Hopeful practices

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, August 2020; written by Ann Marie Meiresonne.

As we approach fall many people may be a little anxious about how different this time of year will be during a global pandemic. We humans do not necessarily like change, and we have all experienced so much change in 5 months. So, here are some ideas that may help to be hopeful as we head into September.

Laugh. We need to see the funny in the day. Especially your children but also your spouse, parent, and co-workers need to hear and see you genuinely laugh because it lets them know it is going to be okay.

A hug for your family members every day is a good thing.

Send a card in the mail. The act is very satisfying for yourself and the recipient. If you receive a note in the mail, return the favor.

Whenever and however school begins take a 1st day photo. Just because the school year looks different does not mean traditions should not happen.

Look for seasonal signs. Color of foliage, we do have some. Smelling the creeks, a sure sign of the time of year. Collect some leaves. Look and listen for geese although that is later in September.

Read aloud or listen to a favorite story of yours. There is comfort in sharing a story by having it read to you. Not only is it a healthy habit but for those with children in the house it is excellent literacy practice for them to have you read aloud. In addition, you could try listening weekly Tuesday evenings on KRBD to Reading the Classics at 6:30pm. Classic stories read aloud by library staff. Also, Reading Aloud on Facebook with Pat Tully at 6pm on Saturdays.

Exercise. Go for a walk even if you have to put your full raingear and boots on. Fifteen minutes can reset you for the day. We have many lovely spots to walk which will help you to notice nature and refresh your spirit.

Be kind.

Visit the library. We are in phase 3 of reopening. Some individual seating is back, children’s collection is open, Wi-Fi is available, great new titles to review in all the collections, and DVDs to enjoy.

Decorate for the fall. In my book, it is never too early to decorate. Strings of fall colored lights help significantly, as the days grow shorter. Combinations of orange, yellow, red are happy colors. Moreover, for those of you not into decorating support the family member who is because that can be rewarding more than you know. Plus, you might get to add the spider, ghost and scarecrow decorations.

Create something. With wood, bark, paint, fabric, thread, pencils or beads. The library has a very large craft book collection to inspire you from woodworking to needlecraft to holiday. Family Maker Bags are regularly available for kids to bring home, just stop by the children’s desk. These are different activity kits with most supplies included to learn, grow and create.

Cry. Emotions are okay. It is the sweet hopeful community stories that bring on my tears at this time. Crying is a release.

If today seems impossible, reach out and let someone know. Locally there is Ketchikan Cares Crisis line at 907 225 2273.

Ketchikan Public Library is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm. We would love to see you. We miss being able to offer in-house programming to see your faces regularly. However, we are here to help find resources and reads for parents, children, teens, adults, grandparents, college students, teachers and all. Remember, we are Ketchikan strong.