Somewhere in the middle of the pandemic, I found myself locked in the bathroom sitting on the toilet (one of the few places I could find a few stolen moments of peace).
I opened an email from the University of Chicago, asking for participants for a research study on the mental health ramifications of COVID. Without hesitation, I agreed to participate and fill out the questionnaires. I was shocked at my answers, seeing more clearly the truth of my situation.
I was overwhelmed, not sleeping, anxious, in grief, experiencing pain in my body, and angry about all that had been heaped on my plate. I was still working full time (on zoom), AND now also acting as a school teacher to my 3 children with 3 separate curriculums. There were also more dishes, more cooking, and more housework than ever before because we were all HOME.
The last year was hands down the hardest one I’ve faced to date. I know my situation was not unique. Everyone was challenged in a multitude of ways in this past year.
From this, I was motivated to apply for a grant and create a program for WOMEN. The purpose of this program is twofold: 1) To teach self-compassion tools to refuel women’s souls, and 2) To help fortify our collective feminine mental health against future challenges as a result of the pandemic.
Why self-compassion? For starters, women struggle with it. Additionally, research shows it is linked to improved mental health, and a positive sense of well-being, and it may assist people in processing negative experiences. It feels like the balm we all need after the year we’ve all had.