Welcome to spring!  With the new season comes a reawakening and reopening. We are facing another transition, re-entering social spaces for some of us. It is completely normal to feel reluctant and nervous about seeing friends and family in person.   Our survey at the April meeting shows most all our club is fully vaccinated and so we are going to hold an in-person club meeting at JoKell on May 17, with a link to Zoom included.

For me, it was Mother’s Day when I felt ready to begin venturing out into public spaces. As we sat at a table with my family, I noticed that I was feeling uneasy, feeling a tightness in my belly. I practiced gentle self-talk, reminding myself that I was safe. The grandchildren left their masks in place before and after we ate, youngsters learned their lesson so well that it seemed natural for them!

As we begin small exposures over the next weeks, and have a hug and “normal spaced” conversation with vaccinated friends, please remain aware some will not be comfortable and, so it feels new. But after a year of thinking, hearing, and teaching myself that this is dangerous behavior (rightly so with nearly 600,000 Americans dead), I now get to teach myself that I am safe and I can do it.  

 We have been through multiple traumatic experiences that have shaken our grounding, sense of safety, and isolated us from the people and things we love the most. Now is the time to slowly de-sensitize ourselves.

Tips for re-entry once you are vaccinated:

-start small, perhaps meeting a friend indoors, having a cup of tea outdoors on a patio, or taking a trip overnight to your favorite mountain town, schedule a massage or other nurturing experience, all depending on your comfort level

-Breathe, and mentally tell your body you are safe and ok

-Do it even if it feels awkward at first, your body will learn to adjust -engage in daily self-care practices that reduce your anxiety

-get more help and support from family, friends, groups, and others. It is a sign of strength to ask for help.

District Two conference met on Zoom in April and we will share some of that at the May club meeting.   Fortunately, we can all consider attending International Convention in July in Charlotte, NC!   

I look forward to a new year and I thank all of you for supporting our club this past year.  As you pay your dues to Kathy this month, know that we appreciate your support and that together we will continue to serve our community and build on our friendships!

~Ellen

May 12:  Board Meeting, 4:30 pm (via Zoom)

May 17:  Program/Business Meeting, 6:00 pm at JoKell's in Chesapeake. 628 Innovation Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23320

June 9:  Board Meeting, 4:30 pm (via Zoom)

June 21:  Program/Business Meeting, 6:00 pm. 

July 28-31:  2021 Altrusa International Convention

• None to report.

Service Committee:  Joanne & June, Co-Chairs

Meet the New District Two Board and Committee Chairs!!

At the District Two Conference, Tammy Boyd was installed as the District Two Governor.  Take an opportunity to match faces to name for our District Two representatives!  We have several Tidewater members serving on the board and as committee chairs!