In a time when our community is so deeply impacted by something so negative, it’s important to realize that there are affirmations all around us. Sometimes it just takes looking up and focusing, and finding the slants of light breaking through the clouds. That’s exactly what happened for Nina Wessen of Woodland Hills.

While everyone can easily see the challenges of being home with little ones while trying to be productive at work, Wessen spotted a silver lining. “I got to see my son learn how to walk! I was so bummed I would miss his first steps because I was working but now I got to see him take his first, and second, and third steps!”

Similarly, Jenn and Joe Marsoobian and their 5-year-old daughter Raegan of Green Harbor have been enjoying their time at home soaking up every minute with their new twins.

Jenn explains, “We’ve been able to take this time to slow down and just enjoy the new babies. With a break from school and dance, Rae is blossoming as a big sister and it’s been really incredible to watch.”

Eileen Gallagher, the director of the School Street Kindercare in Marshfield has seen similar strengthening in family and community bonds; she refers to it as a much-needed return of compassion.

Gallagher reflects, “Families needed this time to remember what family was about. That there is so much we can do without. That we need self-care and it is okay to take the time to take care of yourself.”

She goes on to explain the encouraging things she’s seen amongst some of her Marshfield families. “I have been trying to keep the children connected. We have been trying to be creative to come up with ways that they can be together without being together! It has been fun doing zoom meetings, story times, and activities on our Facebook page with families. It has brought us all closer even though we are apart!” Gallagher’s efforts are no simple feat. Engaging young people and families in meaningful programming can be challenging even without restrictions. Kudos to Eileen and all educators for their success in this!

Now what if we’re able to see the compassion and camaraderie around us, but we’re struggling with self-affirmation? Marshfield born and raised Social Behaviorist, Amy Gordon, has you covered.

Gordon shares her mantra for navigating these unconventional times:
“1. There’s a gray area: While things are different, they’re still very much the same. We need to hold onto the sameness of our daily routines and highlight those for our children, families, and ourselves.

  2. Self-care/Forgiveness: It’s ok to give yourself more self-care (including forgiving yourself) in these times if you normally would allot the time to do so.   

3. Processing Emotions and Letting them Go: Sit with your emotions like you would as a guest at your kitchen table. Talk with them and figure out why they are there...problem solve it. Figure them out. Then, let them leave. Just like any other house guest.”

Amy Gordon is the founder and Executive Director of Second Nature Social Skills, and she has worked in both Furnace Brook and Martinson schools as an Autism Specialist. She’s been using this mantra to assist the families she works with and is excited to share this with any other Marshfielders that may need to hear it.

In a world bogged down with unknowns, social distancing, and hyper vigilance, it’s important to keep an eye on the lighter side. Whether you’re unexpectedly getting to witness first steps, or getting extra new-baby time, or simply having time for self-reflection, it okay to appreciate and value those moments. Even if the cost seems immeasurable. In fact, maybe the most cathartic thing we can all do is create space to focus more on the small, often unexpected, moments of lightness – even if it’s just to start to balance out the heaviness of the rest of our days. And then hopefully, eventually, like a Green Harbor sunrise, the lightness will prevail.

ALWAYS SUNNY ABOVE THE CLOUDS.

Gallagher reflects, “Families needed this time to remember what family was about. That there is so much we can do without. That we need self-care and it is okay to take the time to take care of yourself.”

#MarshfieldToday