The View From Here – So Many Feelings

I appreciate those people in the world that aren’t afraid to be real.  I appreciate those people that aren’t afraid to admit flaws and imperfections. I appreciate people who aren’t afraid to admit when they aren’t okay.

Because right now – there’s a lot of people feeling not okay.   I can tell you it’s been the most challenging time for me.  I guess I’ve always been a worrier.  But this is different.

And even if things are OPEN again, we’re wearing masks, standing six feet apart, waiting in line to get in.  We’re feeling lonely, and disconnected.  Or maybe that’s just me.

There’s still some things we are waiting for.  There’s no new tv, or movies, or theatres or live concerts.  It’s STILL VERY DIFFERENT.  And I think there’s a general feeling of heaviness.

I think of someone like Michelle Obama and I think “she is strong, a leader, a motivator, encourager “.    I don’t think of her as someone who would struggle.  But in her latest podcast she shared how she believes she’s been experiencing “low-grade depression”.  She admitted that she had been dealing with emotional “highs and lows” over the past few weeks and months.  Waking up in the middle of the night because she’s worrying about something or there’s a heaviness.

Anybody else feel like that?

I go for walks or bike rides, and get uncomfortable when there’s lots of people around.

Trying to have conversations through masks and plexiglass is near impossible. Like a game of telephone.  Bound to be challenging.  I tried to pick up a pizza last weekend and it took a few minutes for the girl behind the counter to get my name.  It almost turned into a game of charades.

Michelle Obama says she takes breaks from routine when necessary, but finds that, for the most part, staying in that routine  – including regular exercise, meal times and spending time outside – helps her feel okay.  And says  “The idea that what this country is going through shouldn’t have any effect on us—that we all should just feel OK all the time—that just doesn’t feel real to me,”

Her advice? Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling.  Listen to yourself, and take a moment to reflect on everything that’s coming at us, and what you might be able to do about it.”

Feel it.  Whatever it is.

Feel grateful for time at home with the family.

Feel mad about all we’ve had to lose and give up.

We’re all different and so is our reaction to what we’re dealing with.  Remember to be kind and compassionate.  Everybody is feeling something different right now.  On any given day, I could seriously use every emoji available.

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan