Greetings from the world of social distancing!
Greetings from the land of self-isolation and social distancing. WOW! The world has really taken a hard turn the last few weeks. I was aware of the COVID-19 virus, but I truly did not anticipate it would turn into what it has become. For anyone else who is either self-employed, a contracted worker, or has been laid off at this time, I am with you. Going from a full schedule to a completely empty one has been difficult. I am now beginning to navigate the online space as it is really the only offering, I can provide professionally at this time.
In all honestly, I am looking at the positive here. I have always aspired to share my work virtually, but was afraid of how it may turn out. But now, the only way to do it is to just show up and learn as you go. This was the push I needed to try and expand my offerings to reach more people. It has been a really amazing way to connect with people in Kitchener-Waterloo (my hometown), across Canada, and beyond our borders, as I have connections in other parts of the world too.
Being told to spend time alone or away from family and friends is not easy. We all like being alone until we are told to do it. This was really only week one for most of us, and I only anticipate it getting more difficult as the novelty wears off. For me, there are a few things I am doing to try to maintain a positive and healthy mindset in this time.
Keeping in contact with my friends and family. Regular text messaging, video chats, and phone calls have been a saviour. Even though I can’t be so close physically to everyone right now, I am feeling connected. Thank goodness for the technology we have today. We can put it to good use and check in on each other during this chaotic time.
It is not just happening to me. It is hard to not take it personally knowing that my career has been turned upside down. I know other people who have had to cancel their weddings. We had to cancel our first family trip with my nephew to Disney World over Easter. It sucks. But know that this is something that goes beyond our own little bubbles. This is a worldwide pandemic and we need to keep perspective right now.
Listening to what my body needs. Online workouts are now the thing to do but, they don’t necessarily have to be. There is a lot of talk online about getting “fit” with our newly acquired free time. There should be no pressure there. Some of us were operating on overdrive before this even happened. Taking a break should not make anyone feel guilty. This is new territory for everyone and you shouldn’t feel bad about how you choose to navigate it.
Checking off my to-do list. I have things that I have had on my list that never seem to get checked off. I figure, now is the time to sort the closets, wipe the baseboards, finish the online courses, and read all the books. It is all about turning a negative situation into a positive opportunity to get stuff done!
Don’t get me wrong. I have been feeling the anxiety and tightness in my chest too. This is a scary time. All news is only Corona Virus news, so it can be difficult to escape it. But, as I try to implement my tips from above myself, I am feeling more at ease and know that I can only control so much in the situation. What ways are you coping during this time? I would love to learn from you too, as I know we are all just trying to figure out what is best as we go.
I am sending positive, safe, and healthy vibes out to everyone tonight! We all could use it.
Yours in self-discovery,
Rachel