Lessons from home

COVID-19 has shaken up the entire world. Literally. Everything is topsy-turvy. With rules and regulations changing and shifting every day, life easily feels whelming. This has been a difficult and uncertain season, with many people being forced to take on new kinds of roles and responsibilities and re-negotiate many, if not all, aspects of their life. Changing work environments and navigating new online platforms, figuring out how to take care of, educate, and entertain kids and/or other extended family, spending more time with loved ones (for better and for worse), and not being able to escape in the traditional ways that our culture so enjoys creates for an interesting new reality. Further, for many people this has been a time of loss and fear as they or ones they love face illness and death in its many forms. For those grieving the loss of a loved one or struggling with an addiction or an abusive relationship, being forced to stay home alone or with others is not easy or safe but is rather something to be feared and dreaded. I do not want to down play the seriousness of the situation or the harsh realities that it has placed on many people. My heart goes out to all of those who are struggling to make ends meet right now or facing circumstances larger than they can control. For those of us who are fortunate enough to still be standing, it is our job and our responsibility to look out for the people around us and offer support in the ways we can. This is a world wide pandemic which means it will require world wide healing and collaboration moving forward.

Now, turning to my own experience, this worldwide pandemic has been surprisingly positive and healing for me. And I do not think I am the only one. Yet, there is some serious shame around claiming that I have enjoyed this season and that there is part of me that does not want it to end or for life to just "go back to normal." There is shame around claiming these realities because, as mentioned above, this season has been and continues to be so difficult for so many. Please here me when I say that I do not want to downplay anybody's experience, pain, anger, or real fears about navigating into this unknown future. I do not have answers about any of it, and I never will pretend to. What I do have, however, is my own experience, strength, and hope; I have the lessons that are unfolding around me and the daily practices that are continuing to guide and shape me. I think that it is important to highlight these realities and lessons in hopes that they inspire someone, instill hope in someone, or maybe, just allow someone else to feel like it is okay to be okay right now. So, here are 3 of the lessons that I am learning during quarantine. I will share and expound more in further posts.

1. Every day, we have a choice

While we cannot always choose our circumstances, we can choose the way we approach each day and each moment. We can choose to lean into what feels good and life-giving rather than what is life-sucking and draining. We can choose to turn off the news, drink more water, go on a walk, write, draw, meditate, move our bodies, drink our favorite beverage, be grateful, and cultivate joy.

2. Energy matters & you have to put yourself first

So often, when the world was fully operational and moving full speed ahead, days would pass without me having spent more than an hour to just sit and be with myself, indulging in my own company. It was not until quarantine, when we are asked to stay home and refrain from our busyness, that I final caught my breath. Wow! I am learning how much I need this space to breath, think, create, and re-charge. Our culture tells us we need to go, go, go, but as I tune in, I am realizing how important it is to slow down and just be. This simple shift is life changing, healing, and grounding. It feels like I am meeting myself for the first time, and, hey, I think I am pretty cool!

3. Dream BIG but take it a day and a time

We are always creating our future with each decision and each moment. Don't be afraid to dream big and play with lofty goals that seem outside your grasp. There are so many groups of people out there coming together to support each other around various passions and aspirations! We are all given the same 24 hours and we are all capable of greatness! Just don't get stuck focusing on the huge scary and daunting dream, but ask yourself: what can I do today, right now, that moves me just a milometer closer to that goal? You can choose to stare at a tall mountain forever overwhelmed by its greatness, or you can choose to take a baby step and start the climb. One foot in front of the other. One day at a time.