What are you learning?
Over the past few weeks, I have spoken to many people who are, rightly so, having a challenging time right now. Being the glass-half-full kind of gal, although I acknowledge we are all going through some significant challenges, I believe this to be an amazing time.
Many of us were sleepwalking through life. We were focused on the future so much we were not in the moment with our friends and family. We were so focused on consumption, competition, and success that we forgot to be grateful. We looked at what we didn’t have, instead of all we do have.
In helping others navigate this time, I compare it to childbirth. The time of birth is filled with pain, stress, blood, sweat, and tears. We are not ourselves. We struggle and yell and want it to be over. We push and push and push until we can feel release. Then it happens. The joy of bringing something new and amazing into the world.
I truly believe that we are all birthing something new and amazing. We may be part of the greater whole recreating what is important on a grand level or it may be more personal. We may be learning acceptance and releasing unrealistic expectations in our own lives and relationships. Those I see in real pain are the ones who will not accept the new. They want to hold on to old ways and old beliefs which no longer serve anyone. For those people I feel sorry. They are trying to stop the inevitable and it will bring them nothing but hardship.
This is a new time. A time to simplify. A time to connect. A time to be grateful. A time to be in the moment.
Take a moment to look around you and consider, what do you really need? Two months ago, what did you feel you had to have or your life wouldn’t be complete? Was it the newest iPhone, a new car, or the new trend in clothing? How important are those things now? As you sit in your home, how many things look new to you because you had forgotten you had them? How many times have you tried to purchase happiness but found it to be lacking? Interesting how planning for our next meal and ensuring we have medical essentials can help us re-evaluate what we really “need.”
What do you take for granted? Being in a hurricane region puts a different perspective on the quarantine. My neighbors have been through a horrible hurricane that took out buildings, electric, and water supply. Being home with adequate food, water, and electric is a cakewalk for them. We have the basics. We are not scavenging for food or water. Is it an inconvenience and a real hardship for some to not have their source of income? Yes, absolutely. But they have been through worse. I know I am absolutely grateful I have a safe home to write this post plus electricity and internet to send it to you. When we don’t have much, we recognize all we have.
What will we take with us when this is “over”? What are you learning through this? About you and how you approach life? About what you find important? About what you can do differently? I am learning to really, truly be in the moment. To not miss out on an interaction with someone I love. To accept others fully and compassionately. To not negate what I have because I am looking at what’s next. I am learning to be. To live. To experience. To be in the moment. My goal when this is over and we are in the new normal, is that I continue to be present, to be grateful, to help those around me, and to embrace and accept that this is not only enough, but is really all there is.
What is this challenge teaching you? Share with us here.
