But I’m really over wearing this mask and treating everyone like they have the plague. You too? After 6 months of this, I still haven’t gotten use to these COVID ‘courtesies’ and I’m really hoping, no praying, that we all don’t have to do this much longer.
What I’ve noticed about 2020 that is different than other years is it feels like I’m constantly waiting for something. Back in March I (actually, we) were waiting on the government to tell us what the heck was happening! In June, I waited on BLM riots to calm the F down (oh never mind, I’m still waiting for that to happen – ugh). And now, it’s September and I find myself still waiting for things to go back to semblance of “normal” or at the very least not feel so volatile.
While everyday feels a tad bit closer to pre-COVID life, there is still PLENTY of things that feel entirely wrong and dare I say – depressing.
I’ve seen so many memes on social media that allude to the idea of just calling it quits on 2020 and looking forward to the New Year. If only it were that easy; I’d be the first person to jump on a time-traveling machine and make that happen–pronto. Unfortunately, technology is not quite there, so we all are left to figure out what to do with the last quarter of the year.
The thing is, I don’t really want to waste my time pining away for better days or years because the truth is: the only time we are guaranteed is now –like this very moment.
I’ve thought long and hard about how I wan to spend my last 100 plus days of this year and one one thing I don’t want to waste it on is is playing the waiting game. What I mean by this, is I don’t want to delay doing or accomplishing something that is more “attainable” next week, month, or even year. Now, there are legitimate reasons for delaying certain things but if we are being honest with ourselves generally fear or the belief that there is always ‘tomorrow’ keeps us from taking action.
In fact, just writing this post makes me a bit fearful. Fear creeps in and I think, “Do I really have anything meaningful to say that hasn’t already been said?” “Am I even a good writer?” The answer to both these questions is likely –no. I’m sure what I’m saying has already been said. I also recognize I do not have a degree in Journalism or English so my writing skills need further refined. However, the only way I’m going to find my ‘voice’ in writing and actually improve is to practice. And like with anything, you have to put in more reps to yield results. So, here’s to practicing.
This brings me to ask: what goals, dreams, ideas are you putting on hold because you are telling yourself you will do it once things go back to normal? Or better yet, you will start something once become more qualified, or more financially secure, or when the kids are grown and out of the house, or when you lose the weight. There are countless reasons we delay taking actions in our lives. I don’t know what your reasons are but mine usually amount to fear of failure and the annoying little voice inside that says,’you are unqualified.’ But the truth is: all of us are capable of so much more than we think– even during a pandemic.
I have come up with a few things (mentioned below) I want to do/continue before 2020 expires. I hope this list prompts you to ask yourself ‘what can I do differently, right now, to finish the year strong?’
First off, I want to create and share meaningful content that inspires you, yes YOU. Content that not only focuses on improving your physical health (more aligned with my expertise) but also focuses on spiritual and mental health. I haven’t exactly mapped out a plan for this (because I still have a full-time job to attend to) BUT my intuition tells me I need to keep writing and creating even if I’m the only person who benefits from it.
Politics–ooh doesn’t it sound like a four letter word in today’s climate? I for one, haven’t always been engaged in political conversations but as of this year I have taken interest. In fact, I’m sure a lot of you have. Between government officials trying to decide how to best ‘slow the spread’ to racial protests and riots happening on our streets on a daily basis – there are a lot of important issues that need addressed. And I’m committed to using the last few months of the year to educate myself on the issues at hand before I cast my ballot in November. I hope you do the same!
I’m also not waiting for this pandemic to end so I can resume my social life. At the beginning of COVID I was tied to FaceTime with the fam and Zoom happy hours at work but now that a lot of Dallas businesses have gotten the green light to reopen, and the public is realizing that COVID is not exactly Ebola – I’ve been out and about as much as possible. While many of my friends are still a bit skittish about going to public places (understandable), I’ve still found ways to connect with them like going on walks together, and hanging out on patios, poolside, and parks.
I’ve even managed to make some new friends by joining a few Facebook groups–one political related, one faith-based, and another specific to singles in their 30s! This has been a great opportunity to connect with others with common interests and frankly not feel so alone in this “socially-distanced” season. As an introvert, forming new friendships isn’t necessarily my top skill. However, this pandemic really magnified my need for community and has made me step outside of my comfort zone in order to connect with others.
Lastly, I want to end this year with a bit of fun–traveling! Lucky for me, I made the decision to get the heck out the Texas heat a while back, and in just two weeks, I’ll be riding some waves, hiking up a mountain, and sipping some Pinot poolside or at least that’s the plan! Any guesses where I’m off to? 🙂 Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to fill you in on all of the trip details which will be sure to include plenty of fitness and food!
I hope this post encourages you to end this year better than it began. Maybe that’s starting something new, maybe it’s picking-up something you stopped doing during this crazy year, or maybe it’s something that adds an element of fun, nothing more. I realize I’ve shared some fairly simple ways for adding more joy and meaning into what’s been a challenging year. And some of you may not want to hear it because you are so consumed by what’s wrong in this world (I don’t disagree).
But let’s remember there will always be things beyond our control. And I would hate for you, or me, to miss out on what’s happening during the wait (between the transitions) because we are so focused on the ‘what’s next’ versus now. So in our waiting, hoping, and praying for better days ahead–let’s also do whatever it is that makes us not just wait, but wait well.