Right now surviving is thriving! Don’t be too hard on yourself. Be gentle with yourself.
A lot of people are without right now. A lot of people have lost their jobs, homes, loved ones. So if you have a roof over your head, some food in your fridge, and someone to call to chat with, you’re doing pretty well given the circumstances!
If You Don’t Do It in Quarantine, You’ll Still Do It
I think it can be really challenging to not put pressure on yourself during this time. We’re inundated with articles on how to make the best use of our time in quarantine to improve ourselves and careers, phrases like, “if you don’t do it in quarantine then when will you ever?” are really silly. If you don’t do it in quarantine you’ll still do it. Maybe now just isn’t the time or the place for whatever “it” may be.
Wellness
Being alive right now, making yourself a meal, getting a little exercise or a walk around the block (for your mental health, mind you) is all you need to be doing. If you’re alive and healthy (which is pretty likely if you’re reading this) then you’re doing well.
Life is so different right now than it was before the pandemic (to state the obvious) and to put the same pressure on yourself to accomplish tasks in your career, your relationships, or life goals in these months while we’re going through the pandemic will only add unneeded stress and misery. I spoke to Skye McLaughlin (who is such a doll :P) briefly about what we’re going through and she said, “We’re experiencing a collective trauma” which is so on point and better than I ever could have phrased it myself. Skye is so well spoken and inspiring. If you want to learn more about her, be sure to listen to the podcast episode.
So be easy on yourself. They are life goals for a reason. They are life goals because they can’t be accomplished in a few months. Because they will take time, seasons, years, experiences that you haven’t yet had, people that you’re unable to meet, places you’re unable to go! When the new normal becomes stable then you can get back to it. Right now, just focus on how you can make yourself feel good, feel better in the present.
Alone Together
So, don’t put so much pressure on yourself to get everything done right now. If you don’t have a job you’re in the same position as 10 million+ Americans. It’s of course stressful, anxiety inducing, infuriating even. In an ideal world this would never happen, but we’re not in one. All we can do is accept the situation for what it is and take the best care of ourselves we possibly can. If that means working on your goals so be it, if it means hanging out in your pajamas all day and rewatching your favorite show (ahem, The Office) so be it. We’re going to have bad mornings (I just had one), bad days, bad weeks or even months, but try to remember it’s temporary. So that’s why I say that “surviving is thriving” #survivingisthriving. The tides always rise and fall. Those are the seasons of life. This isn’t an easy time for anyone. We’re alone together. <3
Additional Resources
There are financial resources and grants linked on my Facebook page for those who are currently struggling (and that’s most of us). If you’re fortunate enough to still be working check out my post “Tips for Working from Home” for more. Also checkout 10 Screenless Activities to do During a Pandemic. These will help to ease your mind.
I in no way think that I’m a professional at this. Hell, it’s my first pandemic and some days I just don’t know how to act. I’m working hard to follow my own advice, and heed my own reminders. If you feel like you need to speak with a mental health professional please do! There are many resources out there, and talk therapy is one that works for a lot of people! If that’s not for you maybe try meditating, tapping, or yoga. Those have worked well for me.
It really means the world to me that you continue to read my blog and support me, so thank you! Love you guys!
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