We are living in unprecedented times. We are currently in a moment between two moments: the world we used to know and the one that is to come. We do not know how long this current moment will last. We are uncertain as to who will make it to the other side of this moment. In fact, we do not even know who we will be at the end of this moment in time. There are so many unknowns, and all we want is for someone to make sense of it all.
As we live in this moment, it brings up much dis-ease within us. We find ourselves anxious, on edge, with racing thoughts and minds. We do our best to care for our homes and families and to check on our friends. All of these things, however, do not ease the tension within us. This tension is a fierce force inside of us, screaming for our attention. Yet, just as we did in our former world, we do all we can to quiet that voice that we do not want to face.
In our former world, we could easily ignore our pain by filling it with something else. In this moment in our world, in this time of stillness, it becomes more difficult to ignore, but we still try to with Netflix, alcohol, social media, the news, and longer workouts. The fear and worry is so intense, and we cannot bear to face it.
I am here to challenge you during this time. In a moment that seems like the scariest moment we have ever faced, may it be a moment that changes and defines your life. Do not allow yourself to become numb or ignore your deepest needs. I want us to stop, look, and listen to what is coming up within you. It is the very thing that will save you and ground you in this moment.
I know this is scary. I feel it too. We are all in this together. In this moment, I ask that you quiet yourself, slow down, and pay attention. Listen to the struggle and fear within you. Give it space in your life. Give yourself grace and acceptance to acknowledge the struggle during a time of pain.
You may be wondering what doing this looks like. It can look different for everyone. Some ways that we can slow down and listen to ourselves is through rest and relaxation. Spend time sleeping and sitting quietly, with nothing distracting you. Enjoy a walk in silence. Take out a paper and pen and begin to write without an agenda and see what comes up for you. Have conversations with family and friends who know you deeply and care about your emotional well-being. Make conscious choices to listen to yourself without judgement, but with grace and acceptance.
It is normal that this time may bring up past memories and fears from long ago in your life. That is okay. Instead of running away from those painful memories, embrace them. As you face these memories, you will find healing in a deeper way. Lean on your support system, and talk through these regrets with them as you search for peace.
Do not let this moment pass you. Let it change you. I do not want to have regrets. I want to look back on this moment in time, however long it is, knowing that I embraced it and am different because of it, because I chose to listen to myself. May you too be changed. We are all in this together.
If you find that you want to fully embrace this change but also struggle to know how to do this, give us a call at 912-319-5552. At Water’s Edge Counseling, we are here to help. This is the moment to be renewed. We want to walk you to that place of freedom.