Going Back to Basics
The following thoughts, experiences and ideas come from a place of immense privilege.
I have a house to call home, a business that's still afloat, a loving partner to isolate with, family and friends to stay in touch with, warm meals, internet access, clean water, and safe living conditions – just to name a few.
I am one of the lucky ones. I know this, and I'm grateful for it every darn day.
With this in mind, I am still a little shocked that I'm adjusting so well in isolation. I spent the first two weeks in fear, yes, and still get bursts of frustration every now and then (I miss the bloody beach!), but I believe that the years of self-work that I've done are helping me handle this.
After years of addressing my heightened flight or fight response, and finally getting it to respond when actually needed (rather than being triggered by every argument, stressor or shitty email), I am now in a place where I can approach situations with a healthy dose of practically, hope and belief that everything will work out in the end.
If you haven't figured it out yet, I am pretty darn woo woo. Despite being a Capricorn and making spreadsheets in my spare time, I've taught myself to do two seemingly out there things: make decisions based on my intuition and inner voice, and have faith that the Universe has my back.
Both of which, I only began to practice properly last year, and boy, how much I've grown since then. I'll share more into this side of the story later, because although it's relevant, it was also pre-pandemic, and things were a LOT simpler.
So, how the hell am I thriving amongst COVID? Well, it has little to do with exercise routines, productivity pushing, or banana bread, and all to do with my mindset.
I wake up everyday feeling extremely grateful. Despite my partner not having a job, despite not seeing my family in months (and not knowing when I'll hug them next), despite losing client work, and despite not having any savings, I'm grateful. Because I have my health, both physical and mental, and am living where I've always wanted to call home.
Instead of getting sucked into the psychotic news cycle and heated Facebook debates, and getting angry every time I see people not social distancing at Coles (this one is hard to overlook, tbh), I'm choosing to focus on what I DO have. Abundance, instead of scarcity.
And whilst I understand that you may not be in the same position as I am (aka an introvert who usually works from home and is having all of her basic needs met) I do encourage you to look for the light. Is there something, one single, glorious thing, that you can be grateful for today?
Perhaps it's time. You have more time to unwind, or explore activities you've always wanted to (I'm currently doing this with clay, and it's heavenly). Or perhaps it's the chance to connect with nature. You're walking around your neighbourhood and taking a moment to enjoy your surroundings. There's so many things. So, so many.
I better stop now, before I get even preachier, but I hope this has helped. You may not be ready to see the bright side in this global slow down yet, and that's okay. But even in our darkest states, we have the power to be grateful, even if it's only for our breath.
Love, Viv
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