If life these days were “normal,” there would still be all the challenges of parenting, aging, relationships and work. But throw in the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, the fear of illness and infecting others, physical and emotional isolation, and social and political climates that are in constant change and realignment, and many people feel overwhelmed. There are obviously ways to perceive and interact with these realities that help maintain our balance, and there are ways that detract. One of the most destructive stances is feeling like a victim with no power to gain control. Another is thinking we can just maintain our lives as they were and wait for a return to “normal.” Neither works.

This course will provide a framework for understanding how to more successfully navigate these trying times, especially by creating our lives from the inside out and taking advantage of available positive options. We will look at the power and influence of expectations, resistance to change, choosing our emotions, and the relationship between feelings, thinking and action. There will be many opportunities for personal self-evaluation and enhancing those parts of our lives which bring us more strength and balance.

Classes will consist of presentations by the instructor, group discussions, and practice with decision-making skills related to the ideas presented.