We are all experiencing this pandemic, I think, in a very different way. Sure, there are similarities overall in the experience as a whole, but the individual thoughts, feelings, reactions, situations, I’m sure, vary widely.
I am writing to share some of what I’m learning. Perhaps some of it resonates with you. I am confident that you’ve heard other’s thoughts and see that there is a range of experience that we are all going through. We are all doing our best, are in this together, and I hope that we all eventually come out better, as individuals, and as a society.
Getting to know yourself -
Well if there is one thing that I have a lot more of these days, it’s time. I realize there are those of us who may be working harder or longer, as they are essential employees. I also know that there are many of us staying at home a lot more, with more time on our hands. There are many different things we can be doing with that time. I imagine many people may be doing a lot of worrying, and many people are looking for distractions. Many are looking for ways to be productive, or supportive. Through it all, my hope is that many of us are learning a little bit (or a lot) more about ourselves. When we meet adversity, we learn about ourselves by how we react to and work through the situation.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve looked inward, since you’ve checked in with yourself, and you happen to be one of the people at home with some extra time, now is a great time to do that.
Notice your feelings-
I don’t know about you, but during these unique times, I go through a rollercoaster of feelings and emotions every day.
No matter your situation, whether this situation has only a small impact on you, or has changed your life in a significant way, everyone is feeling a plethora of emotions every day, and that’s normal. Feel those feelings. I would advise you to talk to someone about your feelings, or write them down. Writing it out can be really helpful, I’m serious.
As a whole, we are experiencing, together, a collective loss of routine, which brings forth an emotional response. Individually, we’re experiencing a unique set of emotions and feelings, but together, we are all responding to that loss of routine.
Uncertain, tense, grateful, creative, frustrated, joyful, scared, sad, happy, irritated, motivated, inspired, hesitant, confident, indifferent, blessed….any of those feelings resonate with you today?
What is important here is what you do beyond the processing of those feelings and emotions. Are you allowing yourself to ruminate on negative emotions? Or are you looking at the things for which you are grateful? How are you treating others at this time? Are you looking past your own feelings to consider the feelings and situation of others? Are you practicing empathy? Stay tuned as I continue with that, tomorrow. Until then, take some time to note and accept the feelings and emotions you are experiencing today.
-M