2020 Hometown Heroes

2020 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS May 14, 2020 Page 57 Cook also received her certification as a Professional Life and Leadership Coach in 2018 and enjoys working with people to realize and create the lives they truly desire. She has also a certified Level I Stress Mastery Coach. A special message from Marcia This has been a very stressful and difficult time with the coronavirus affecting each and every one on some level. A few things to keep in mind is that whatever you are experiencing or feeling is okay. It’s normal to feel scared, angry, lonely or afraid at this time. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that arise in your body/mind and don’t try to deny or hide them. The repression of emotions will do more damage in the long haul. Be kind and gentle with yourself and all those around you. Understand that each person is being affected in their own personal manner. Self-compassion and compassion for others will support you during this unimaginable time. A tip to help you cope: Mindfulness increases happiness A very simple tip to feel better during this time is to focus on what you are grateful for each day, and if needed, practice morning and night. Find a journal or any notebook and write three things for which you are grateful. Each day look for different items to note. Now close your eyes, bring one item or memory to mind, smile and feel your heart smiling too. Allow yourself to feel the joy, excitement, love or happiness that arises. Spend a few minutes in the feeling state to obtain the greatest benefits from this practice. If you find yourself unable to feel the emotions, that is okay, they will come in time. After a few days or weeks of this simple practice you will find yourself looking for what you are thankful. Your mind will literally be wired to find the good. [Marcia Cook & Nila Smith]