FEELING SAD AND CONFUSED? EVEN COWGIRLS (AND GUYS) GET THE BLUES SOMETIMES. NOW IS ONE OF THOSE TIMES.

It doesn't seem possible  that our worlds could change so much in a month!  So many changes and new information to process almost hourly.  It's important to remember that not only are these times not normal, but the lack of information about when it will all end adds another layer of confusion  That confusion stress and loss is what causes that grief so many of us are feeling.

We can't see our horse friends, some of us all over the Western Michigan area, and the country, have had job changes, and we miss our friends and co workers.

So, what to do?  Remember that this new world of "corona life" is all uncharted territory.  We're all experiencing grief, real grief.  That's normal and that's okay. Grief is a NATURAL and NORMAL response to loss of any kind. It's something that happens when you become separated from people or things or places you really care about.

Sound familiar?  What is more difficult is that our losses have happened all at once.  Your friends at Cheff Center want you to know that even though we aren't able to see you---our clients, volunteers, and other friends in our usual way, you are NOT forgotten. We, like you, are figuring out how to process these (temporary) changes and challenges.  Grief is a process and a journey.  If you're like us and the horses, this is a journey you wish you didn't have to be on.  But, since we are, we can remember a few things together.

First, changes like this impact us all, and they impact us uniquely.  So be aware that whatever you are feeling, it's okay.  It's okay to not exactly know just how to feel.  It's okay to experience a wide range of emotions--high energy, sluggishness, hope, sadness.  In fact, your emotions may be changing almost constantly.  It's important to remember that this crisis will NOT last forever, and even intense feelings won't last forever either.

Even though what you are experiencing is unique, you are NOT alone.  Grief is not a sign of weakness, and it is important to know that no matter what you are experiencing, it is almost certain someone else is feeling the same way.

Because our Cheff Center family is so important to us, and we miss having you here, we're going to be sending out little notes like this with some tips and coping strategies.  One thing we've realized, and perhaps you'll agree, is that grief and loss in a situation like this makes us recognize what is really important in our lives. We are grateful for all of you, and we want you to know we are here for you, and are waiting for the time when we can all be together again in the barn, the arena, and trail!

Grief is alot of hard work..We will continue to post tips about how you can give yourself and those you love support and caring.

As we move thru this time together remember, "it does not matter how slowly we have to go to get past this..it only matters that we do not stop moving forward".

We are in this together, and your Cheff Center family sends positive thoughts out to you all!