Helplessness and the Jasper Inferno

I think we are all watching in horror as Jasper burns (Helplessness and the Jasper inferno |
CBC News). Ahh Jasper. I have a lot of 70’s nostalgia of growing up in the park. Summers
whiled away hiking and picnicking with my favorite aunt and uncle, who lived in Hinton; winter
family ski trips to Marmot Basin.

A few years ago, my uncle was dying, and my son and I went back for a visit. The pine beetle
devastation in the park, and the hectares of standing deadwood worried me. This week the
destruction of mother nature is ruthlessly creating the conditions for reforestation.

Healthcare ‘Reform’ in Alberta: A Parallel Devastation

Many of my friends and colleagues are feeling a similar wake of devastation as the next wave of
healthcare “reform” tears through Alberta. We’ve seen many fine leaders depart the
organization, after decades of dedicated service. There are deep feelings of grief as critical
work that has taken years to cultivate evaporates like mist. The relentless rhythm of driving
change, fighting for the next milestone has suddenly hit pause.

Mind your Mind as the Restructure Drags On

Mind the Amygdala Hijack:

The amygdala regulates emotions, triggers the fight or flight
response and disables rational thinking. When you feel yourself spinning, activate your vagus
nerve.

Put your hands on your heart.

Take a deep breath.

Tell yourself: I am safe. I am calm. I am loved.

Mind Downward Spiral Thinking:

When in a tornado of negativity, we can feel stuck, stressed,
overwhelmed, and hopeless. This can become a patterned response. Flip it…if you find
yourself thinking dark thoughts, flip the coin and ask yourself what is positive about this? Start
and end your day with gratitude.

Plug Your Nose:

The smoke will eventually clear, and life will carry on. Trust that this too shall
pass.

At the end of the day, your leadership capacity is needed now more than ever. Refuel when you
can, and get ready to lean into the opportunities that arise when the fire subsides. A new vision
for what is possible will grow out of the devastation.

Stay Safe!
Allison

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