Our identity,
Who we are,
Who we have imagined ourselves to be,
How we have affixed a sense of self-worth to ourselves.
Who are we if we aren't working,
Aren't helping,
Aren't doing?
When our roles as parents have been changed,
Everyone is being affected.
A truly challenging time.
Here are 10 tips that may help a little bit during this difficult time.
1.
Recognize the enormity of the times you are living in.
You are living in a historical moment of epic proportions.
You may want to begin to write your version of how things have changed you.
A first-hand report will be a true gift to the following generations.
2.
Recognize your lack of control over the bigger picture.
No matter what you do,
You can't change the facts of where we find ourselves.
3.
Accept responsibility for steps you can take to make the situation better.
Agree to follow the guidelines,
The rules,
The changes to your sense of personal freedom.
We are all in this together and have a huge responsibility to our countrymates.
4.
Practice self-care.
Having a strong immune system is our best defense against COVID-19.
Taking time to de-stress,
Even one breath at a time,
Will provide your system with a break from the tension,
Fear,
And worry.
Work to build up your wellness practice,
Recognizing what helps you personally.
5.
Avoid being ugly,
Especially in social media.
We have had a steady dose of ugly for years.
Does it matter what side of an issue you are on?
Stay kind.
Do not retaliate even when it's clear someone else has hit below the belt.
Yes,
You can respond with dignity,
Stating in no uncertain terms your wisdom.
But please keep the energy you carry around healthy and kind.
6.
Consider taking some time to get to know yourself on a deeper level.
With such a huge shift in our daily activities,
This may be the time to grow in consciousness and awareness and wisdom.
7.
Find ways to stay connected to family and friends.
Of course there are many platforms for this.
Remember,
The older folks may need a bit of guidance in this area.
Maybe you are the one who can teach them some new tricks.
8.
Recognize when your mind is taking you down the rabbit hole of fear.
This one is really important.
There is very little chance you haven't felt afraid.
I think we all find ourselves wondering what in the world will happen to us and to our lives.
Let's nip the fear in the bud quickly,
Acknowledging there is no way to be certain.
For now,
We simply recognize our fear and send it off for a few breaths.
9.
Practice staying in the now.
This is really helpful to assuage our fears.
For now,
We are okay.
And this moment,
I am well.
For right now,
I can appreciate much.
And to round out the tips to ten,
Why not practice counting to ten when you find yourself on a short fuse?
It's not hard to imagine how many of us might be losing our tempers,
Perhaps many times in a day.
The old adage,
Count to ten,
Is very valid.
So there we have it.
Ten tips to help us cope during a pandemic in our lifetime.
Here's to you.
Be well.
