Hello Everyone,

​

Well, it's almost been a week since the elections and I'm sure you're all feeling something, whether it's elation, devastation, fear, optimism, hope or a million other emotions.

​

One thing I can say is that it's important to feel our feelings in a safe, healthy and productive way. For instance, feeling journaling has helped me a lot in the past. Write out whatever you're feeling unabashedly. This is for your eyes only, so do what you need to keep it secure and confident. You can read it after writing to see where you're at emotionally. Or, you can tear it up after writing it all out and let those emotions go with the torn up pieces of paper into the trash to be reborn as something new.

​

It can take time to process difficult emotions, but how can a consistent practice of doing so help give yourself time and space to feel with healthy boundaries?

​

What about making a commitment to writing in your feeling journal (just grab a notebook or blank paper for the purpose) once a day for at least three minutes a day for the next 30 days? This is the type of commitment that can help you really process what you're feeling and stay on track to following through with accomplishing the task. And, how can you hold yourself accountable to writing daily? Set an alarm? Set a daily reminder in your phone at the same time every day? That's up to you.

​
And, what's the benefit of feeling and processing your emotions in healthy and intentional ways? Less stress. Less projecting them onto others, which can cause harm. More peace. More self awareness. Healthier interactions with others. What do you think?

​

Sometimes there is a need for further professional support. I'm an avid supporter of finding a great therapist to help work through difficult emotions or experiences. I especially like working with therapists with significant training in EMDR and IFS: Internal Family Systems Therapy Model. These two methods combined together are powerful therapy tools that can help us heal on deeper levels we may never knew was possible.

​

You do have to research and may have to try various therapists out before finding the right one. It can take time to find the right therapist to work with. But, here are some resources:

​

ECMC has an outpatient facility on Main St. in Buffalo. You have to walk in for your first visit, but they have highly trained trauma therapists (everybody's been through some form of trauma), some of which have backgrounds in EMDR and IFS. Call them here to find out how to walk in for your first appointment: 716-898-1675. You can find IFS therapists via the IFS directory here: https://ifs-institute.com/practitioners. You can also go to Psychology Today to find a therapist via their directory by clicking here. ​

​

Whatever you're feeling, whatever you're going through, I wish you wellness on this journey.

​

I find, it's time like these where getting closer to my HP (HIGHER POWER), GOD (whatever GOD IS), is helpful.

​

That's what the new song, coming out on Nov. 15th, Parachute, is all about: how this SOURCEFUL energy swoops in to try and help us when we're in need, as long as we're listening and willing to collaborate with IT! Our HP could swoop in during a dire situation to help us or it could there to guide us to what to eat that night for dinner. Either way, cultivating a real, consistent connection and relationship with an HP can be SO helpful! What's one step you'll take today to cultivate a more consistent relationship with your HP?

​

Stay tuned for a link to listen to the new song, Parachute, this Friday, November 15th!

​

​You can hear other Song Channel Music in the meantime here.​

​

Also, in case you missed it, I've got a new dance video to share with you from the PBS event American Historia at the WNED PBS Studios in Buffalo on October 19th.

​

​Click here to watch the video of these two performances!​

​

Buffalo Rueda has been together just over a year and I am SO PROUD of what we've been able to accomplish as a group together right here in Buffalo, NY!

​

The whole goal of Buffalo Rueda was to bring Rueda de Casino Cuban style salsa dancing to Buffalo in a bigger way. That means, we can actually dance Rueda here and enjoy this wonderful and fun social and community based dance right in Buffalo! And, IT'S HAPPENING!

​

Jerome and I also showcased our love of the Bachata dance with a great song called Amantes, by Becky G.
​
​Check out the dance performances here.​

​

And, there's a new cooking class to learn how to make two scrumptious Thanksgiving Sides on November 21st at MAP, 6-8pm.

​

​

You'll learn how to make a savory, cheesy, creamy sweet potato and sage tian that is a real Thanksgiving crowd pleaser, and something different than the typical souffle's we see at this holidays meal. We'll also make a palate cleansing fresh pear and green salad with a show stopping honey mustard vinaigrette!

​

​Click here to register for the November Thanksgiving Sides cooking class. ​

​

I'm wishing you well whatever you're going through right now. Let's remember that together, we make a difference.

​
With Aloha Nui Loa and strength and Grace for the days ahead,

​

​

Sarah Haykel, CCC

Love Is Real LLC

Artist, Coach, Creator, Song Channel

​yesloveisreal.com​

​

​