We may
not need to worry, but we are constantly talking to ourselves. And during these
times of uncertainty and even fear, this self-talk can increase our anxiety.
It’s
important to understand that we cannot control anxiety from occurring. This is
our brain’s automatic survival mechanism. What matters is learning how to respond
to anxiety helpfully, so that we don’t get carried away by it.
So
what can you do? The first thing is to eat a large bowl of ice cream! No, that’s
probably not a good idea, but it works for me!
Instead
DON’T ignore your feelings. But DO accept your feelings. It is often an
important first step to feeling calmer - realizing what is bothering you so you
can deal with it.
DON’T
let your mind make a mountain out of a mole hill - always jumping to the
worse-case scenario usually focusing on what you can’t control. But DO notice
these thoughts and redirect your attention to what you can control. You can’t
control the news, but you can control what you watch, what you eat, and the
connections you make.
DON’T
accept all your thoughts as facts. But DO ask yourself. “Is this thought true,
helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind.”
DON’T
allow yourself to be constantly bored. But DO find distracting activities. When
you are focused on an activity it can make you feel happier, more motivated and
energized. But sometimes I’ve found it takes a good kick in the buttocks to start.
Learning
how to recognize and reduce anxiety is an extremely helpful life skill no
matter the circumstances. To learn more, check out the “Coronavirius Anxiety
Workbook” posted on the Center’s website under the COVID-19 tab.
The
Dalles Meals-on-Wheels wants to thank everyone for the support they have
received during these difficult times: the new drivers who have stepped
forward, The Dalles Rotary who donated their catered meals for four Wednesdays when
they couldn’t meet; Whiting Turner Contracting who once a week donates meals
from Mamma Janes; Beachwood Eatery and Cobblestone Catering; McDonalds for
donating gift cards to all the drivers; and the finally the generous financial
donations they have received. They couldn’t do the important work they do
without your support.
With COVID-19
and the social distancing, you have to be creative to have some fun. With that
in mind, the Center is hosting a Drive-thru Band Concert FUNraiser for
Meals-on-Wheels in the Center’s parking lot on Friday, May 8th from
5:00 to 7:00 PM. It will feature the Columbia Basin Blues Band (no relation to
Columbia Basin Care Facility) playing pop, rock and blues. Think of it as part
drive-in movie theater and dragging the gut (or in this case the Center’s parking
lot).
To
play this game, a team was on each side of a building and before throwing a
ball over they would yell out “Annie, Annie Over”. I received correct answers
from Anna O’Donnell, Jess Birge, Sandy Lutgens, Mary Ann Haas, Virginia
Johnson, Judy Frey, and Jeannie Pesicks. And Barbara Cadwell remembers the game
as “Auntie-I-Over”; Rhonda Spies “Ante Over” and Lana Tepfer “Ollie, Ollie
Oxen”. The winner of a quilt raffle ticket has to be Diane Weston who suggested
such a great question.
It’s
the first Wednesday so it’s time for “What use to beeeeeee there!” and the
theme is “Bottom’s Up”. Two downtown breweries are in historical buildings. For
this week’s “Remember When” question, what were the historical buildings
Freebridge Brewery and Sedition Brewery now occupy? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com,
leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with a picture of the Bonney Saddle
Shop.
And
before I go, which many of you are thinking “It’s about time!”, here are three
more quotes for your enjoyment.
“Talking
about yourself proves only one thing: you’re still unable to tell the
difference between good and bad company.” Guy Finley
“One
advantage of talking to your self is that you know at least one person is
listening.” Franklin P. Jones
“Of
course I talk to myself – sometimes I need expert advice.” Edward Henheffer
Well,
it’s been another week, wondering, “Who was that masked man I just talked to!”
Until we meet again, stay safe and stay strong.
“The
older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball
- the further I am rolled the more I gain.”
Susan B. Anthony
Meals-on-Wheels
daily menus but may change because of donations from local restaurants.
Thursday
(7) Meat Loaf
Friday
(8) Open Face Turkey Sandwich
Monday
(11) Salisbury Steak
Tuesday
(12) Pork Roast
Wednesday
(13) Chicken Fried Steak
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