Compassion in Transition
We’ve all been waiting for this moment when our lives could begin to go back to “normal.” Alberta has started re-opening stores, services, restaurants and bars, and I have to admit, I have mixed feelings. I am looking forward to seeing people in person and accessing services; however, I also feel unsettled at the prospect. I recognize that life isn’t going right back to how it was; we should be continuing to physically distance, wear masks and limit our gatherings, but still, the unknowns bother me.
While I trust the experts to make the best decisions they can with what they know, I don’t know that I am fully prepared to go back to my usual routines. I’ve decided to stay slightly behind the re-openings, delaying my re-engagement into services and outings by at least a couple of weeks as things play out. There is a tug of war that is happening in me. One side wants me to take advantage of the allowances we are being provided, telling myself that I’ll be just fine, there is no reason to worry, and worries about others judging my hesitancy. The other pulls me back, keeps me home a little longer, reminds me I’ve been perfectly alright for the past two months. I think the second side is currently a little louder and a little more convincing, which is okay. This is a time for self-compassion and compassion for others. We are all going to be making different choices for various reasons. Some of us will be right back into the swing of things, ready or needing to run fully into whatever we can, while others will be slower to restart, reluctant to step outside of the bubble of pandemic life. I think that it is vital for us to be understanding of ourselves and others, to be kind even when our choices are different.
The next few weeks and months will be another new experience for all of us. We are going to face decisions we would never have thought would feel difficult, we may experience some anxiety and disappointment, and battle feelings of judgement. So, be kind to yourself, be kind to others, make choices that feel right to you, and stay safe!
May 23, 2020