We are smack in the middle of summer 2020 and there's a lot going on. Well, there's also a lot that isn't going on or happening because of the virus. Some of us are working from home. Some of us are out of work. Vacations have been canceled, postponed, or modified. We've got politics, politics, and more politics. Breaking news, fake news. With an election looming right around the corner, social unrest, protesting, rioting, racism, COVID-19. I'll say COVID-19 again. A challenge to health care system issues and concerns about our children returning to school. Smoldering heat in some parts of the country, which makes wearing these masks particularly challenging. And we're being encouraged to refrain from or limit gatherings. That means different things to different people. But one thing I think we can all agree on, there's a lot going on. And with so much going on, I think it's real easy to lose perspective. when I say it's easy to lose perspective. Don't worry. I am not going to tell you what to think or how to make meaning of or make sense of or assign meaning to anything or everything that's happening. Instead, I'm just going to ask you, listeners, to take a moment, take a deep breath and try to keep it all in perspective. And I have a guest in the studio who is going to help us do just that. Mrs. D did a podcast with me some weeks back where she talked about getting brave and asking for and accepting the help that you need as you age. If you haven't heard that one, go back and take a listen to that podcast that drew an overwhelmingly positive response. I've had the privilege of hearing her story during an interview where she recently talked about her life story in pieces, sharing a story about leaving Mississippi in fear for her life and the lives of her children and husband because of racism. I've given a lot of thought to some of what she shared during that interview because I believe understanding the past helps us understand the present, or at least it helps us see the bigger picture. I think that's what keeping it in perspective is all about. It's about understanding what is happening now or what might happen in relation to what has happened or in relation to other people, places, and experiences. Keeping it in perspective is the exact opposite of tunnel vision, and I'm confident that Mrs. D can help us keep it in perspective. Find out more on my blog at https://aginginfullbloomwithlisa.blogspot.com/2020/06/stop-loneliness-from-ruling-day-during.html (https://aginginfullbloomwithlisa.blogspot.com/2020/06/stop-loneliness-from-ruling-day-during.html) Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com - Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by Capital Health Care Network, an Ohio-based, family-owned and operated company, providing solutions that help seniors age on their own terms. Those solutions include home care, senior living, nursing home and rehab care, and hospice. Learn more at Capital Health Care Network. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com Copyright 2022 Lisa Stockdale