I’m going to be very real right now. Things are WEIRD. Our lives have been disrupted, our routines are out of whack and we don’t have a definitive end date for any of it. What makes it even worse is it’s not just you. Most, if not all, of the people you’re in (virtual) contact with are experiencing the same thing. So, there is no reprieve from friends or loved ones-their lives have probably been turned upside down, too!
However You’re Feeling is OK
I don’t say any of this to scare people or make you feel worse. Quite the opposite, actually. I tell you these things to let you know that however you’re feeling is OK and normal and exactly how you need to be feeling. Normalizing your response and validating how you feel is so important to getting through this. Recognize that this is hard and no one got a “What to do during Quarantine” manual mailed to them, so it’s ok if we feel like we don’t know what to do or how to react.
We’re all going to respond a little differently to this situation, and that’s ok! There is no need to compare how you’re reacting to how others are feeling. In fact, that is one of the least helpful things you can do right now. Maybe you’re crying everyday or maybe you haven’t cried once, both are perfectly valid responses. It’s important to remember that we perceive the world around us in our own unique way; based on our genetics, environment and past experiences. Placing expectations on yourself to deal with this the “right” way puts too much pressure on an already high-pressure situation.
The Most Important Thing
So, please, don’t try to use this time to learn a new language, read all those books you’ve been meaning to read or finally find your inner peace-unless those are the things that come naturally to you and you genuinely find joy and relief in doing them. You’re not a bad person or lazy if you don’t find yourself starting that new side hustle or gaining a new skill. You’re simply a person doing the best they can during a frightening time. You’re in survival mode. Do what your mind and body are helping you do--survive!
This is all very surreal. I'm an essential worker, so I spend most of my days wearing a mask. Thankfully, I have a comfortable one, I don't need to wear makeup and it hides my upper lip wrinkles, so there's that. I'm not much for people, so there's that. I like to think that we are learning something as a society, for example, wash your fucking hands.