Another month has passed, and we are still fighting to reduce the drastic effects of the coronavirus. I am aware that some of us have had conversations with BCA members who are feeling somewhat down, scared, and lonely.

I, personally, have had moments of feeling down, almost hopeless at times. As most of you have likely picked up on, I am very much an extrovert. That means, to me, I thrive on the energy that I gain from contact with others. I have found that if I remain in the moment, in tune with what I need, I can keep myself in a healthy mental state. However, when I allow myself to drift, I can have feelings of sadness and loneliness.

My point is not to talk about my needs and me but to remind all of us that we are more than the Bluewater Cruising Association: we are a family! Our family members may struggle at times, while thriving at other times. I encourage you to reach out, whether feeling strong or feeling low. It is amazing how much a phone call, email, text, or video call can do to support us in our human need for connection.

I recently, casually, mentioned to our Past Commodore, Leslie Hansen, that I was feeling discouraged and needed a bit more social contact. Without missing a beat, she invited Trina and I to a Zoom happy-hour with Don and her. I can’t express enough how the mere mention of the get-together changed my discouragement into faith. I have a solid belief that we will make it through these tough times and believe in the positivity of those who are members of our family. We had our happy hour, and I am sitting on top of the world! Leslie and Don reached out when I needed it. Thank you!

I am taking this opportunity to share some COVID mental health support resources in Alberta and British Columbia:

• https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-supports-covid-19
• https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/managing-covid-stress
• https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/covid-19-mental-health-supports
• http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/mental-well-being-during-covid-19
• https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-covid-19
• https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/page16759.aspx
• https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/page17311.aspx
• https://stjohn.ab.ca/alberta-mental-health-resources/
• https://mentalhealthfoundation.ca/text4hope/

Again, I encourage all to reach out and connect with one of our BCA family members and say hi, ask how they are doing, show you care and that they are valued. Join in on the club nights, and participate in the social aspects before and after the presentations. If you have found a strategy that works for you, share it.

As I said last month, may we all be rafted soon! I look forward to your stories, songs, sharing food and drink, and mostly, your faces.

Yours aye,

David Mitchell