What does Grit mean in these times of uncertainty?
Welp, who could have seen this debacle coming?
My husband, for one. He’s always reading and following lots and lots of news sources. So, it’s important to mention I’ve had a leg up on being mentally and physically prepared for what we all are going through. Does that make this time of quarantining and all that goes with it (the social distancing, the long-term supply shopping, the online/home schooling) easier for me?
Hell. No.
Well, maybe...
My head has been out of the sand for a while now, so I’m luckily in the acceptance stage. If you are struggling and feeling overwhelmed and realizing that this is not going to be over anytime soon... Welcome! And I’m sorry. I’d like to extend a virtual hug to you because it’s quite a party over here in acceptance stage, isn’t it?
So, what do we do now?
First of all, I’d like to say I’m all about self love and I fully realize that mental health is extremely important. You have to address that for yourself before you can help others. Please know that I understand depression can be some people’s normal even without a national crisis going on.
But.
You knew the ‘but’ was coming right?
I don’t want to sound crass, but here it is:
We still have to get sh*t done. Life needs to move forward. We have to adapt.
We. Have. To. Adapt.
Adapting isn’t about coping—it’s about figuring out a way to win. A way to thrive even when the environment for growth isn’t ideal.
Be sad. Mourn your routine. Mourn your social interactions. I sure as hell do.
Then adapt. Overcome. Figure out your new normal. This is a challenge, you guys. Look that challenge in the face with grit.
1. Set up FaceTime or Zoom with friends
Do NOT keep flirting with 6 feet exposure or less, please. You are stronger than that temptation.
2. Use this as a time to explore new recipes OR figure out how to cook *good enough*
I LOVE to meal plan and regularly make food for 5, but the last 17 days I’ve been planning for an extended household of 9. It can be stressful. I can cry about it or figure it out. What about you? You might experiment and find new favorites. Or use familiar favorites over and over again. Or maybe food isn’t your thing, but you know what? Good enough is ok! Try to get carbs, proteins, and fats every day, eat produce as much as possible and drive on.
3. Get to know your family and yourself better
This time can be a gift. Truly. I’m realizing my what my strengths and weaknesses are and what others’ are as well. The next goal is how to apply those findings to help everyone feel and be productive. It may take another two weeks. That’s ok. We have the time.
4. Find ways to help others
We’ve all been frustrated as we struggle to find certain items at the store. We’ve had to be creative and use other resources. There are some folks who go without all the time—even without a pandemic—and this stress on our economy and our supply lines is wreaking havoc. Find ways to donate to food pantries. Maybe check in on a neighbor (within the distancing guidelines) that might have difficulty getting out on a normal week.
I know a lot of you are tapped out. The pressure of working from home, teaching your kids, exercising, cooking and keeping up with the house is extremely stressful. It’s ok and normal to feel sad. Depressed. Isolated. Lonely. We all do.
But you must, must drive on. Take small steps forward and hold the line. It’s going to get bad. We are going to struggle.
But.
You are not alone. And this? This isn’t forever. Share your frustrations—but always look for the blessings.
You. Got. This.