So much has changed over these past few months.
In the nation, in the world, and each and all our lives. Everything from the way we work, shop, learn, teach, and connect with one another.
In the beginning, I, like many, believed this was going to be temporary, but the longer the virus lingers, the more I have come to consider that this will be the new normal for a long time to come.
I recently polled over 20 people about their experiences during this time. I asked them what they have lost... and what they have gained.
Here is just some of what was revealed:
WHAT WAS LOST:
trust in authority
shopping addiction
stability
sense of control
distraction with activities
structure
my office away from home
in-person connection and contact
physical touch
fear of technology
income and financial security
freedom
ability to travel
see and play live music
culture
the mental health of my aging parents
sense of time
my mind at times
spontaneity
time with loved ones
fear
eating in restaurants
cinema and theatre
tolerance for ignorance
WHAT WAS GAINED:
fitness routine
self-respect
ability to set boundaries
appreciation of quiet
clarity
inner drive
inner strength
awareness of my core values
friendships that no longer inspire me
creative problem solving
new work model
new income stream
confidence to write
a greater appreciation for simplicity
my voice
deep compassion for people of color and racial inequity
freedom
perspective on the world spirituality
meditation practice
JOY
clarity of life purpose
time with elder parents
see beyond the image in the mirror
ability to prioritize my life
the joy of not having accountability to job or clients
more time for my self
a deeper appreciation for my home and everything in it
enjoyment of cooking and baking
increased creativity
more time with family
food infused with love & spices.
living more in the moment
the fun of completing a jigsaw puzzle
slowing down
patience
appreciation for people in general
respect for the privacy of others
joy in simplicity
calm
greater appreciation
love of nature
resilience
faith
strength
gratitude
Here is one thing I discovered through this survey: more people identified more gains than losses.
Here is the irony; prior to Covid so many of us were deeply longing, begging, and praying for what we have found as a result of this pause. And more importantly, many of the things we gained, as a result, had always been available to us. Perhaps we were convinced that we had to work harder, earn more, and achieve something, to allow it in.
Now imagine this virus didn’t happen to us, but FOR US!
You see, nothing can propel transformation more than adversities. Transformation begins with awareness. And awareness can only happen when we are present in our lives and the world around us.
So, let’s practice, shall we? Consider, during the last 4 or 5 months …
What have you lost?
What have you gained?
Take your time to really contemplate these questions, if you are up for it go ahead a list of your own.
Then, consider my final question for this week:
Given all this, what I now know is…
There may be nothing to do with this information, but just simply to continue practicing self-awareness without judgment! And to trust that you will know what to do with this newfound awareness.