A Redefinition of Essential

Like many other people, work became a convenient way to cope with so much unknown. Not only am I managing my own thoughts and feelings about the state of our world, but I also was carrying some of the concerns of over 35 people who are within my care.

“I had to schedule breaks to recharge.”

I had to practice pacing myself as I re-watched or started a new series of anime. I had to set boundaries with social media consumption, with family and with friends.  Self-care looked like fighting the idea that I must be productive during these times.  

I felt like I was handling things as well as one could in an apartment with plenty of plants. Working with my clients on ways to cope healthily during such uncertain times has deepened my understanding of resilience. These amazing people were journeying inward, getting to know their selves, practicing new ways to love their selves while also learning to sit with uncertainty, fear and really boredom. 

“We learned together that if you don’t take time for yourself to recharge or rest, you might find yourself in a circumstance where that is your only option.”

Resilience doesn’t mean you keep producing no matter how crushing the circumstance, but that you adapt, extend grace, choose you and care for your needs and move forward when things don’t go as planned.