For the past few weeks, I’ve been led to share my pandemic experience so far, and somewhat resisted. Mainly because some of it feels pretty raw and very vulnerable. So, why share?… Because I believe it’s important as we’re all currently experiencing challenges. And if I can possibly offer some support or encouragement, it’s worth taking the time to combine the thoughts and feelings I’ve experienced and journaled about – documenting them here, in a very transparent and vulnerable way.
March started out with a move to a new apartment. At work, it was the beginning of spring break and busy – there were a lot of passengers going through the airport. Within days busy became busier, and a bit chaotic, as resorts and colleges started to close down due to COVID-19. Passengers were scrambling to get home earlier than expected. Then, within a matter of days, busier turned into incredibly slow with very few passengers in the airport. It was shocking and left me feeling incredibly anxious, stressed and sad. At the same time, I was doing everything possible to create a sense of comfort and safety in my new home. My end of March blog talks more about what that meant to me. In summary, March felt like the longest month ever, filled with completely unexpected challenges!
April was met with many of the same emotions I felt in March. The shock of all that was going on put me in survival mode, which meant doing what needed to be done. While at the same time, being flexible to necessary adjustments on a daily basis. The days flowed from one to the next and they all seemed to include a new directive at the city and state levels. There was a lot of uncertainty in every aspect of life! I was given the chance to take a leave from my job in the airline industry and decided to take it. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I felt the best one under the current circumstances.
May went by very fast and I was mostly content staying at or close to home. I spent most of my time alone, resting and reflecting – all of which felt completely okay after everything that happened in March and April. .
June was an entirely different story. Time seemed to stand still and the contentment I felt in May was gone. All I wanted to do was get away from home! I missed the ability to easily travel and visit family. I missed the regular schedule, routine and structure I had with work – experiencing highs and lows (mostly lows) with my mood and energy. I had some hard days – sleeping a lot and feeling a deep scene of sadness, isolation, and depression.
July was the month that I was able to relax into the reality of the current circumstances of the pandemic being a part of everyday life. I was again content to stay at or close to home and moved into enjoying life more.
To sum-up my pandemic experience so far, I’ve had many ups and downs! During which, I’ve done my best to practice self care in every way possible! The absolute best thing I’ve done to practice self care during the pandemic, and the thing that has made the biggest impact in my overall well-being, has been getting outside in nature to walk and hike with friends. The connection to nature and supportive friends has been extremely helpful to me during a very challenging time.
I believe we all have a new perspective and appreciation for self care and what’s necessary for us, our families and community, after living through the pandemic so far. And continually learning that we can only be our best for our family and community when we’re first being our best for ourselves. We are also continuing to learn what is really important in our lives – what’s necessary, and what’s not. Learning that a slower pace with less is okay and allows for more self care.
What has really kept me moving forward each day – taking one step at a time, is knowing the incredible opportunity I have – we all have – to intentionally create a new and better normal for ourselves, our families and communities. Including new schedules, routines and structures to frame our day, week and life. The above picture from a recent hike perfectly sums up – taking one step at a time. The path was there, even though it wasn’t at all clear. And I knew, that in order to continue moving forward, I would have to take one step at a time. This is what we all need to do now – take one step at at time even though the path isn’t clear.
I look forward to staying connected and continuing to have conversations based on creating your best lifestyle focused on self care – conversations worth having!
Join the conversation by commenting with a few words about your pandemic experience so far. What have been your biggest challenges and gifts?
My recently published Journal is a tool to support you creating your best lifestyle. And is especially timely with the pandemic. You can see a description and purchase it on Amazon. I also recently posted a review of each of the sections on my YouTube Channel.
Until next time, Laura Li Lifestyle
