LYFE IN TOW

It's no doubt that the last few months have been tumultuous (and remain to be). For everyone. Even though I'm not currently working full time, it's been difficult for me, so I can only imagine how it is for others.

Of course, the year I choose to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to explore our country is the year our nation falls victim to a worldwide pandemic. So frustrating. And sad. And stressful. And mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. WTF.

BUT. The minute I start feeling sorry for myself, I think about those whose problems and stresses go way beyond mine. The way I have been mastering this trying time is simply by putting things in perspective.

Although this is not an ideal situation for anyone right now, I keep reminding myself that I'm safe and healthy. There are people out there who are not. There are people out there living paycheck to paycheck and not able to work. They are stuck in an apartment with abusive loved ones. They are sharing 800 square feet of living space. They are confined with limited access outside. They are risking their lives, caring for those infected. They are serving us at grocery stores and other essential businesses. There are so many more people in different situations that I probably cannot even fathom. I think about them, and then I start to feel grateful. It's a mindset shift.

Does this suck? Absolutely. I can choose to get mad and sad and frustrated, or I can choose to accept it and find anything positive I can pull from it. Here are some ways I've been deviating from the negative:

Focus on relationships: With friends, family, and even romantic partners. In strengthening these types of connections, I continue to learn more about myself and realize what I value in others, and how others value me. I've had some eye-opening moments that have enabled me to think differently about who I am and how I interact with others.
Well-being: Since I’ve had access to regular running water (therefore frequent showers), I’ve been getting my running game back on. I’ve started meditating. And I’ve been doing daily strength exercises. Just having had a recent birthday and being one year older, I understand that one day I won’t be able to move around as easily. I need to take advantage of what my body can do NOW. Additionally, I am writing more than I had been.
Learning: I’ve been learning how to sew(!). I borrowed a sewing machine and taught myself how to use it. It’s become something that I enjoy and something that I want to continue on the road (sans sewing machine; I’ve found some techniques that are creative and useful and do not require a machine). I splurged on a membership to Skillshare, so I have access to videos covering an array of topics to broaden my marketing expertise. I also signed up for a digital marketing class.
Networking: This is something I do all the time, but I've been doing a lot of research on companies and people with whom I'd like to connect. I've been thinking about what I can do now to position myself well for a job after my journey.
Stopping: This may not be as straightforward, but I’ve been mindful of taking time to stop, enjoy, and just be. I know that one day I will have looked back at this time and realized the beauty of having it. It’s a gift.

What are the positives of this time for you?

Now, I’m getting back to what I set out to do (safely, of course). I left West Texas for Southern California. I’m visiting some friends now and will continue my journey in whatever way is possible. If parks open up, great. If they don’t, that’s okay too. I’ll figure something else out and make my way just the way I’m destined to (apparently with ample face masks and hand sanitizer and dodging people when I’m running on the sidewalk!).

This is not a setback. It’s a timeframe that has set me up for what’s next. I’m a better person for having this time. We all are, and just need to keep reminding ourselves of that.

A few photos from my current time in Southern California…