Naomh Pol News Issue 2

Lockdown has been a complete and utter roller coaster for us all. However, it is
important for us to remember that we may all be on the same boat, but we are
not all on the same journey. I’m sure for each and every one of you reading this,
lockdown has been full of ups and downs, some days may be harder than the
next. Therefore, now more than ever, it is important for us all to have our own
personal self-care tool box. During this past year there has been such a huge
emphasis on tending to our own well-being. However, some of us may not know
what exactly that entails; self-care looks different for every single person and
what works for one may not work for another. In these uncertain times, it is
important that our self-care tool box is filled with various tools that will divert
our attention away from distressing thoughts or even just simply a way for us to
look after and improve our physical and mental health on a daily basis. It’s not
just through lockdown, even though it’s a lot tougher than what we are used to,
its everyday life that we all struggle with … but you need to believe that you
have the ability to thrive no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.
You need to feel that you are able to set meaningful goals that match your
values and be able to feel a sense of purpose and direction because life is like
we have been giving a car with no steering wheel and asked to steer it in the
right direction… it seems impossible, am I right?? But… that’s why having a selfcare
toolbox is so important, it is our steering wheel because it is filled with
actionable coping skills that will help us strive to be the best version of
ourselves that we can possibly be, even in an unfortunate situation. A favourite
quote of mine is ‘In Pain and Struggle, I will find strength’ and I feel like that is
something that each and every one of us can relate to, it is about being
optimistic even in hard times. So, let’s find our strength, lets create our
steering wheel, let’s be the best version of ourselves together.