Jennifer GobleColorado is now Coronavirus open with suggestions and restrictions. It reminds me of my Catholic faith when I first joined the church in 1966. It was a mortal sin to eat meat on Friday. Then, after the Second Vatican Council phased in, it was not a sin at all. One day I went to hell if I ate pot-roast for lunch on Friday, and then, voilà, I could fry bacon for … [Read more...]
Newspaper Column, "Mental Matters" published each Wednesday in the South Platte Sentinel Health Section
Kudos to creativity
Jennifer GobleTwo thousand twenty graduates have been on my mind a lot during these COVID-19 weeks. I feel sad for them because they didn’t get a senior year, as the rest of us experienced. They didn’t even have the opportunity to get senioritis or senior-sneak. They didn’t get a prom or spring sports, and most aspects of college in the fall are unknown and likely riddled with … [Read more...]
Have a little fun
Jennifer GobleGoing onto my doctor’s portal to request a prescription renewal, I found the access had changed. To get onto the site, I had to choose a security question. Sounds simple—sort of like a password, but easier to remember because you have a personal association with the answer. Most security questions can be answered quickly and precisely, such as your mother’s maiden … [Read more...]
Include more than closets in spring-cleaning
Jennifer GobleI’m tired of COVID-19: hearing about it, talking about it, and writing about it. Let’s pretend life today was a year ago, and our main thoughts and feelings are about Spring. Aww, flowers, rain, and patio time. Mother’s Day is my magic day for safe planting, and deep cleaning seems to rise to the top of my spring to-do-list. It is time to clean the garage, … [Read more...]
Be the calm eye of the storm
Jennifer GobleOpening up? Phasing in? Wearing masks? Staying home? Social distancing? Air travel? No! Yes! Maybe! What are we doing? What are we supposed to do? As I write this article, governors and public health officials are determining what American towns will look like as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m guessing we will have 50 solutions to one universal virus. I’m not … [Read more...]
Vegas in the dark
My husband had a job in Las Vegas, Nev., and I decided to ride along because I wanted to walk the strip and experience the feelings after the COVID-19 shutdown. I text a friend of our plans, and she wrote, “Vegas empty would be my kind of Vegas. I have only been there a couple of times, but the energy there is so dark that I could hardly breathe. Literally! I loved the Celine … [Read more...]
Lazy-hazy-crazy days
Jennifer GobleLiving in self-isolation reminds me of the 1963 song by Nat King Cole, “The Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer.” The title is spot-on, but unlike the song, this new normal doesn’t feel ideal or conjure images of sodas and pretzels and beer. Instead, I am lazy, each passing week is hazy, and we are indeed living in crazy days. I’m intrigued by the creativity and … [Read more...]
What can be so bad about that?
Jennifer GobleMy writing critique group has not been meeting for several weeks. I reached out to two members to see how they were managing isolation. One answered, “I was built for this.” The other said, “Fortunately, for the last 41 years, Bobbi and I have always preferred being alone together. I doubt it will change as the summer passes. I tinker with books; Bobbi bakes and … [Read more...]
Wondering and worrying
Jennifer GobleHave you been opening the refrigerator more than usual? Is it difficult to focus on the projects you want to tackle? Do tempers in your home have a short fuse? Are you yearning to eat out and hug friends? Well, if so, you have joined the stressed and anxious club. Even though few people have tested positive in our sweet corner of the state, routines are … [Read more...]
Not an April Fool’s prank
Jennifer GobleFlying out of necessity to Arizona, convinced me Coronavirus is not an April Fool’s prank. The reality started as we returned the rental car. The lot was full of snow-covered vehicles, and the young man who took our keys said the business dire. Next to tears, the airport shuttle driver said he was the only driver still employed. He was worried about his friends … [Read more...]
This too shall pass
Jennifer Goble When my granddaughter’s university shutdown for the remainder of the semester, when the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) canceled the state basketball tournament, and when hand sanitizer sold out, it hit me—This coronavirus is real. This article will likely be old news by the time it is published because I’m writing on Sunday, March 15, the … [Read more...]
Celebrating diversity
Jennifer GobleI know this comes to you a day after St. Patrick’s Day, but I’ve not written about this holiday, and it’s time. I’m not Irish, but I’m a wannabe—they seem to have lots of friends and a ton of fun. Besides that, I like green. I have visited beautiful Ireland and experienced the energy and joy of her people. A bus driver taught me to sing Dublin’s unofficial anthem, … [Read more...]
A lot up—a little down
Jennifer GobleSuze Orman, an American financial advisor, said on the subject of retirement, “Never do anything you don’t want to do.” I initially thought she was spot-on. Retirement is ideally about saying, “No” to drudgery and, “Yes,” to excitement and satisfaction—activities to help our feet hit the floor in the morning. On further reflection, I thought what she said was near … [Read more...]
It’s not about me
Jennifer GobleLast week, I spoke to the idea of saying or thinking, “Bad karma,” to deflect nasty or hurtful comments. My mother would say, “I hope they feel better,” or, “Bless them on their way.” Another quick response to put in your mental wellness toolbox is, “It’s not about me.” Has anyone looked you in the eye and yelled or inferred you were wrong or stupid? Have you been … [Read more...]
Just hang on
Jennifer GobleHave you ever stared into nothing and wondered how you got where you are? Have you ever asked, “Is this my life?” If so, you are not alone. Years ago, I was standing in a blizzard waiting for a city bus. My hands and feet were freezing, and it was scary standing there all alone. I remember saying, “Is this me and my life?” This winter, as the wind and dirt blew … [Read more...]