ALL the Feels

This week of forest fires is getting to me. I'm unfocused and tired. My eyes hurt from all the smoke and falling ash. I can't breathe deeply. Exercise is out of the question.

In the last two days, this ash congregated on our doormat. It's also gathering in the cracks of the sidewalks in front of the house.

Even more is collecting under the bistro table on the front porch, which is covered. I'm grateful there aren't big gusts of wind. The ash is quietly floating in.

This afternoon, the following was posted publicly in a local group on Facebook. These are good reminders. I've been cycling through quite a number of these feelings.

Oregon Fires 2020

It's perfectly natural for living beings to be unsettled or even outright frightened by fire, ash, smoke, etc. It's a very deep, inherent and primal reaction. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Let’s be kind and understanding. 


This is a time of immense loss surrounding so many that are being hemmed in or displaced. These are normal reactions and clearly affecting the mental health of some within our community. I feel the effects too. 

 It’s okay to feel any way you feel. 

• It’s OK to feel helpless.
• It’s OK to be concerned for yourself and others.
• It’s OK to feel paralyzed or arrested in how you are able to function.
• It’s OK to feel panicked, depressed, have high anxiety, etc.
• It’s OK to not even be sure how you feel.
• It’s OK to be downright exhausted.
• It’s OK if you’re still in your pajamas.
• It’s OK if you can’t stop scrolling or checking in (However, please consider taking a mental health break).
• It’s OK that you have not slept well.
• It’s OK if you are having a hard time eating (please try to hydrate and nourish yourself!)
• It’s OK is you feel like pacing or running down the street just to escape.
• It’s OK if you’re worried about wildlife, nature, parks, historical buildings, and spaces.
• It’s OK to be sad, mad, angry, feel like crying or even laughing, or to feel confused.
• It’s OK for your feelings to change min by min.
• It’s OK to want to hide under a blanket.
• It’s OK to feel alone.
• It’s OK to feel sick to your stomach just watching it all unfold while feeling utterly helpless.
• It’s ALL OKAY TO FEEL

None of this makes you weak, it actually makes you human - a real, alive, breathing, and sentient and caring being.

Know that you will be okay and you are not alone. No matter what. You are strong and there are people here to help. We got this - together 



wishing all the best,
Aunia