PLMS Counseling
May 4-8, 2020
Hope is the Thing with Feathers
That perches on the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.
This excerpt from Emily Dickinson's poem, 'Hope is the Thing with Feathers', written in the 1800s, reminds us that hope is always alive and within us. More than ever, during challenging times, it's so important for our mental health to focus on what we are hopeful and grateful for. Hope and gratitude are powerful weapons against the blues, and if we focus on them, we can find something to be hopeful about and grateful for. Research tells us that reflecting on what we are grateful for can increase happiness and hope for the future. We all have up and down days during this pandemic, and keeping focused on hope and gratitude helps a lot. There are many reminders of hope and the human spirit around us, from teddy bears in windows to drive-by birthday parades. Healthcare and other essential workers are showing up every day and giving their best to their communities. Neighbors are connecting and helping each other. The dogs of the world have never been happier, or in better shape. And the community is bonding from a safe distance -- Have you noticed how much friendlier people are these days? It's amazing and heartwarming, and taking a minute to reflect on the good that has come from this time can make us feel better in the moment and more hopeful for the future.
Ms. Brittain, Ms. Varsa & Ms. Elliot
#GratefulEveryDay
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is taking time to think about positive things in your life. It's about cultivating an attitude of thankfulness or appreciation for people or things. Gratitude is a choice. Houston Kraft, Co-founder of Character Strong, says “It's the choice to notice that every day, good is available to us if we're looking for it. The foundation of gratitude is awareness”.
Take a minute to be aware of what you think about most often. Remember: You get what you focus on. So why not take the time to be more mindful, open up your senses to the richness of life. Allow yourself to focus on the goodness and beauty in the world, and the people who have made a difference in your life.
William Arthur Ward says, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."
Challenge: This week find a way to express your Gratitude
- Use all senses to be more mindful of the good in your life
- Vocalize your appreciation for someone you care about
- Take time to send a handwritten note to a friend
- Create a gratitude journal and record what you are thankful for
Coming to Your Senses by Jeff Teresi
Have you ever REALLY wondered how fortunate you are?
Have you ever thought your blessings could outnumber the stars?
First, imagine if you suddenly lost your sense of SIGHT,
Would you miss SEEING the difference between day and night?
Now imagine you lost the ability to HEAR.
As silence whispers in both ears...could you still persevere?
Now imagine if you suddenly lost your sense of SMELL,
Could you bid the sweet smell of flowers and fresh air farewell?
Now imagine you lost the ability to TASTE,
What joy could come from eating if all flavors where erased?
Now imagine if you suddenly lost your sense of TOUCH,
Does just the thought of such a loss make you FEEL very much?
While each sense is SENSATIONAL, there is only one you need,
It is the sense to GIVE THANKS, the sense from which all gifts proceed.
Creativity Corner with Ms. Elliot
The sweetness of doing nothing
That's right, this week's focus is on NOTHING. And how wonderful doing absolutely nothing can feel. If you've ever been to Italy, you have seen firsthand how Italians really know how to embrace la dolce far niente, and how much in enables them to enjoy life. We, as Americans, have more of a culture of constant busyness, and this way of life can often lead to chronic stress, anxiety and depression--even in kids. In fact, it seems like we've been conditioned against doing nothing, as we often feel guilty if we're not constantly going and doing and producing. Italians know that this sweetness of doing nothing is an essential daily ingredient, and they are better for it. With the world on pause now, this is the perfect time for us to embrace doing nothing. Last week out my front window, I noticed a little squirrel in my yard. Normally, I would not even think about watching a squirrel--who has time for that?--but this time, I did watch. For about 10 minutes I watched that squirrel dig up and eat nuts he had stashed in my yard. I watched as he rolled around while taking a dust bath in the dirt under our treehouse. I watched as he scampered up and down trees. And in the moment, I was gifted with the insight that this was maybe the best 10 minutes of my day. When we enjoy what is happening in the present moment, we are showing our gratitude for the good things in our lives.
What can you do today to embrace la dolce far niente?
Parenting Reads
Agonizing Over Screen Time? Follow the Three Cs
(New York Times, April 13, 2020)
This article gives you a permission to let down your guard and suggests to focus more on what matters: child, content, and context.
It's Okay to Be a Different Kind of Parent during Pandemic (Atlantic, April 8, 2020)
It's what you do with what you can control that shapes your children.
Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis (ChildMind.org)
Teenagers don’t always appreciate 24/7 attention from parents.
Mental Health Support
Our awesome School-Based Mental Health Counselor, Rosie Bancroft rosalie.bancroft@swedish.org is available to support PLMS students and families online. She can also connect you to mental health community resources.
Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Crisis Connections: (206) 461-3210
PBSES with Ms. Berntsen
As we begin the month of May – Mental Health Awareness Month, I’d like to share with you two messages of HOPE. The first is Tworkowski's quote. It's a reminder that though many areas of our lives have been altered, many things remain. The second is a blog post There is Light to Be Found by Emily Gallant that talks about how to find the good even during these hard times. May you find HOPE in the month of May!
Local COVID-19 Resources
King County COVID-19 Resource Guide
Financial help: small business owners, unemployment, immigrant communities, public health housing cash & utilities (updated as of April 24, 2020).
Counseling Team
School Counselors (Student Last Names):
(A-Ho) Kristen Brittain: brittaink@issaquah.wednet.edu
(Hp-Pa) Kirsi Varsa: varsak@issaquah.wednet.edu
(Pb-Z) Meagan Elliot: elliotm@issaquah.wednet.edu
School Based Mental Health Counselor
Rosie Bancroft: rosalie.bancroft@swedish.org
PBSES Coach
Tori Berntsen berntsenv@issaquah.wednet.edu
Registrar
Lakshmi Palaniappan: palaniappanl@issaquah.wednet.edu