Coping Archives - Melanie Young- Fearless Fabulous You!

Learning To Exhale

On January 31, 2021 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping

Welcome to 2021. Usually, it’s March that blows in like a lion and out like a lamb. This year it started in January. While taking a restful month off to recalibrate, we were jarred back to reality starting January 6th with the attack on the U.S. Capitol. A nation gripped in a pandemic now watched chaos unfold in Washington DC. We know the coronavirus is highly transmittable. Anger is also infectious, easily passed through social media. It can lead to peaceful protests or dangerous mobs. The rush of wind that swept through the nation on January 20 wasn’t an Alberta Clipper from Canada. It

Don’t Forget To Smile!

On December 21, 2020 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping

An itchy nose and maskne rash notwithstanding, another side effect for many people wearing masks is forgetting to smile. The bottom half of your face is covered, so your eyes become the main form of expression unless you are wearing sunglasses and a hat. Then your face basically disappears. On the creative side, masks have become a new form of expression, a fashion accessory that can match your clothes and offer a message across your face. If wearing a mask is the new normal, give it your personal touch, especially this holiday season. Mask wearing has created funny and not funny outcomes: On the

The State of Transition

On December 11, 2020 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping

The challenge of “what next?’ and “where to?” presents an opportunity unlike any to reshape one’s future. To do this well, you really need to let go of anything in your past life that is holding you down. That is not an easy task, and it takes time. We have met many people living in the same state. Some are trying to figure things out; others are well on their way.

No If or Buts. Thoughts on Grieving

On November 21, 2020 / Coping, Holidays

We’re all grieving for someone or something that we lost this year We’ll all be glad when 2020 is in the rear view mirror. In the meantime, we gave thanks for good health, recovery, friendship, photos of loved ones and happy places. Simple things. No ifs or buts this year.

Heads Up! Speak Out!

On November 14, 2020 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping, Inspiring Women

“Stay quiet, listen and keep your head down. Try not to stand out.” Those were the words of advice I was given when I started out in my career. Many women have been taught to avoid controversy, to fit in and lay low. It can work to your advantage being a team player. But it does not work when you want to shape your identity and shine a light. And laying low does not help when the odds are stacked against you and bosses and colleagues are treating you unfairly. I have been following an ongoing news investigation about sexual harassment at the

What I Did During My Pandemic Summer

On September 11, 2020 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping, Staying Grounded

Remember your first day back in school in late August or early September when your teacher asked you to write an essay entitled. ‘What I did on my summer vacation?” Well, this September, with a pandemic that still continues at a scary pace, we’ll all have a story to share unlike any other. Here’s mine: How I spend my Pandemic Summer Some people shared that during this pandemic they took up a new language, started a kitchen table business, sewed masks, re-designed their websites, volunteered at the local food pantry, caught up reading books, watched old movies, learned to bake sourdough

Tone Deaf? I’m Listening and Trying

On June 11, 2020 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping, Staying Grounded

I’ve tried writing this post a half dozen times. Then something happens in the news, and everything feels inappropriate. Every time I try to write something down, I worry about sounding tone-deaf. But a wordsmith also cannot stay silent. I believe in equal rights and offering everyone a fair chance. I don’t want to see anyone mistreated and I detest racism, bigotry, religious intolerance, gender bias, ageism, sexism and any action or words that denigrate an individual, group or nationality. I haven’t marched in a protest because I am uncomfortable in large crowds and worry about getting sick. I refrain from posting many statements on

Zoom and Gloom- Staying Virtually Fabulous

On May 15, 2020 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping

Just when I thought I had mastered disconnecting to find better balance in my life, the COVID-19 pandemic turned what was right side up, upside down. Life has become a virtual reality tied to clicks, mikes and screens. Some of it is great and other times…..well, let me put it this way: Sometimes I want to scream at the screen and tell people how to conduct themselves. I’ve seen the tops of more heads over the past six weeks. And distorted faces. Zoom has been great for connecting people, but many have no idea how to use it. The first few minutes

A New Normal? I Got This! What Having Cancer Taught Me About Living Through a Pandemic

On May 15, 2020 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping

I never thought I would live through the crisis of a pandemic. But then I never thought I would hear the words, “You have breast cancer.” Both can derail your life. Or you learn to adapt to the new normal. And living through a pandemic will result in a new normal, much like living through a war or cancer.

Pan-fried and Stir Crazy- Six Degrees of Isolation

On April 15, 2020 / Coping

Our lives right now could be called “Six Degrees of Isolation.” They mirror Dr. Elisabeth Kübler–Ross’s five degrees of grief with a bonus: Denial: This really couldn’t be happening! Anger: I am so frustrated and angry this is happening in the world! Bargaining: I promise to wear my mask and gloves going out and will wash my hands and sanitize regularly; just please keep me healthy! Depression: I feel helpless and sad.. So many people are dying? When will this end? Will things every be back to normal? Acceptance: Well, let’s just make the most of this situation. It is

Why Did It Take a Pandemic to Do This?

On April 8, 2020 / Attitude Adjustment, Coping

As we move into another week of shelter in place (SIP) that may or may not end April 30, everyone is learning to adapt to less space and more time to fill. I’ve noticed a few interesting developments in the conversations I have with people and see online. Even though we remain in isolation, we stay connected. Here is my “Why Did it Take a Pandemic to Do This List?” 1 Get creative and crafty. People are working with their hands as a form of stress relief. Some are returning to former hobbies or testing skills to learn something new. I have

How to Stay Emotionally Connected During Social Isolation

On March 16, 2020 / Coping, Fearless Fabulous You Radio Show

Social isolation can have a negative impact on your emotional and physical well-being. Here are tips to cope and maintain calm.