place
Far from the human race
Out in the country
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the nighttime
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'
Whenever I feel them closing in on me
Or need a bit of room to move
When life becomes too fast
I find relief at last
Out in the country
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the nighttime
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the nighttime
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the nighttime
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the nighttime

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ABOUT SKYLARK LIVE AND HOW TO FOLLOW ME

My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, a monthly vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, and monthly in-person chats called The Skylark Sessions. They are all designed to inspire and motivate women to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

Skylark Live Town News - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. And, I throw in Italian words because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click the link below to subscribe.

The Skylark Sessions: The Skylark Sessions are on the last Sunday of each month. These are in-person chats in a round-table format and are open to mature women of any age. There is a new topic for each session. I moderate, but this is an open conversation. I will post the date, time, topic, and location on my social media sites as well as on my Patreon account. There is a $5 cash donation per session. You can RSVP at christineskylark@aol.com.

60 and Beyond with Skylark Vlog - This is my first Monday-of-the month vlog that is inspirational and motivational and is a reflection of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the month and what we've talked about in my Skylark Sessions. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube Channel, as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Click the link below to subscribe.

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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day.