Four questions: honor and integrate
Katie Hawkins-Gaar at My Sweet Dumb Brain wants us to do a pandemic review. Frankly, I didn’t want to do this at all. My heart is leaping towards ALL THE FUN. However, I do want to honor and integrate my COVID experiences, so I gave it a go. Here are KHG’s 3 questions, plus 1 from me:
What habits and routines worked well for me?
What could have been better?
What would I do differently next time?
How can I honor these experiences in the next phase?
1. What habits and routines worked well for me?
Slow mornings, running, more nature, and less alcohol worked well for me. Doing all the things that help me sleep soundly worked well for me—including exercise and not drinking, as well as limiting screens. Being intentional around exploring and actually feeling my emotions worked well for me. Making time for and getting creative about fun with my husband, family, and (when safe) friends worked well for me.
2. What could have been better?
I could have done all these things more consistently. I could have eaten well instead of using COVID to justify every comfort food under the sun. I could have worked less and rested more. I could have been more intentional around my retreats to solitude, to discern when I really needed to be alone and when I would have benefited more from connection.
3. What would I do differently next time?
Next time, ugh. OK, fine. Here’s what I want to remember: My biggest lesson was that doubling down on work in the early stages of the pandemic was neither productive nor healthy. I did not need to spend those early days (weeks! months?) researching every business idea I had ever had, as a back-up or a pivot or what have you. Next time, I will trust myself to see my business through uncertainty, and give myself space for self-care and observation before leaping into action.
4. How can I honor these experiences in the next phase?
I can let things be messy. I can let myself have fun. I can live in the moment. I can trust myself. I can prioritize movement, meditation, and nature as foundational for my wellbeing. And I can forgive myself when I don’t.