From Jill Kapuscinski

I wanted to again extend our thanks to all those that have participated in Memory Circle, thought about Memory Circle, read the emails or have used or supported Jasmine in 2023.  It is always appreciated to get to know you in whatever capacity has worked best for you and those with you. 

Last Wednesday’s social night was a great success and I hope you had some fun with the games and enjoyed the food and friendship around the table. I admit my disappointment in not being able to be there in person with you all left me feeling a little sorry for myself but as we say at Memory Circle…be kind to yourself, let yourself have a little cry if you want and then work on moving into the present.  Life throws things at us unexpectedly all the time but there is always something we can be grateful for.   

When challenging, or overwhelming learning strategies to help process these emotions may help ease the situation.  When I thought of my predicament, I went through a lot of emotions and my mind jumped to the way in which we have all moved through the five stages of grief.  It all sounded so familiar after learning I had COVID but could not live my life the way I wanted to at the time. Here is what I thought…and perhaps you can relate your situation and walk through it, write it down and see what you think.  Here was my run through:

1. Denial – l looked at my COVID test over and over again in disbelief wondering how this was possible? I am careful, I am healthy.  However exposure to others and how others conduct themselves is not something I can control and so this canhappen to me.
2. Anger – I ran through all of the things I had planned to do over the next week or so, like coming to Memory Circle social event in December, setting up the room, having nice chats and hugs with everyone.  It was also my birthday and my husband had planned a lovely dinner for me at home with friends…cancelled of course…and the list continued running through my head of all the things that were not or may not be possible and it can be upsetting because we want to be enjoying life not thinking of what we cannot do in the same way we thought.
3. Bargaining – the ‘what if’ scenario’s running through my head and what could I have done differently to change the outcome? What did I do to cause this? I could not of course answer this question, and moved on.
4. Depression – I was saddened by what I thought I was missing and how it was important to me, something I was looking forward to but it had all been taken away.  I did have my little cry J and I vented to my those close to me who wanted to listen…and then continued to move on.
5. Acceptance – I had COVID. I respect my community and myself and would not expose anyone unnecessarily.  The event at Memory Circle would continue and all of you lovely people would still be there enjoying yourselves in the company of others…which was the objective. I looked to creates an opportunity for myself to feel close to everyone by driving to Jasmine and parking in the parking lot.  I worked with the support of Rhonda to video conference me in to be as close as I could get and at least say hello. 

It took me a bit to get to the enjoyment funny parts of all of this but I did get there just as you will too, in particular when we work together, get creative and learn how to support ourselves and others. Tomorrows do arrive and situations change.

Over the holidays please remember to be kind to yourself and find time to appreciate many of the small things in life that bring you joy. If you have not quite found it yet have a look at the 2024 Memory Circle Calendar and perhaps there will be a month that is of interest to you.  We are really looking forward to seeing you January 10^th and until then I wish you all well ÿ{

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year Everyone!

Jill

www.jasmine.ky

31 Jasmine Blossom Way, Grand Cayman; Ph. 345-945-744