Feeling normal yet?
Did that make you laugh? Or did you feel angry? Or feel like crying? We are a long way from putting our lives back together in a way we recognize. We may never return to how life was last year. The present moment is often fraught with anxiety about the future, fear with our present circumstances, and thoughts and feelings and insecurity from the past. Have we done enough? Can we do more? Should we have done things differently? Will we reach the future we imagined all those years ago?
I want to encourage you to take it slowly.
I want to encourage you to take it slowly. I want to ask you to notice who and what revs you up and consider limiting your exposure. I want to ask you to make things simple and keep them that way for now. I want to suggest that you take some time each day for yourself to simply breathe and be in the moment. Get out into nature and remind yourself we are a part of nature. Consider taking a drive to a different city or out of the city you are in and getting some new context, perspectives, and views on life.
Your personal power ebbs and flows. It is natural. Most of us are depleted from all that has occurred. Most of us are impacted by all the reactions of the people around us and feeling off balance with all of the confusion from different sources. Your personal power will return, but just like after a long hike you need to rest and replenish yourself in order for your strength to come back. And know this; it is going to take months more effort and resting and replenishing to get our strength back. Months!
“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.”
Make the choices. Remember that suffering is optional. You can motivate yourself. One day at a time. One step at a time. One moment at a time. And then rest and catch your breath. Over and over and over...This is our collective experience at this point in our history. Move slowly. Be careful. Offer support. Be kind. Say please and thank you. Make eye contact. Wave. Say hello. We will find ourselves again...