What can you do about still feeling vulnerable?
For the past few weeks, we have been reflecting on and writing about the recovery phase of the pandemic. Culling from discussions we have had with numerous individuals and reviewing research and news related articles, we have identified the importance of this stage. The focus of this stage is to mobilize ourselves to reflect on what we need to do to better care for ourselves. This self-review is also encouraged for organizations and businesses. Our sense is that during this stage individuals and organizations are encouraged to think about how vulnerable they felt during the pandemic and how this feeling may still be with them.
The feeling of vulnerability can be paralyzing and create a dynamic where we do not feel in control of much of our lives. It also can be the seed of motivation to make the changes that are needed to enrich our being and catapult us to new discoveries and practices of self-care. Realizing our vulnerability and developing a better understanding of it can open ourselves to connecting with the world in very meaningful ways.
In Helen’s practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) she frequently uses Nutrition Diagnostic Terminology (NDT) to guide her in providing the most appropriate interventions for her clients. Lately she has been finding that she is not using the NDT, “Food, nutrition, and nutrition-related knowledge deficit” but rather using the NDT, “Not ready for diet/lifestyle change.” What Helen is seeing is that many people do not need to be bombarded with more information about self-care topics but rather they may find it useful to assess their readiness for change. The hesitancy of change may not be based in the lack of knowledge but rather a paralysis of not letting themselves feel the vulnerability of the change process.
There are so many aspects to self-care and it is impossible, and self-defeating, to employ many practices at the same time. Instead, think about some potential changes that you have been thinking about this past summer and ask yourself these questions:
Are you planning to make a change, in any of the areas, that you have thought about in the next six months?
If yes, proceed with those potential changes and let the others wait for another time.
Next, proceeding with those identified changes that you plan to proceed with in the next six months, and ask yourself, on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, how confident are you in your ability to make the changes?
Of those changes that you have assigned an 8, 9 or 10, ask yourself which one or two can be your best point(s) for action?
Now that you have identified that a lack of knowledge is not preventing you from action, instead, what resources do you need to acquire to assist you with the intended changes?
Using these questions can help us funnel our changes into a manageable list of desired changes and not leave us feeling overwhelmed.
Key Takeaways
We are in the recovery phase of the pandemic.
This is the time when we can make healthy changes … or not.
Lack of knowledge may not be the issue.
Best Practices
Feel the vulnerability.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Choose trusted reliable resources.
Things to Limit
All or nothing mentality.
Inertia.
Quick fixes
Quote of the Week
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
~Brene Brown
The recovery phase will continue for an undetermined timeframe and there are no required tasks, other than those that we choose to tackle.
Be well,
The paraDocs
Image by: Erika Fletcher on Unsplash
Check our Welcome Greeting on YouTube
The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
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