Personal Safety Nets

11/06/2017

Don't forget to VOTE!!! Even if you don't know the answers of which candidate to choose on all parts of the ballots, VOTE for those you do know about. But VOTE!!! Tonight 20 of us, with different perspectives, opinions and information, gathered to go through the Seattle ballot. These must be posted by Tuesday, 11/7/17, so it's close to the wire. NO, we don't see or check each other's choices, but we do discuss and inform. So, whatever your politics ... VOTE!!!

10/29/2017

"I do so enjoy working on projects with you -- we come at things so differently. Things balance out" Marijo -- One of the reasons why a team can be strong is that people bring different perspectives, agendas, skills, strengths. Pulling a Care Team together with this in mind expands the options of who to involve, why, for what, when. No matter what you are considering: buying a farm, dealing with a health situation, starting a new life chapter, aging and suspecting help will be good -- think of who might be involved.
Think of making a relationship map, or CareMap. This might be for someone for whom you care, or for yourself as you engage in helping. This approach can assist as you think through needs, and ways of addressing them:

The Atlas CareMap is a hand-drawn representation of a caregiver’s network and is one of the Practical Solution that emerged during the Pilot Study . It allowed our investigators to more easily ‘see’ all the people involved in a care ecosystem, and quickly became one of our most valuable tools. The C...

10/25/2017

"What I do you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful" - Mother Teresa -- You'd think she knew of Personal Safety Nets!

10/22/2017

In the Seattle area, where I live, ballots for our fall elections have dropped into mail boxes. Here's a suggestion for how to be a more informed, connected voter: invite people you know to gather for a "ballot party". Ask that they bring ballots, ideas, information, questions, opinions, and good civic manners. There can be a potluck dinner or what have you, but not any or much alcohol. If there are many who come -- and people with differing ideas, along with first-time-voters, are definitely welcome -- divide into groups of a dozen or so, with an identified "moderator." Too many in a room cuts into the chance for everyone to be heard. The moderator's job is to keep the group on task, going down the ballot, item by item, no one trying to change anyone else's view, but sharing respectfully. There is no goal of reaching consensus. When all ballot issues have been discussed, thank everyone and post those ballots.

10/20/2017

"How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment to improve the world" - Anne Frank

10/19/2017

Claudia Mauro (Whit Press) recently wrote "I am aging and I do have limitations. I want to know what and where they are, mind, body, and soul. I will die of something, but I don't want to die from lack of imagination.
So far, one thing clear—pain and fear aren't going anywhere.
And I am not going to "overcome" those two with rotating versions of self-will and hubris. They are going to have their seat at the table from now on.
But where I've been holding them up as both bully and prophet, I want to hold them as advisors instead. Trusted advisors.”

Claudia's words remind me that the corner of our safety nets that might be described as "spiritual" or "soul affirming/supporting" is held up by wise words and guides as well as, possibly, by religion, belief system, meditative practices, music, or time in nature. Check this out. http://personalsafetynets.org/content/what-personal-safety-net. How well is your corner supported?

A Personal Safety Net (PSN) is a way to create a safer and more secure future. It is the web of plans, resources and people who come together to give meaning, support, ease, safety and security to your life. Taking care with each of the 8 Pillars of Resilience will provide a well-supported PSN and t...

10/19/2017

From India, where SHGs (Self-help groups) have formed specifically to help women, in a spirit of solidarity and empathy, increase their ability to avoid household crises through stronger support for sound financial decision making, to the USA where the legal battles continue over whether there should be guaranteed healthcare for all residents, the basics of Personal Safety Nets are relevant. Whether it's healthcare, financial stability, or determining & defining the social networks of support, asking for assistance in life makes good sense. Of course looking around you for who, where, and what, you have safe networks is important. If the answers leave big areas that aren't supported, check out the website: www.personalsafetynets.org for ideas. We can all use a boost now and then.

10/19/2017

It's been a year of quieting down, doing less and doing even that more slowly. At least, that's been my strong intention. Luckily, others have been carrying on with the work. At the Wallingford Community Center, starting today, there is a 4-week series that will focus on "getting your affairs in order". Call 206-461-7825, or show up at 1:30. Be ready to be engaged in life-saving, life-giving work, as you walk with others on the way to increased safety and security for yourself and those for whom you care.

04/09/2017

There will be a free screening of the Speaking of Dying film, at 4 p.m. on April 29, at Seattle First Baptist Church, to celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the film premiere. This 30 minute documentary, produced by Trudy James, shines a clear bright light on death and dying through the words and stories of patients, family members and medical providers. After the film a panel of physicians and others who are in the film will answer questions. Trudy says "This film had its roots in my work in the AIDS community, and it has been a gift of grace.We hope it inspires many to plan now for a good ending."

Following the film, the public is also invited to an Anniversary Celebration Party and program from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Delicious food and drink, plus displays, handouts, and an exciting program will be part of this fun fundraiser to raise funds for Speaking of Dying screenings and end-of-life planning workshops in low income communities.

03/17/2017

Many of you know someone who has recently come to the United States, has a parent or child who has overstayed their visa, is worried about what might happen to a child if the parent were deported or detained, or knows of someone who knows someone or family for which this is a real issue. Recent politics have brought these concerns to the fore for many of us living here. Maybe giving a couple of resources will be helpful. One America and Northwest Immigrant Rights are two of several good sources for information on knowing your rights, citizenship, what's going on at the airport and with borders, information that should be gathered in one place & kept safely, steps to take if a parent is taken into custody and where to turn next. These organizations can help and are part of the Community portion of a Personal Safety Net.
Stay safe & connected ... whomever, whenever, and wherever you are.