Eleven Tips for Caregivers

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During the month of November, I’m celebrating and honoring Family Caregivers Month. Shining a light on the often burdensome and thankless task of being a caregiver is part of my own journey, both with my (now late) husband and with my mother earlier this year. This week for Maria Shriver’s “The Sunday Paper” I wrote a piece on how caregivers can remain intact. We often hear that you can’t care for someone else without caring for yourself first. I offer eleven tips so you can fill up your cup and keep showing up. Here is the link to my piece

A Suprise and Delight

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Dear Friends,

I’m updating you with a few good things.

My Monday morning (August 30, 2021) started with a surprise and delight. An editor from Index, a publication of Medium, featured my piece, “Why I Broke Up With My 15- Year -Plus Corporate Career” in their Monday morning newsletter. I share how I created a successful career I love without having an M.B.A. degree. I’m already overwhelmed with joy from the initial feedback.

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And speaking of degrees, for those of you who aren’t going back to school, but desire to expand your knowledge, I’m recommending you

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A Season of Transforming Caregiving & Resilience

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During this season, resilience is on my mind. Recently, a close friend told me she admired how resilient I am. At first, her remarks caught me by surprise because I admire her so, and her words truly matter to me. I listened as she offered me beautiful thoughts about how I handled the challenges and losses in my life. And tears flowed, as I realized how important this conversation was for both of us.  When she asked how I increased resilience, I told her that it was modeled for me very early in my childhood. Even though I didn’t know it at the time, my paternal grandparents (photo above is of my paternal grandma) and mother were exceptional examples.

I also wrote about resilience for “Organic Spa”; in the piece I offer tips for reclaiming resilience .

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Praise & Delight

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It is a true delight to work with people who desire to share their messages (in print, online, by voice – podcast or song) with others. And when they sing your praises, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Photo: Kristin Meekhof

Photo: Kristin Meekhof

     “I was struggling to complete my book proposal and build a social media platform when I was introduced to Kristin Meekhof. Kristin helped me build a social media platform and find a publisher for my book. First, I was a social media novice. Kristin quickly taught me how to effectively and professionally connect on Twitter. As a result, I’ve made connections on Twitter that are essential to my book writing life. In addition, Kristin is a whiz at strategic marketing and writing. With her way with words, Kristin helped me develop a “pitch” for my book which spoke to agents and publishers. I am so grateful to have worked with Kristin and can’t recommend her highly enough.”
               Stephanie Kriesberg, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist
     “Kristin Meekhof is the go-to consultant to make your book launch a success.  Her attention to detail and expertise cannot be overstated.  She is a joy to work with.”
                 James F. Zender, PhD and author of “Recovering From Your Car Accident: The Complete Guide to Reclaming Your Life.” 

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“You make a difference for so many women, including me! Thank you for being my guide and coach, Kristin.”

Shahnaz Broucek, Executive Coach & Leadership Coaching Program, Founder of Optimize U   

A Soulful+ Joyful Celebration with Disney Pixar

 

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I am beyond honored & very thankful to share that I have a part in a special collaboration between Disney’s Pixar & the University of Michigan. The film, Soul, is released on December 25  (on @disneyplus ) but there’s a free online course  available now where you can examine this question- “How can I be my most brilliant, passionate self?”
On the journey you’ll be joined by the animated host, Lewis. Also, you will learn many things including a storytelling technique to share your own purpose and inspire others to pursue theirs. 

If you do participate, please let me know as I’d love to learn which sections you found most meaningful. And if you’re hosting a watch party on December 25 or later, I’d love to join you.

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P.S. my part includes a few short videos.

A Wellness Guide With Video for These Uncertain Times

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“Wellness offer something for everyone.” Kristin Meekhof

During this stressful and uncertain time, it is important to remember what we can control. And our wellness, how we relate to ourselves and others is one of those things we can control.  We can control hand washing (as recommended by the CDC), how often we engage in social media, and we can control our breath which is part of wellness.

We can also put some simple things in place to give a sense of routine, which will anchor our day in well-being.  I created this Wellness Guide (plus video ) , for Katie Couric’s Wake-Up Call newsletter, to help us feel grounded. My hope is that it will nourish and strengthen both our bodies and minds but to cultivate a sense of calm. Each day offers a different aspect of wellness to focus on. This guide provides healthy habits, and it is important to get your doctor’s approval before beginning to use this guide.  As you know, there is no quick fix to feeling safe, but taking care of our bodies and thoughts can create healthy empowerment and enhance resilience.

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Tips for Managing Overwhelm & Maintaining Well-Being During COVID-19

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Dear Ones,

Thank you for taking time to join me here on my page.

As you know, emotional well-being is critical during this time. As such, I’m focusing my work on sharing ways to help you manage the overwhelm and providing you healthy ways to maintain your emotional well- being.

Last week, my heart skipped a few beats when I received a message from Maria Shriver. She requested that I write a piece for her “Sunday Paper”. My piece  “8 Ways to Help You Maintain Emotional Well-Being”  is live today.  It is an honor I’m beyond grateful for.

I was given the privilege to be a guest on CNN’s New Day with Alisyn Camerota. I shared some ways to manage COVID-19 anxiety. This interview is based on my Medium piece I wrote for Katie Couric’s daily newsletter “Wake- Up Call”.

New Day / CNN - March 19, 2020

New Day / CNN – March 19, 2020

I hope that you’ll find these pieces helpful for you in managing your stress during this unprecedented times. If you find your fears are disabling and preventing you from working or being able to keep up with your daily responsibilities, you should contact your doctor immediately. They may recommend you seek professional therapy. Many mental health professionals, like myself, do work remotely, so you won’t need to worry about a commute. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It can help you discern what actions and next steps are healthy for you.

If there is a topic you’d like for me to write or speak about, please email me at kristin@kristinmeekhof.com

In Good Health,

Kristin

8 Ways To Manage Your COVID-19 Related Anxiety

Photo: Kristin Meekhof

Photo: Kristin Meekhof

I’ve started writing today’s blog several times now, uncertain, both literally and figuratively of what to write. As I am composing this post, I’m sitting in my usual spot where I write, surrounded by my books, notebooks (I still write longhand) and the public radio is humming; yet, today’s writing feels different. There is a sense of urgency, and still I feel inner calm because I started my day with my same routine. I meditate, do a few journal prompts and drink my coffee. This triple- step ritual bookends my day (in the evening I substitute coffee with tea) and has for years. And in midst of real change it helps to have a bit of routine. So, if you’re wondering what you can do to bring a sense of inner- calm, here are 8 ways to manage your COVID-19 related anxiety- my piece here. I wrote it for Katie Couric’s morning Wake- Up Call Newsletter and to my delight it made it in there twice (March 12 & 14) last week. It was also was a part of the CNN’s Brian Stelter’s Saturday (March 14, 2020) newsletter.

And here are 6 Things YOU can do now to help yourself cope with the pandemic. This is a link to my newest piece for “Psychology Today”.

Also, if you find your mind on the “overwhelm” mode, here is a piece I wrote for “Organic Spa”magazine about how to do a “Mental Detox”. I had the privilege of interviewing my dear friend and mentor Dr. Deepak Chopra for the piece.

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Mindful Ambition Personal Retreat

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For 2020, I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be leading personal retreats focused on Mindful Ambition. This customized 1:1 retreat is for the person who desires to expand their brand, develop meaningful content, write powerful messages, learn how to develop authentic relationships, feel comfortable with their own voice, and stamp out fear all through the lens of mindfulness.

Participants may be the creative, a C- Suite executive, an author-to- be, a blogger, well- being enthusiast, runner, yogi or someone who simply desires more happiness and positive growth.  Together we will meet to create your blueprint and shape your outcomes.

What you will leave with is a clear plan for sharing your message, strategies for growth (personal and /or professional), and ongoing support for your work. You will feel relief that you’ve put a plan in place and empowered to move onward. While you may be a bit anxious that you’re finally holding yourself accountable, you also know deep down this is the time for you to elevate yourself. You are not alone in your journey. Contact me here for a special 20 percent discount and more details.

Photography by Brooke Collier