These past few months have been... well, you know... unpredictable, unprecedented, and unfamiliar.
2020 will go down as one heck of a year.
Personally, I have gone through a whirlwind of emotions and self-discovery over the past few months. COVID disrupted my "normal" pace of life, slowed everything down, and allowed me time to reset my priorities and rest. Yet, these past few months have also created new opportunities and opened doors that I could not have predicted six months ago, and probably would have found rather amusing.
Since March, I have become a licensed insurance agent, started a full-time counseling degree, and straddled two different jobs. I realize how privileged I have been during this uncertain season, and I do not want to take that for granted. These past few months will probably define and shape each of us and our futures in profound, unique, and significant ways. One consistent theme that has been on my mind a lot lately and I hear being thrown around in conversation is self-care and rest.
Typically, I live on over-drive. If you look at my calendar for the coming weeks, it is apparent. Yet, even though my calendar is bulging, I am working to incorporate the lessons COVID has taught me. My goal is to integrate self-care and rest into the fabric of my time. COVID has taught me to live in the present moment, slow down, re-examine where I spend my time, and recognize what matters; I am by no means an expert at any of this yet. Just ask my boyfriend, who deals with my constant ups and downs, and it will be evident that I still have a lot to learn. But, hey, I'm trying!
I have also seen how COVID has created space for other people in my life. My mother, a full-time physician, has finally found time to cook and spend quality time with my nephew, both of which would have been difficult to prioritize when balancing regular work schedules and activities. For her, self-care and rest look and feel different, but we have both started to explore new spaces and rhythms during these past few months. Part of the process is learning and trying new things to see what feels most life-giving and refreshing for you! Be gentle with yourself.
I, personally, am learning how I need to unplug, recharge, and create space for myself. Every. Single. Day.
I am fortunate enough that I have been able to escape the city and get some fresh country air, but even when that is not possible, I have learned the value of taking daily walks in my neighborhood! Finding what feels right for you and what works in your day is what matters most. There is no perfect system! Play around with it. :)
What have you been learning this season?
What does self-care look like in your day to day life?
Where do you get energy and recharge?
How can you cultivate rest into your daily habits?
Please comment below or let me know if there is something you want me to explore more in future posts!
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