Many of us are weary these days. We are in the middle of a pandemic, we just went through a tumultuous election season, this will be a holiday season like no other and the days are getting shorter (which typically provokes depression in some of us, including myself). Every person is affected in some way by the events of this year whether it relates to finances, employment, mental and physical health, family, relationships and the change in what was normal and typical. It’s overwhelming and exhausting.
It seems as though the entire world is going through one giant upheaval. We are all tied together more or less, and the United States is not the only country being affected by the pandemic. Some countries have managed it better than others but we are one world and what happens across the globe eventually affects the rest of us.
I keep feeling impatient with what is happening, yet I think the message is the opposite. This is a period to slow down, to reflect and reassess, bringing us to change, and evolution into something better. Change is painful and we are all forced to go through it together at the same time. We are in the middle of a painful metamorphosis process but remember, in nature, the result is a beautiful butterfly. The butterfly epitomizes what is happening to our world right now. This gives me hope for a brighter future.
So what do we do while this most unusual period in history is going on? For me, it’s to not make any serious decisions in my life. It’s to reflect on what was, and be thoughtful as to how things can be better for me and those in my life. We are literally being forced to spend more time with ourselves to figure things out. Some of these things are uncomfortable and are easy to push off but when you have more time on your own you have no choice but to think. There are fewer distractions.
I also feel strongly that this is a time where we need to help each other. While some of us are uncomfortable with the events of this year, some are facing serious challenges. If you are in a position to help, do it. Can you donate to a food bank? Run an errand for someone who can’t go out? Foster for your local animal rescue? Call someone who lives alone? Get takeout to support your local restaurant? Check on your neighbor? Shop locally to support small business owners? There are a million ways to help. And if we each help someone else, we all get lifted up. For me, helping someone else is one of the best feelings in the world.
If you need help, ask for it. Sometimes people don’t realize what you need or that you need. From what I’ve seen – once people know there is a need – they overwhelmingly want to help.
By this time next year we will be experiencing some of the results of this change into a better future. What can you do to contribute to our collective metamorphosis????
