The COVID-19 pandemic. I know, you’re probably over hearing about it. Maybe your physical health has been affected by it, maybe your mental health has taken a dive from the lockdowns, maybe you have loved ones who’ve been seriously affected by it, even passed from it. Regardless of the degree, we’ve all been affected by this pandemic in some way.
It’s easy to identify the shitty parts of these last two years. I honestly can’t believe I’m saying, “Two years.” It seems like just yesterday we were heading into our first lockdown. For some of us, we’re heading into yet another.
What’s harder to do is identify the light within the dark. The things we’ve learned. The things we’ve realised. The opportunities a forced, slower pace gave us. The mindfulness and gratitude we’ve come to practice. That’s what I want to focus on as we’re nearing the end of 2021.
1. We’re Stronger Than We Realised.
These hard times have undoubtedly made us stronger. I’ve found I’m so much more capable than I ever thought! I’ve learned I’m the keeper of my destiny, and I should live in gratitude above all else, so I can have the right perspective to make my dreams come true!
I know I’ve become more in tune with my intuition and am starting to listen inward so much more than before. I’ve become more focused, and I’ve set and reached goals that were smart and achievable! I’ve also learned I can fail and still succeed. Mindfulness and perseverance can help me achieve my goals. These are huge lessons I’m so thankful to know.
2. We Need Connection To Survive.
Isolation can bring heartache, and it can bring the realisation that we need others. We need our friends. We need our family. It’s important now, more than ever, to tell those we love that we love them, and why we love them. Instead of living in our own worlds, we now realise how much we need each other.
It’s a beautiful gift this pandemic has given us, and it allows us to no longer take our relationships for granted.
3. Life and Vitality Aren’t Guaranteed.
Life is way too f***ing short. You know it. I know it. And the pandemic truly showed us that! We’re innately finite. There is an end to our being. That can be scary, but more so, it has been incredibly freeing. We have so much more gratitude for being on this short trip called life!
Gone are the days we care about the little things, like someone cutting us off on the road. The pandemic has given us such a beautiful perspective on our lived experiences. Having our mortality dangled in front of us like a carrot has helped us choose our battles (like the ones with my boys), forgive more easily (since it sets our souls free), release any resentment from the past, and to let go of fear!
Time is limited, and with the mindfulness we’ve harnessed, we realise that now.
4. To see change, we must begin with ourselves.
If I want to see change in my life and in those around me, I’ve realised I must start with myself. Our actions speak so much louder than our words, and the time to do is NOW! With the slower pace the pandemic has brought into our lives, we’ve begun to realise how important it is to invest time, resources, and care into ourselves. Whether that’s engaging in self-care, getting a handle on our finances, developing a meditation or mindfulness practice, taking time for ourselves, protecting our own energy, buying a course to learn something new, or just being more responsible for our own happiness.
We may not have ever done these things without the pandemic slapping us in the face (literally, it feels like!).
Pandemic got you feeling some type of way?
I can tell you; I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re drowning, but know this: there are people out there who can help you. I’m one of them. If you need support and a crash course in becoming happier and having more gratitude, let’s connect.
