Two weeks ago, my oldest son woke in the night and couldn't fall back asleep. He said his body 'Just didn't feel right and was uncomfortable'. In the morning when he came down to the kitchen after finally getting some sleep, he looked like he had grown an inch overnight. It immediately hit me: “Now we know why you weren't able to sleep", I said. "You were literally up all night GROWING.”
Growth
Growing pains can occur at all different moments in our lives. It is never easy to sit with this pain. Instead, many of us may try various ways to numb the pain with unhealthy habits like overeating and drinking, drugs and over-using social media. It is not easy to let go of long-held beliefs and replace them with something that rings truer to our sense of self and what is right. Growth is hard.
This past month, people in the town of Philipstown, in our country and our world, have grieved the killing of George Floyd by police, and have been jolted awake to the injustices and pain that too many people of color in our country face on a daily basis. People started out by sitting in that grief and pain until it became too much to bear alone. And then, coming together as a community, found purpose in political protest.
This dual focus--on the personal mental health and addiction needs of our residents, along with a belief in the power of community coming together--is the foundation upon which the Hub is built. Growth during these unsteady times requires a focus on our own mental health along with an awareness of the impact that recent events and living through this pandemic is having on our neighbors and community.
Virtual Hub Community Marathon for Mental Health
The Hub Marathon for Mental Health has shown us the joy and growth that is possible from sharing a goal that is both personal and community-focused: 26.2 miles over 30 days. These goals MATTER. They have gotten Philipstown residents off the couch and onto local tracks, roads and trails. One mile a day serves as motivation to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and towards growth in our body, mind and spirit. Over 100 members of the community are participating in this effort and it is not too late to join. If you’d like to join the second half of the Hub Marathon, please click the button below.
And it's not all about the victories either. Oftentimes, we think of recovery and progress as linear, but life shows us so often how untrue this is.
Pamela Harris shared: "After my great run yesterday, I was really excited for my run this morning. Except about half way through I hit a wall. I was really struggling!!! Then I thought about this challenge and who I was running it for. Thank you Sasha!! I finished strong!!"
Remaining Grounded in Unsteady Times
In addition to the Hub Marathon this past month, the Hub continued to explore ways to engage the community and reduce the stigma and shame associated with getting help.
We brought back our Community Conversations virtually, as I had a candid conversation with local therapist Maeve Eng-Wong about remaining grounded in unsteady times.
Watch 'Remaining Grounded in Unsteady Times'
Hub Doors Re-open at 5 Stone Street
We were also able to re-open our Hub office doors this past month. With masks and social distancing practices in place, as well as an amazing patio area for outdoor conferencing, residents are welcome to stop in or make an appointment.
Mental Health & Addiction Resources: Parents and Teens in a Pandemic Summer
This time of quarantine can be filled with extra mental health and addiction challenges. It can also be a unique time for conversations and growth between parents, children and teens. The Hub cares deeply for each member of the Philipstown community and we have personally curated a list of resources to help jump-start conversations around these important issues.
Mental Health & Addiction Resources: Parents and Teens in a Pandemic Summer
New Hub Virtual Course: Developmental Assets® Framework
During the month of August, I will be leading a free four week virtual course on the Search Institute’s Developmental Assets® Framework. This four week program is intended for all adults who interact with children and teens. We will dive into the 40 positive supports and strengths that young people need to succeed.
Developmental Assets Framework Course Registration
Gratitude
Our powerful community continues to support this work and I am so grateful. Growing together as a community can make Philipstown even stronger. There is nothing easy about this. It is hard work made easier with support. Please know that Philipstown Hub is here for you. To connect, please visit www.philipstownhub.org, call 845-809-5050, confidentially text 845-260-1001, or email danielle@philipstownhub.org.
Together, let's not be afraid to grow. Sitting still, really listening and digging deeper can teach us so much about ourselves and open our eyes to the beauty of those around us.
Health and Hope,
Danielle Pack McCarthy
July 2020