Publisher’s Message: Covid-19 Response

First of all, thank you for coming to visit us here.  As we navigate these uncertain times, I am aware of the concern and emotional upheaval being felt not just in our communities, but globally. 

We have not escaped the effects of the virus pandemic.  I have had to take the unprecedented step of cancelling publication of INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Magazine for May and June while we wait for the virus situation to be brought under control. 

Our April issue went to print as usual. It will be distributed wherever it is safe to do so and will be available for three months, or until all the copies are gone. Of course, our magazine is always published here on this website, so you can read it without leaving your home.

Since the situation in our communities and the world is shifting daily, it is difficult to predict the exact timeline for anything, but I have decided to transfer the energy we would be putting into the print magazine, into expanding this website – to give you more inspiring content to read from the comfort  and safety of your couch.

One of the cornerstones of what I aspire to do, whether it is through the magazine, on the website or at any of the events I host – is to be inspiring. To uplift.  At a time when our world and communities are in turmoil, inspiration is what will draw us together towards a more compassionate universe and towards a solution to the troubles we face.

I’d like to share a couple pieces of information, that I have used to center myself in this chaotic time. I trust it will be of use to you too.

First was an email from a business mentor.  It was the first advice to come my way that helped put the situation in a framework that helped me cope better with the anxiety of figuring out what I could do to get through this grave situation.  Andrew Barber-Starkey is the owner of ProCoach International Inc in Vancouver.  Here are a couple points he made that I’d like to share:

1. What you focus on increases.  It’s easy to get obsessed with reading, watching, listening and talking about this pandemic.  The more attention and emotion you put into it, the more consumed and distracted you will become. This will have a negative impact on your business, your quality of life and your overall effectiveness.  Focus on solutions and constructive actions you can take, not on how bad things are.
2. Every situation falls into one of three categories: Situations over which you have complete control, situations you can’t fully control but where you have some influence, and situations over which you have no control at all.  The point is to avoid wasting your valuable time and energy pushing against things you cannot control and put it to use in places where you can make a difference, even if it as small as raising your emotions a little by taking a short walk around the block.  Sort out which of these three categories the circumstances of your life fall into, and act accordingly.

Sometimes that advice is easier said than done.  Believe me, I know.  So that is where my second offering comes in.  I’d like to recommend this website www.calm.com

Due to the magnitude of emotional disruption being felt by everyone, this company has put a number of key resources on their website for free – to help you through these challenging times.  The content includes meditations and exercises to calm you in a number of situations, including sleeping at night.  There are several very inspiring speakers, including “Creative Living Beyond Fear” an audio piece where Elizabeth Gilbert powerfully reminds us that expressing yourself is the essence of who you are and who you need to be.  This is a wonderful time to begin that creative project. (Some of you will know Elizabeth Gilbert for her best-selling book “Eat Pray Love”.)   

I am going to take a short break to decompress and refocus myself into the solutions I need to create for my company and my personal life.  I will be back soon with more inspirational content to share with you.

Meanwhile, I wish you calmness, steadiness and love.  If this situation has taught me one thing, it is that we still live in a compassionate world where courage takes on many forms and faces.  From those who stay to serve us in stores or hospitals, to those business owners who shuttered their companies to stop the spread of the virus and protect their employees and the public, to all those who became part of the solution to slow the spread of the virus by staying in their homes and observing social distancing.

There will come a time when the social distancing will be replaced by hugs.  Meanwhile, let it be a feeling we hold in our hearts toward one another.  Be kind. Be thoughtful. Be compassionate.  Be your best self and we’ll survive and thrive again.

I would be very grateful for your help in sharing our website with anyone who could benefit from some inspiring content.  I expect more people than usual to flock to our website once we start the flow of new content. You can help us start the momentum. 

Blessings to all.

Barbara Risto, Publisher

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