A few weeks ago, I sat in a small café, with two dear friends, relaxing and sipping coffee. We enjoyed each others company, as our conversation effortlessly flowed. We covered all the usual topics, of family, work, vacations, and plans for the upcoming Spring and Summer. On that day, we had no idea of how quickly things were about to change. Change in a way we never could have imagined.
Just a couple of days later, the World Health Organization, declared COVID-19, a pandemic! It seemed that within an instant, our world, as we knew it, was flipped upside down! Our freedom and comfort, replaced with overwhelming stress, worry and fear. The concern of how our family and community will be affected, and the question of when this will pass, weighs so heavy on our minds. We have never experienced anything like this before.
Although we are in this together, our specific circumstances vary greatly. You may be someone who isn’t well, or has a family member who is sick. Are you an essential worker who braves the storm everyday? Maybe you are at home, and finding yourself thrown into a role that you never before considered. Some are feeling isolated, while others only dream of the opportunity to stay home and safe. Whatever your situation, there is nothing more important than your own self care and health. Health, both physically and mentally.
I don’t know about you, but for me, during this pause, when I am spending all of my time at home, I find myself to be more now than ever, contemplative and introspective. Given our current situation of individual and global uncertainty, that sense of security, and presumptive gift of time, has become elusive.
Often, it’s not until a crisis occurs that we learn what we’re truly made of. When our eyes of perspective open wide, and we get that metaphorical slap in the face! We witness our own vulnerability, and recognize how fragile and precious life really is.
I have heard people say that they can’t wait for things to get back to normal, back to the way it was. So, this is what I want to ask you—were you truly happy and fulfilled with your normal, with the way it was? Were you living your life doing, mostly, what you love? Did you feel balance and satisfaction?
I want to share with you a beautiful practice, with the hope that you will find enjoyment and clarity in it, as I do. Of course, if you have read my posts, and are getting to know me, it involves a writing journal and a quiet, comfortable space. Allow yourself to slip away from the harsh reality of what currently is, and into a place of creativity and openness.
When I slow down, and get in touch with myself, I not only find peace and calm, but I become inspired, and look forward to a bright and promising future, full of possibility. I move away from fear, and the devastating daily news, and into the light of hope.
When you are ready, ask yourself the questions below. Pay close attention to what feelings and thoughts come up for you, and start writing. You may find that you can’t write fast enough to keep up with yourself!
- When this crisis has passed, what will I immediately do? Who will I see? Where will I go? What am I missing most, day to day? What will I do differently? What will I do better?
- When this crisis has passed, what will I do with my life? What gives me meaning and fulfillment? What am I passionate about? What are my dreams? That thing that you dream about, and maybe have never even shared with another person—write about it! What does it look like? Write as if you are already there.
You know all of those dreams and plans you have, the ones that sit on your back burner? You have every intention of getting to at some ideal point in time in the future? Like when you have more money, more time, more knowledge? Maybe, when all the planets and stars perfectly line up—ha-ha Well, my friend, they have lined up!!
Dreams take on various shapes and sizes depending on their holder. For some, a dream could mean fewer business social functions, to allow for more family time. To another, it could be a new business start up. Maybe it’s taking better care of your body and health. The list goes on and on, and there is no order of precedence here.
Don’t worry about the “how to” part yet, that will come later. There are resources and information on just about everything. It’s amazing what you can find out with a simple google search. There are organizations and people who love to help, and are there to help you. You can reach out to someone who is already doing what you are interested in. Your own group of friends and family hold networking possibilities, someone always knows someone. Don’t get hung up on fear of the unknown!
If you are experiencing a block, where you just can’t identify what you want right now, just accept that, and don’t push. Maybe from your experience, especially in light of our current situation, you have identified what you don’t want. I have been in that place, and more than once! There have been times in my life when I would say to myself, “I don’t know what I want, I just know it’s not this!” Those were valuable learning experiences for me. Eventually, over time, when I was ready, I could rely on my own intuition and step forward again.
When this COVID-19 crisis is over, and you go back out into society, how do you want to step out? How do you want to show up? Let’s not waste the lessons we’ve learned. It truly will be a fresh start, ready to be embraced! We are not going to come out of this the same as we were going in, we are going to be better! The time has come to be generative and creative. It doesn’t matter where you are in your life, what age or stage you are at, you have life experience, a story to tell, and gifts to share. I believe that the world will be more open and awake than ever before!
I wish to extend my love, prayers, and a warm virtual hug, to all ❤️
