Quarantine Is Not A Competition
Positive reflections during an uncertain time.
We are collectively living through a massive shift that is flooded with severe lows, but also significant highs. There are an immense amount of lessons being delivered to us all from the universe that I am still trying to process and deeply hone into. And as difficult as it is, I am ever learning to allow the severe lows to fully run their course through me. Receive them fearlessly with open arms, sit outside of myself and be the witness to all that is entering into my hemisphere. This is an opportunity to focus on spending less time asking “why?” and more time accepting the now.
Throughout my time of quarantine, I have been made aware of the overwhelming pressure from outside forces that can make us feel like we aren’t doing “enough” in our day to day. But I am here to share some personal experiences with you that I hope will bring ease to your being.
I didn’t workout yesterday. I didn’t give my body a whole lot of nutrients. I didn’t meditate. I didn’t go outside. I didn’t write in my journal. I didn’t talk to any friends. My mind was chattering a whole lot more than normal but quite frankly, I didn’t have the energy to shut it up. So, I just let myself be. I didn’t fight myself or beat myself up for not feeling my best. I felt all of the feelings. I allowed myself to be vulnerable and that was enough. Today has been better and tomorrow may be the same, or maybe it will be different. I’ll set some mental and physical goals for myself and maybe I will fulfill them all or maybe I won’t. Either way, it’s all okay. However the day goes for you is perfectly okay.
Quarantine is not a competition, with yourself or with others.
Be proud of yourself for however you got through the day. Whether it was by being very productive or just simply breathing, focus on taking care of yourself and letting yourself be. Be happy, be sad, be hopeful, be anxious, be angry, be joyful, be tired, be energetic. There is no right or wrong way of being — there is just being. Raw, authentic being. Day by day, hour by hour, heartbeat by heartbeat. Within these fluctuation of feelings, something that has persisted to be very challenging for me is trusting that “everything happens for a reason”, but I am slowly becoming aware of a lesson that is continuing to keep me grounded:
The most traumatic experiences that we endure in life unveil a deep, inner power and strength that has always lived within us, but that may only come to the surface when faced with something intimidating enough to unleash it.
So, perhaps is it weren’t for said traumas, you would truly never know the capacity or your own power. A power that is now awakened within you, to fully embrace and utilize not only to fight these traumatic experiences and future ones to come, but also in your everyday life. Carry this strength with you. Allow that fire to continue burning inside of your gut and watch as it ignites your spirit to soar to the higher grounds that you deserve to flourish on.
I never thought that I would look back and honestly admit that I am grateful for some of the most painful and horrendous battles that I have been thrown into, but without them, I would never be able to face adversity the way that I do today. So, when darkness comes sweeping, remember that living in your own shadow will sink you deeper. Choose to live in your strength. Welcome your power into your arms. Believe in yourself to overcome and I promise your spirit will continue to sing.
I hope whoever needed to hear this is still reading for one last reminder:
You are not alone and you are more than enough.
I am praying for your peace.
With love,
E.R.H.
xx
