May Happy Hippy Mama

Emily Holody and Debbie Arellano volunteering at East Shore United Methodist Church Soups On Mission.

Hello all- 

I hope that this finds you healthy and safe during this month.  I had hoped by this time, I would be sharing new ideas for us to be doing together in the community and beyond.  It seems, however, that for now, this is not possible.  I feel grateful that my family is together, healthy, and safe.  We have enjoyed our time together, sometimes slowing down, others pushing through.  I feel very thankful for the ability to slow down, and at the same time almost simultaneously ready to jump out of my skin.  I know so many are feeling the same way, and in reality, it is a blessing, however, that jumping out of the skin feeling is real and valid too.  It is OK to pause, feel, and acknowledge it if you need to.  

During our stay at home time, we have done many of the same things lots of you have done. We made pizzas, extravagant time-consuming meals, treated ourselves to take out, gone on walks, bike rides, and car rides.  I am thankful to have celebrated a Quarantine birthday, it was beautiful and complete with my own parade.  I felt so loved, from a distance.  Keep an eye out for a few recipes a bit later in this edition that you and your family might like to try as well.  As I have said this time is lovely, however, I miss getting out seeing other family and friends and doing simple things like getting a hair cut or running a 5K road race.  I know that by staying home and not doing this we are helping to keep others healthy and safe which makes the staying home and missing out on those things much easier to do.  

Something I have been able to continue doing during this Stay at Home Order is volunteering at the East Shore United Methodist Church Soups on Mission at 23002 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44123.  A small skeleton group of volunteers gathers each week to serve the community a to-go meal.  We have been serving about 60-75 individuals each week.  If you or someone you know could benefit from a warm meal and a few staple food items, simply come to East Shore United Methodist Church from 5 pm to 6 pm each Wednesday to pick up your meal.  If you are interested in doing something to help, we are always accepting donations and they can be dropped off at the church or mailed in.  We are also accepting donations of cloth masks to distribute to community members and give to health care facilities as needed.  Should you have any further questions about the mission or making a donation contact the church office at 216-261-1688.

I hope someday soon we are able to get back to our full beautiful lives, however, until then I hope we can find beauty in simply staying home.  I know that not everyone finds beauty there, and if that is the case know you are seen and cared for.  If you are having a difficult time please reach out.  If your difficulties feel more than the average "this is driving me crazy"  know that you are seen and cared for.  Please reach out for support if you need it.  I am here to listen too.  Find me on Facebook at Happy Hippy Mama or by email at HappyHippyMama@yahoo.com. You are beautiful, worthy, and seen.  

This month's mantra: Breathe in, Breathe Out, and Relax Your Shoulders.  Take a moment to remember, every time you simply wash your hands or wipe the counter with a disinfectant, you are doing something helpful (bye, bye helplessness!). Focus on this helpful action and let it guide your thoughts towards a proactive, positive mindset.

Sending love and wishes for good health,

Until next time, 

Namaste :) 

Emily Holody

A Peninsula, Ohio, native, Emily Holody is a stay-at-home mother and freelance writer with a degree in Sociology from Kent State University. She has a background in mental health and social work, loves yoga, all things outdoors, and lives in Euclid with her childhood sweetheart and their family.

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 5:48 PM, 05.07.2020