Overnight, the world turned into a place none of us recognize. Millions of people have gotten sick, people have lost their jobs, and businesses have shut down–some for good–leaving many of us scared for our livelihoods. And then there’s the quarantine. Did we ever believe there would come a day when we would have to lock down in our own houses without the freedom to come or go as we need or want? It’s hard to think anything positive will come from this horrific situation.
I’m with you. I’ve felt fear wash over my body and overtake me. I feel immense uncertainty and the anxiety that comes with it. Just like you I’m questioning what’s real and what’s not.
I should know better than to let fear take over: I’m a life coach. But it happens so quickly. Fear is more contagious than a virus, and when it lives inside a person too long it can actually make them sicker. Fear causes a stress response within the body, and stress hormones are dangerous when they live inside us too long. Over time those hormones begin to break down our cells and make us more susceptible to illness. Fear also keeps us stuck…and in quarantine we’re already feeling a level of stuck that makes it difficult to move forward.
Over the last week or so, fear, worry, and panic have been growing inside me, and as expected, I’ve seen it spread to those I love. I’ve witnessed panic spread like wildfire. Think about it. One person panics and buys 3 cases of toilet paper, and suddenly a chain reaction starts and everyone starts stocking up and hoarding toilet paper. And then there’s none. It has to start somewhere, right? Being aware of these fears is the first step to taking control of our minds and putting a stop to the reactions fear encourages.
There are a lot of very real, very relatable fears out there. You can acknowledge those fears, validate them, even thank them for trying to protect you, but then, release them. Fear does not serve us in any way; it only paralyzes us and keeps us from breathing and moving forward, and like this virus, spreads to the people closest to you.
Fortunately, just as the energy of fear spreads quickly, so does the energy of hope, love, and positivity, which can change our minds from panic, worry, and anxiety, to surrender and trust. Can we look at the situation differently? While there are scientific facts and a horrific number of deaths that make the current pandemic particularly brutal and dark, we can still look for the light.
Where were we before this hit? Many of us were constantly running in hyper speed from one activity or obligation to the next, going through the motions of work, home routine, church, school function–and all the while multitasking on our phones. We could have slowed down but didn’t.
What if this was meant to wake us up?
What if this was meant to slow us down? Make us attentive?
What if this was meant to make us grateful for what we have and where it came from?
What if this makes us miss each other so that the next time we’re together, we won’t be on our phones and instead be alert, present, focused, and in the moment? What if this reminds us that life is short, and the people in our lives really are precious?
Before this, it seemed like everyone was divided, and the fighting didn’t appear to have an end in sight; but in the last week I’ve witnessed people make more of an effort to connect. Friends now attempt to spend time together over the internet in more thoughtful ways than just posting on social media: web conferencing brunches, church small groups, game nights; and I’ve seen others take the time to genuinely thank grocery store workers, doctors, nurses, janitors, and truck drivers for services we once took for granted.
What opportunities are there in the circumstances we’ve been handed, and what glimmers of light do you see?
Maybe the new restrictions can be opportunities to rest and recharge and do things we always said we wanted to do but didn’t because we were so busy. Maybe this time can be spent reading, writing, crafting, painting, connecting with loved ones, or just feeding our basic needs. I’m going to use this time to meditate, practice yoga, do science projects with my kid, work on my coaching business, read my Bible, pray, and listen. I want to look for ways to grow and learn in the midst of these circumstances, and I’m going to look for people I can love along the way.
For those who have lost loved ones or are themselves sick, know that you are loved and our hearts are with you. You are not alone, and we are praying for a quick recovery so you can return to normal life.
Stay safe out there. I can’t wait to reconnect with you.
Margaret Zachary is a core energy coach in the Austin area. She partners with survivors of unexpected life events to help them regain control over their minds, bodies, and spirits.