I’m So Lonely, I could Die, Thanks COVID-19! (1) By Dr. Michael Brooks

I’m So Lonely, I could Die, Thanks COVID-19! (1) By Dr. Michael Brooks Yep, we heard the news correctly, another three weeks in a lock-down, or self-confinement. I know some of you are going crazy being at home for the last two weeks. You can only watch so much television or read so many books. Let’s face it, we are in a pandemic and for many of us we have no clue on how to manage our downtime. For many, just sitting in a chair and wondering what’s going to happen the next several weeks is not a good place to be. If you’re Worrying about tomorrow it will rob you of today’s peace. If you’re glued to the television watching the news, you need to stop doing that and start being productive for you and your family. The news seems to be causing panic and fear with each and every broadcast….. To continue reading this article go to the following link below:
I’m So Lonely, I could Die, Thanks COVID-19! (1) By Dr. Michael Brooks

COVID-19 is making a lot of people lonely, don’t be one of them

How Do I Stay Physically Fit During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

How Do I Stay Physically Fit During the COVID-19 Pandemic? You may ask yourself, how can I and my family stay fit during this COVO-19 Pandemic while locked down at home? I have some suggestions that you may want to try. They’re not difficult and can be done in your own home or at a park with a sidewalk or street sidewalk. I believe that being physically active will help you to feel in control of your health and give you a calmness that exercise often gives when you do it. You can walk, ride a stationary bike at home, do stretches, yoga to music. There is no reason you can’t enjoy a workout in your own home. I love walking, and you don’t need a gym to walk outside when the weather is good. I suggest that if at all possible that you get a physical if you haven’t had one in a while. I know with all the COVID-19 issues going around it may be difficult to get in to see your doctor. If you can schedule your appointment with a PA-Physician’s Assistant, and if they give you the green light to exercise, then you’re good to go. You just want to make sure that you don’t have any underlying medical concerns. Find a safe place that you can start your walking program (A park with sidewalks, or street with sidewalks) a country road, even a hiking trail. If you are new to this, take your time and start with 30 minutes of walking daily or at least four days for one week. Then add 5 minutes to each week that you will be walking until you reach 60 minutes. When you hit that mark, then start doing it for speed, step up your pace. Walking is the easiest exercise there is. Walking gives you a calmness and peacefulness that many would love to have. When you walk, enjoy your surroundings, the trees, birds, country, city, people watching, it’s all good. The smells you will encounter, the new buds on trees, fresh flowers, the fresh rain on the grass. The sounds of birds, the wind in the trees. There is so much to see when you do a walk. You can also listen to your favorite music while on the move. I believe that exercising during this time will give you a feeling of being in control of your health and well-being. Follow the 6-foot distancing from people that the CDC- (Centers for Disease Control) recommends if walking with a group of people. Be careful, put you and your family first. If you have any questions about putting together a walking program, contact Dr. Mike at 303.880.9878 (MST) Dr. Michael Brooks is the founder of Applicable Counseling and life coaching Services. It is affordable, accessible, anonymous and available by appointment from the privacy of your home. To avoid travel time and the comfort of home, many clients prefer to meet with Dr. Mike over the phone or via Skype (if you want to Skype with Dr. Mike send him an email at mbrooks3353@gmail.com to set up an appointment). The convenience of this type of Counseling/Coaching is the most effective means of Life Coaching for those who live outside of Colorado. Give Dr. Mike a call! You’ll be glad you did! FOX News Brief: In an announcement advising franchises to close their doors, Planet Fitness unveiled a plan to bring short, no-equipment workouts to anyone who can access its Facebook page. The “Home Work-Ins,” as they’re being called, are part of its “United We Move” initiative and feature certified trainers and special guests Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. ET. “Our daily routines have changed in unexpected ways,” Planet Fitness CMO Jeremy Tucker said in an e-mail to Fox. “That’s why we’re offering a free, daily virtual fitness class for everyone on Planet Fitness’ Facebook page from Monday through Friday for the next two weeks (as of now), as we know exercise has both mental and physical health benefits.” Some of the special guests who will be sweating along with you in your living room include “The Biggest Loser” coach and fitness trainer Erica Lugo and NASCAR driver Joey Logano, among others. The Planet Fitness app also features some 500 workouts for those who might not be able to make the live stream. Until May, Gold’s Gym is also offering free access to its app, Gold’s AMP Peloton-treadmill or bike on your own, After announcing the closure of its brick-and-mortar locations, Peloton also announced it would be offering new users a free 90-day trial of its app. Don’t have a Peloton bike or treadmill at home? No problem. The app’s selections include a variety of workouts that can be completed without its name-brand goods. Co-founder and CEO John Foley points out that it’s not just your own health on the line. “Now, more than ever, we all need to focus on taking care of our own health — physical, mental and emotional — as well as that of our loved ones,” he wrote. Yoga in the confines of your own home, While some of the aforementioned apps also feature Yoga routines, the folks behind the Down Dog Yoga app are taking it one step further for kids and educators. In addition to making all of its related fitness apps completely free until April 1, the company announced it would be offering extended access for all students and teachers (K-12 and college) until July 1. For more information visit downdogapp.com/schools.

FREE COVID-19 COUNSELING & COACHING SERVICES through APRIL 23rd

FREE COVID-19 COUNSELING & COACHING SERVICES through APRIL 23rd FREE COVID-19 COUNSELING & COACHING SERVICES through APRIL 23rd. Monday through Thursday available times 12:00 to 3:30 PM As a counselor, I know many of you are concerned about COVID-19 pandemic we are facing. You may have other things you’d like to talk about: a relationship, work, whatever, I’m here for you. I want to let you know everything is going to be OK. There is hope for you, and for all of us. If you need someone to talk to or just to listen, I will be available through April 23rd from 12:00 MDT (Denver time zone) to 3:30 PM. Call 303.880.9878 to set up an appointment with Dr. Mike, or text me at this number and I’ll get back to you. I ask that you limit our conversation to 20 minutes, in consideration for others that need to talk. This will be free and no charge to anyone who wants to talk, I want to give back to all of you as a part of my passion for helping others and my time in serving you.

The Final Goodbye (4) By Dr. Michael Brooks

The Final Goodbye (4) By Dr. Michael Brooks

This week, we’ll wrap up the Final Goodbye story. Take heart and know that each one of you makes a difference in most people lives that you meet in this journey we call life. Get out of your comfort zone and reach out to those who are lonely. I promise you; you will be glad you did.

After my seatmate on the Southwest flight shared his story I wondered how many men and women have no one to talk to; they suffer in silence by themselves. I think about those of us who are willing to be available for the hurting people we run into, whether from illness, divorce, or life’s difficulties there is a reward for us just by being there for them. There is a peace of mind in knowing that you provided comfort by being there for these people.
people numbers (style 01)

You never know when that last conversation will be, I suggest that you reach out to those who you’ve lost contact with and make an effort to reconnect. It could be a family member, a close friend, a former teacher, who knows! It’s worth the effort to do so. Time does heal most wounded spirits. We all have them. I knew that my new friend was in a good place after we talked. She was ready for a new adventure when returning home, that was getting ready for medical intervention and surgery. What is it that you need to do to reach out to total strangers or family members. Is it uncomfortable and awkward for you, you’re not sure what to say, or you’ll say the wrong thing? I’d say, just be yourself and enjoy meeting someone and making a new friend.

Here is my challenge for you these next few months. Reach out to someone over the holidays. Many struggle with this time of year. They don’t have anyone to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years day. Call long-lost family members or friends, make an effort to reach out and see how they’re doing. It takes a little effort on your part and would mean so much to them.

I remember as a high school kid working for a drug store on the south side of Chicago. I would deliver medications for those who couldn’t pick them up, mostly senior citizens. I had one lady during the holidays call the drug store and ask for me personally to deliver her items she ordered over the phone. Toothpaste, toilet paper, stationery, etc. I would always spend 15 minutes or so with her asking how her day was and what she had planned for the evening. She always had cookies waiting when I got there. After the holidays she stopped calling, and I wondered if she was ok.

The drug store got a call from her son asking for me. He was angry that I delivered all the items she wanted, and they were all scattered in a spare bedroom in her apartment. Why did you keep delivering items she had already ordered? I paused, then wanting to be respectful, mentioned that she wished you had spent time with her. I said that he was the only son she had, there was no other family member that would check on her. I was there for her when I delivered her medications; I always would ask how she was doing. The reason he called was to tell me his mother passed away. I felt so sorry for him. Take time to prevent things like this from happening, make a difference in someone’s life today. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Do you feel it’s hard to reach out to someone who is lonely? Are you lonely and want someone to reach out to you and you’re not sure how to make that happen? Would you like to find a core group of friends to do things within a safe setting? Have you experienced loneliness and want to help others who struggle with being alone? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need contact Dr. Mike and set up an appointment. Don’t allow loneliness to control the new experiences that you can enjoy today.

Please call Dr. Mike at 303.880.9878. He can help you. He has helped several people going through tough times of loneliness.

Dr. Michael Brooks is the founder of Applicable Counseling and life coaching Services. It is affordable, accessible, anonymous and available by appointment from the privacy of your home. To avoid travel time and the comfort of home, many clients prefer to meet with Dr. Mike over the phone or via Skype (if you want to Skype with Dr. Mike send him an email at mbrooks3353@gmail.com to set up an appointment). The convenience of this type of Counseling/Coaching is the most effective means of Life Coaching for those who live outside of Colorado. Give Dr. Mike a call! You’ll be glad you did!

The Final Goodbye By Dr. Michael Brooks

The Final Goodbye (2) By Dr. Michael Brooks

 

This week my story continues about a new friend facing serious health issues, in fact, life-threatening issues. Read about her courage and how she moves past the initial diagnosis she received in Fort Myers, Florida.

bearded man praying

My friend asked all of us to pray for her

She then asked me about my story and what I did for a living, my family, and children. I was more than happy to tell her about me and who I was. She listened as I whispered into her ear. She smiled as I told her about my dreams, goals and how I loved helping people. I painted a word picture for my new friend by describing where I lived in the mountains. I told her how beautiful the rock formation behind our house was. The gray boulders that towered into the Colorado blue skies, mixed in with the boulders were green, orange and yellow moss. How the aspen leaves in the fall have brilliant yellows and reds that would dance in the gentle blowing winds. The incredible smells of aspen leaves laying on the ground. I said in the distance; you could see the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. This brought a smile to her face as I painted that picture for her with my words.

She leaned her head on my shoulder and then looked up; She was hurting I could tell by her facial expression. I asked her, “can I pray for you right now?” Normally I wouldn’t be so bold on a Southwest flight, but after talking with her, I knew we had a kindred spirit. She said “yes Please” so I put my arm around her shoulder and head to head we prayed at 37,000 Feet over Missouri.

As we descended into Kansas City, her spirits seem to perk up; she was ready to meet with her doctors and start getting the treatment she needed. She was fired up, and with a new vigor, I hadn’t seen during the entire time we talked during our flight. As we taxied towards gate, 24, She leaned over and looked at me straight in the eyes and said: “you’re the angel that God sent to me to encourage me through this.” Thank you so much, she said. I would like to keep in contact with you, can we exchange phone numbers, email addresses, and be friends on Facebook? I said, of course, we can, I would love that! With that said we wrote down our information and passed it to each other. 

When the flight attendant said it was OK to get up and open the overhead luggage compartments and deboard, my new friend got up as I did, and we hugged each other and said our goodbyes. She looked at me, and before she turned away and headed out the plane and said thank you for your prayers and being there for me. Since then we have become good friends. She asks for my prayers, and I check in with her time to time just to see how she’s doing.

Then yesterday the text came from her phone, “Mike this Joe, my mom’s in the hospital and not doing very well, she would like to talk with you. She’s been here a week, and it’s bad. Can you please call as soon as you can?” I called as when I was done with a meeting I was attending. Joe answered the phone and told me that his mom was going into hospice that afternoon. Her one remaining kidney was failing, and the doctors said she was declining rapidly. He put my friend on the phone, and the first words out of her mouth in a whispered voice was “Mike, I’m getting a new body, I will see Jesus real soon.” She said that her one remaining kidney is shutting down, and she doesn’t have a lot of time left.

My friend is facing the end and getting ready for a new adventure that we eventually all will face. She is strong in her faith and ready to move on. She is in so much pain now, “I’m ready she said!”

Do you feel it’s hard to reach out to someone who is lonely? Are you lonely and want someone to reach out to you and you’re not sure how to make that happen? Would you like to find a core group of friends to do things within a safe setting? Have you experienced loneliness and want to help others who struggle with being alone? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need contact Dr. Mike and set up an appointment. Don’t allow loneliness to control the new experiences that you can enjoy today.

Please call Dr. Mike at 303.880.9878. He can help you. He has helped several people going through tough times of loneliness.

Dr. Michael Brooks is the founder of Applicable Counseling and life coaching Services. It is affordable, accessible, anonymous and available by appointment from the privacy of your home. To avoid travel time and the comfort of home, many clients prefer to meet with Dr. Mike over the phone or via Skype (if you want to Skype with Dr. Mike send him an email at mbrooks3353@gmail.com to set up an appointment). The convenience of this type of Counseling/Coaching is the most effective means of Life Coaching for those who live outside of Colorado. Give Dr. Mike a call! You’ll be glad you did!

The Final Goodbye (1) By Dr. Michael Brooks

The Final Goodbye (1) By Dr. Michael Brooks

How do you say goodbye to a dear friend you’ve only known for a year and a half? My story begins after visiting my brother in Florida; I wanted this to be a short trip just to check in and see how he was getting along. This story is an amazing story of a woman who is facing health issues that are life and death. Saying goodbye isn’t easy, as you’ll see.

I checked my phone for any messages or texts I received during a break from talking with some friends. I looked and saw the number from my dear friend whom I met on my return flight from Fort Myers back to Denver. I remember watching passengers walk past my seat wondering who my seatmates would be in the two seats next to me. Finally, a woman and her son looked at the seating numbers on their ticket and said they’d be seated next to me. Her son jokingly said that his mom was a talker, and watch out. We checked our seatbelts and got settled into our seats. As we sat waiting for our take off to Kansas City my seatmate and I started to get to know each other. She shared with me that she often stayed in Fort Myers during the winter months and her son, who was also sitting next to her, had to bring her home because of some medical issues she was having. As we spoke, my heart went out to this woman. She teared up as she shared her story about heading home sooner than she planned.

Sad Teenager Portrait at the Home

Someones passing can be very difficult and challanging!

She said that she was having all kinds of lower back pain and went to see a doctor about the pain in Fort Myers. He ordered her an MRI and some other tests. When the doctor looked at her results, he suggested that she immediately go back home and see her own doctors. She needed more extensive blood tests, a Pet scan, and other tests to determine what was going on. They had found a mass on her right kidney in Fort Myers, and so she was heading home to see her doctors in Kansas City for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. And that’s how we met.

She softly whispered into my ear as she spoke, the jet engines were loud and that’s the only way I could hear her. She began to open up about her personal life and how proud she was of her children and grandchildren. How successful her sons had become and about their education and the jobs they now had. She would pause to reflect on her family and then continue sharing about her life and the things she had accomplished. Then she talked about her failures in marriage and the regrets of past relationships. The flight was about two hours and thirty minutes. I listened as she talked about her life story and how her faith in God kept her going throughout this whole ordeal. I can honestly say that she was amazing to talk to and get to know.

Next week you will see the strength of my friend as she was facing her health issues. Meanwhile, think about those who can use an encouraging word from you. Who are they and where are they?

Do you feel it’s hard to reach out to someone who is lonely? Are you lonely and want someone to reach out to you and you’re not sure how to make that happen? Would you like to find a core group of friends to do things with in a safe setting? Have you experienced loneliness and want to help others who struggle with being alone? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need contact Dr. Mike and set up an appointment. Don’t allow loneliness to control the new experiences that you can enjoy today.

Please call Dr. Mike at 303.880.9878. He can help you. He has helped several people going through tough times of loneliness.

Dr. Michael Brooks is the founder of Applicable Counseling and Life Coaching Services. It is affordable, accessible, anonymous and available by appointment from the privacy of your home. To avoid travel time and remain in the comfort of home, many clients prefer to meet with Dr. Mike over the phone or via Skype (if you want to Skype with Dr. Mike send him an email at mbrooks3353@gmail.com to set up an appointment). The convenience of this type of Counseling/Coaching is the most effective means of Life Coaching for those who live outside of Colorado. Give Dr. Mike a call! You’ll be glad you did!

Helping those with cancer!

I got a call from a friend of mine whose wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a shock to him; he thought that his wife was very healthy. He wanted to do whatever it took to get her the necessary help. When our loved ones are involved, we will go any length to make things happen. How many of you can agree to that? We all have lost loved ones to cancer; it’s painful for those who are ill and those of us who are caregivers.

I know when my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer, I was shocked and the first thought that came to my mind was my dad needs my help. I talked to his doctors, those doing the tests; I felt that I had to control the situation. My dad wasn’t helpless at all. He was a Colonel in the army, fought in World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam. He was a highly decorated war hero. He didn’t need me to be meddling in his business. I wanted to help; I wanted to be involved with his care. He took care of my mother who had cancer as well. She needed a great deal of care and he was there for her every step of the way!

I asked my dad, what I could do to help him. He said he didn’t know, and that made matters worse for me. Not knowing what was going on. I fought to get answers from all of his doctors. I was told several scenarios for his out come. I never let him know all I was doing behind the scenes. I didn’t want to worry him whatsoever. Then it hit me, was I intruding and causing him undo stress by my actions?

I know many times he had to calm me down, and believe me it was adding stress to his situation. I listened to his concerns. I listened as to how he was going to fight this lung cancer. I listened to his fears, and how he would do whatever it took to save his life. He was in the most serious fight of his life. He had his game face on when speaking with his docs. Behind the game face, was a man who taught his kids to go the distance in whatever you do. My dad was doing just that.

I had to figure out a new game plan for me. How could I support my dad? How could I be an encouragement to my dad and mother? I didn’t want to get in the way. I wanted to make their lives easier; I could take my dad to his appointments, no problem there. I could make sure he understood what the docs were saying and what his treatment would consist of. I could let him know the effects of his meds and how to deal with them. I could make sure that he was eating good healthy foods and that his diet would be helping him with the side effects of chemo and radiation treatments.

So, that’s the game plan that I worked out for my dad with his approval of course. My mom was in the know, but her cancer had kept her very ill. She couldn’t really do very much, but give thumbs up for all we did for dad.

His surgery went well; he had the best care from the docs and the hospital staff. I made sure that everything was set up at home, home health care, medical supplies (oxygen tanks), home therapy, and meals on wheels for the one meal we didn’t have to worry about. The other meals were very nutritious and I had a friend help make those meals.

My dad was very thankful that I could help and take the pressure off of my mom. When something like this happens, you need the whole family involved, the way it used to be. Now its dump our loved one off at the hospital, let them deal with it. Anyone that is critically ill wants to know that the entire family will roll up their sleeves and help. This cannot be just one family member. Friends would want to be involved as well. They can offer some relief when needed, but have to be asked well in advance. You can also talk with your pastor, and see if the church has people to help. Many are just waiting to be asked and the pastor can give you some contact names.

Make sure that the person, who is ill, is involved in the entire process. You can’t have them guessing from day to day what is happening with doctors’ visits. This will add stress to them. Select one person from the family or close friend who will coordinate meals, rides to appointments, and visits from family and friends. I am available to help you, just call.

If you need coaching in helping friends or family coping with cancer you can contact Dr. Mike by phone or his website. Here are some questions that might help you decide if you need additional coaching. Do you need help in setting up a plan for taking care of a loved one with cancer? Do you need to find a support group and want help? Do you want help in finding someone to be the spokesman for your loved one? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should call for an appointment.

How does Life Coaching work? You’ll meet once a week, by phone, for a one-on-one conference, usually 45 minutes a session. In each phone conference you’ll plan and review, together, each of your “Focus Goals” and action areas. In each session, you’ll also receive support and guidance in creating the right attitudes and motivation in the area’s that you want to work on most. In addition to the weekly phone conferences, you’ll also communicate by e-mail, so you’ll have help and support throughout the week.