I Don't Know About You...
I don’t know about you, but I’m quarantined, too. Everything will be alright if… we all had as much money as Taylor Swift right now. In all seriousness, this time is challenging for everyone. The pandemic that is breaking up families and causing tissue boxes to live extremely short lives, has created a sense of global unity that has us fighting against one common enemy. While not everyone is employed, everyone has one job. Stay inside. We are learning together, and this will forever be a part of a bigger story.
Think about how you have been impacted by COVID-19. You’re likely aware that this is not ideal by any means. So many parts of normalcy have been canceled.
Yes, it could be worse. But it is clear that it was hard to accept that our lives changed overnight. No matter what you are going through at this time, we are all seeking reassurance. Know that your feelings are valid.
We were all at different points in one book, life, and the remaining chapters got rearranged for who knows what reason. Some chapters even got lost. But we will put the parts together. We must all believe that this too shall pass.
The content we are consuming is more relatable than ever. We have never been this connected to public figures. Technology has enabled people to get a peek inside of celebrities’ lives at home as they are adapting, too. It’s not like we are all “stuck” in our million-dollar mansions, but rather, we are all struggling with accepting the situation that is a deviation off-script like no other.
We have the technology to keep us updated, news outlets making us aware, and we have each other. During this time, we have been able to define true heroes, the selfless individuals who are dedicated to helping others. Young children may not be able to wrap their heads around what may feel like infinite recess or an extended summer break, but they’ll understand as time goes on.
It seems as if this is one big wake up call. We must enjoy each day to the fullest. Show appreciation for the people in our lives who have made us who we are today. Be gracious for opportunities. Pass on positivity as we take each day as it comes.
Whatever the new normal may be, I hope this serves to paint a clearer picture for each of us. A reminder of what is important, even the littlest experiences. Together we can channel energy to push each other to reach out greatest potential.
In the beginning, it didn’t feel real. Some people didn’t take growing concerns seriously. Others sat back and tried to put puzzle pieces together, literally and figuratively. Tiger King took people to what seemed like a different world. Our inboxes continue to be flooded with promotions and sales for items we won’t be needing for who knows how long. We are overwhelmed with free fitness content that is almost too accessible. But we must stay strong, both physically and mentally.
Hopefully, you’re home, but don’t let your home be your comfort zone. Schedule time for personal development and growth. Set goals. Motivate friends and family to be their best. Be accountable. Make a noticeable difference by tracking progress. Think about the excuses you used to tell yourself, as you consistently took the easy way out. I hate to break it to you, but those excuses are no longer valid. Right now, we have what seems like an abundance of time. See challenges as opportunities to explore a passion, discover new music, learn a new language. I encourage you to take baby steps. Before you know it, goals will become habits that will soon transform into no-brainers that make up your well-rounded lifestyle.
May our differences be forgotten, and our similarities guide our actions. Let us listen to one another and be real when we communicate with each other.
While we don’t know the timeline, know that now is the time to warm up on the sidelines. Get ready for your Super Bowl when this is all over. Your World Series homerun opportunity is around the corner. What will your walkout song be? Who will be your teammates?
Plan out your play to visualize the ultimate slam dunk. Practice perfecting your form, know your signature shot. What may seem like a three-point buzzer beater right now, could be a layup or free throw soon enough. In case you couldn't tell, I really miss sports.
If you have read up to this point, you may be rolling your eyes. I know that this is all much easier said than done, trust me. But if I were to be a professor I’d give out As for effort. So just try. Take one step in the right direction. Be the author of your own story.
Make a plan. Become a master. Read books, listen to podcasts, watch videos. Parts of life may seem to be on pause, but at any moment, you are in control of when you decide to change your effort to press “play”. Yes, you can take timeouts. You are the coach and referee. Understand that you will make mistakes. There’s no need to be hard on yourself if you’re realistic. Take time to reflect. Track progress. Allow yourself the chance to look back and smile.
Have breakfast in bed… because you can. Reconnect with an old friend. Cancel your subscription to excuses and make a change for yourself. It will be worth it, I promise.
