This time of isolation due to the corona virus is such an odd time. For most, it is a time of fear and concern with fleeting moments of joy and appreciation for the little things. I have come to believe that facing adversity like this in life is a necessary evil for discovering a deep appreciation for the life we formally deemed "normal." When "normal" life disappears, you look back at it and notice all the things about it that actually were quite extraordinary; spectacular even.
I've learned that it takes a very dark night to see the stars. It takes a very hard time to appreciate the easy ones, and perspective is truly everything. You don't know what perspective is when you've never faced adversity, and therefore have no point of reference. Something happens when you get down on your luck. When your "normal" is suddenly taken from you. When your "constants" are no longer available. You are forced to gather up the shattered pieces of your former "norm" and somehow make what's left of it, "work." Some are better at it than others. Some fear adversity and will run from it at all costs. They will do anything to avoid "processing" their feelings and "sitting" with their unsettling reality. They will numb themselves up to avoid experiencing it at all. I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy a strong drink or dive into those cookies face first on occasion. I'm just saying you shouldn't spend all your time avoiding this reality. Absorb this situation. Feel these feelings, allow the processing to begin, no matter how undesirable it might be... because there is a silver lining to "experiencing" adversity and not merely surviving it, but rising from it stronger. When you avoid it, you think of yourself as merely an "accidental survivor." When you let yourself experience it, you are healing as you go. You are getting stronger as you survive and eventually you begin to thrive. You find yourself benefiting from the lessons you learned, the painful reality you faced head on, and the hardships you endured. You are also building your "hope" muscle. When you survive and thrive in times of trial, you build a sense of "hope" each time. You look back and are reminded that even in the darkness at what you once thought was a cliff...there was a pathway. This is called hope. You begin to think in terms of "We will either find a path or build one." We can come out of this stronger if we allow ourselves to sit with the feelings of helplessness. It eases my own anxiety to help others in any way that I can. What are your gifts? How can you use them to help others right now? I'm doing as much as I can to help my students and continue to teach them and read to them online, get them resources and share my strength with them. I know I will only get maybe one more paycheck, but I won't stop teaching because it's something I can give right now to my students and to their parents whom are also scared and might be losing jobs and paychecks. I'm taking my spare time to try to do things I've been meaning to do like organize my closet, pray more, and especially to write a few notes of thanks to people I never thanked enough for their impact on my life. I've written old teachers, a couple of my amazing doctors that have helped me with my arthritis, and a few others. I try to practice gratuity in times like this because it reminds me of the hope that exists even when things seemed hopeless. If you are struggling right now, I encourage you to experience the struggle. Face it. And look for the helpers, like Mr. Rogers always said. Look for the people helping. Get inspired by them. Give to others when you can. Lift others up whenever possible. Give people grace whenever you have an opportunity to do so- we are all needing it right now. In the midst of the chaos in your home or total boredom, look at your child's face, pay attention to the way they play. Notice their innocence and joy. Try to experience that with them in that moment. Let go of the little things. Change the rules a little. Try not to control everything and just let yourself go. When the panic creeps in, step outside, watch the animals. Know in your heart with total certainty that all adversity provides opportunity for growth, strength, and hope. May you find yours.
0 Comments
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
February 2022
Categories |