In this episode, we explore:

• Why and how to acknowledge the losses and good of the past year
• Helping children acknowledge their feelings about the past year
• Ways to keep the good of this past year in our daily lives - practical and faith-based ideas

Ways to acknowledge and process losses:

• Journal your experiences – no right or wrong way to do this
• Talk to someone who will listen without judging.  Consider spiritual direction at the church.
• Catch yourself if you find you are judging others
• Accept and acknowledge your feelings
• Be who you are before God, with all of your emotions
• Read the Gospel accounts of the Passion and identify with Jesus, Mary, and others who experienced it

Ways to recognize the good of this past "year of pause":

• Journal - re-read prior journal entries and look for patterns of light and goodness from God
• Practice gratitude (releases the “feel good” chemicals in our bodies)
• Put a gratitude jar or notebook on the kitchen counter for the family to use
• Exercise your "dynamic memory" - look to the past with gratitude to God
• Begin and end your day with prayer:  In the morning, make a daily prayer offering - something simple you will do for God in the course of your day; In the evening, give thanks to God 
• Connect with other people in ways that you enjoy

In this episode, we explore:

• Why change and transitions are difficult
• Practical and faith-based strategies and tips for transitioning into our new normal
• The role of rest and the Sabbath in our lives
• How we can grow from the experience of the past year

Tips for making transitions with less stress and anxiety

• Acknowledge that there is likely going to be stress or pressure.  This is normal. Be patient and gentle with yourself.  In prayer, talk to God with honesty about how you are feeling.
• Prepare ahead of time for things that need to be done.  Don’t wait until the last minute.
• Use daily checklists or reminders for important things until they become routine – including good things from this year of pause that you want to be intentional about keeping in your life
• Regroup and reevaluate how you are feeling after a few days, or each weekend. 
• Don’t take on too many new discretionary or extracurricular activities, if you can avoid it. 
• Take time for self care.
• Acknowledge the good things that come with change – including what you are learning about yourself.
• Make time for morning and evening prayer.  Have an encouraging, faith-related book to read before bed – fill yourself with good, positive messages before bed.
• Pray the Rosary or use a prayer candle. 
• Read Psalms 23, 122 and 137.
• Acknowledge the good things that come with change – including what you are learning about yourself.
• Receive the gift of the Sabbath – reorient your week to this holy day of resting in the Lord  – “welcome it as a guest”.  Monday – Saturday are created so that we can live fully on Sunday with the Lord, doing enjoyable things, focusing on family time, etc. all day.