Navigating a New Normal: How I'm Dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic
Five weeks ago, my usual preparation for one of my journeys to Wegman’s or Target consisted of choosing which sweatshirt, jeans and shoes were the most comfortable to wear as I walked around the store placing the items on my shopping list, and many that were not, into my handheld basket.
Four weeks ago, that preparation changed to include a face mask, disposable gloves, hand sanitizer in my purse and a mental shift to remember to stay at least six-feet away from other patrons and fight the impulse to pick up the candles and smell them, or the random kitchen gadgets that I don’t need, but may purchase (my apple slicer and garlic mincer were worthy investments, lol).
What a difference a week made.
Because, here we are…in the middle of a pandemic. Masks on our faces and might in our hearts to get through this the best way we can. My heart aches daily for all of the lives lost and for the trauma the world is experiencing. I also know blessings and goodness coexist in the chaos.
It is what anchors me.
And during this journey, I’ve had to, like everyone else, shift my mindset with how daily life, work and peace are created. Though I gave myself permission to cry, sulk and harbor anger, I knew I couldn’t stay there. I had to tap into what anchors me and keeps me moving forward. I just had to do it differently.
I started by tapping into the abundance of live streams by some of my favorite thought and spiritual leaders, artists and creatives. A few weeks ago, Essence Magazine hosted a live streaming wellness series featuring Iyanla Vanzant, who talked about the importance of acceptance.
Until that point, I couldn’t put a name on what I was feeling for myself, my family and the world, but discovered it was resistance. I just didn’t want to accept the fear, limits, disconnections and pain a changed world left me with. But I knew I had to, because by letting myself go through those feelings and landing at acceptance, I also gave myself permission to experience the joy of resilience. The possibilities, the opportunities, the fact that although this is tough, humanity has survived worse. This epiphany jarred me into a space of gratitude. For what still is and for what I can control
Here are some ways I am dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic:
1. Create Joy: There is wine…lots of wine. Lol. Seriously, there is. When I wind down at the end of the day, I relax with a glass or two. I play Uno, Jenga and other fun games with my family in friendly competitions. I find also find joy in creating, which has produced this revamped website and blog (that I have been saying I would launch for years).
2. Create Connection: Though we can’t be in each other’s presence right now, I am connecting with family and friends through video calls and group chats, including virtual happy hours.
3. Create Structure: I started working from home and the first day was a mess. I have always worked in a school or office, so I needed help to make this work. I learned I had to get up and get dressed every day, eliminate distractions, create work hours and a work space. The hardest adjustment was accepting that I had to merge these two worlds.
4. Create Wellness: I take a walk and exercise daily (well…almost every day). I have finally stopped eating an abundance of junk food and replaced it with healthier options. I am enjoying the drama on shows like Little Fires Everywhere, Tiger King and McMillions. I pray, meditate and journal and I work hard to keep my focus on what I can do, not on what I can’t control.
The fact is, there is still so much joy to hold onto and although it is not easy, we are resilient and we will get through this. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself grace as you navigate through this new normal. We will get to the other side of it.
