Staying Resilient: Consider Completing and Creating

I hope this blog post continues to find you safe and well.

As many of us stay the course on “sheltering-in-place”, similar to last week, my intent is to keep sharing thoughts to consider and tips that can help keep you feeling more centered and balanced.

As I am now well into my 3rd week of sheltering, I am even more reflective about what is taking place. I’m usually good with words, but the only one I can find for now is that it’s a little ‘weird’. Yes, I know that is pretty vague; just know that I’ll be way more descriptive when I figure out what’s percolating underneath. If nothing else, know we are fully in this experience together.

As an aspect of resilience, I continue to hold an optimistic view of humanity and who we can become on the other side of this experience. And I hope to learn as much as I can from this to help me grow as a person – with greater compassion, kindness, generosity, deeper friendships and more that can emerge from our current cocoon.

I’ve talked about this time as being one of profound loss, and with so much change going on, I think of this time as a time for completion. Particularly if you are sheltered at home and have been able to establish some sense of routine (and if you have the energy or resources), consider de-cluttering or reorganizing different spaces . . . you’ll know which ones. Or think about completing unfinished projects. When things remain undone, your subconscious mind remains aware of the tasks or activities that haven’t been completed and keeps some of your energy tied up in that uncompleted task. You’ll actually free up energy when you see the task or activity all the way through.

The flip side of completion is to be curious and creative. Maybe you can put all your extra energy here! This time may offer you an opportunity to create in areas or with skills you already have (e.g., you used to play guitar or sing or paint or draw or . . . ). Reclaim those skills. I have one friend who has actually returned to playing guitar and another who has returned to painting. Likewise it’s an opportunity to learn new skills – for me in particular, once I complete an important project, then my goal is to learn a new language and another is to enhance my cooking skills.

What’s your plan?

1. Make a list of all of your “incompletes” – tasks or activities you have wanted to complete for a long time. Choose one small one and one larger one to work on this week if you have established enough of a routine to scratch them off your list.

2. No incompletes to deal with? Awesome. What new skill or skills would you like to develop?
If you have the resources, this is really a great time to learn something new. I would consider it a constructive distraction. And, it’s also more satisfying and hopeful.

There’s lots more to say, so watch for more information that hopefully helps you restore a sense of balance as you negotiate this new landscape.

Stay home. Stay safe. Stay well.
Know that I’m praying for and holding the vision for your safety and well-being.

Warmly,
Joan