by Sandy Burkhardt, Ph.D., ABPP, HSPP
Goals, aspirations, plans – aren’t those supposed to be good things?
Yes, they are – when planning prepares us for what lies ahead.
But what happens when the expected is replaced by the unexpected? The known with the unknown?
We may feel anxious, frustrated, discouraged and exhausted.
It’s our old Fight-Flight response kicking in – and COVID-19 has it kicking in BIG TIME.
Kids’ grades… household income… finding face masks… getting groceries…
Routine life has been replaced with uncertainty. Hopes and dreams of milestone gatherings have been delayed, leaving us to wonder not only “when” things will get back to normal, but if????
We tell ourselves, and each other, to hang in there. We tolerate today’s nuisances as we await their passing. Real life will surely resume shortly! For now, we push through.
Pushing yourself, or others, used to mean WINNING.
You knew where the destination was and how to reach it. Just needed enough grit and drive to get there.
But now pushing yourself, or others, may mean EXHAUSTION.
Not because you’re not trying hard enough… but because the destination keeps changing.
When the destination is unknown, when the Finish Line gets moved farther and farther ahead, the winning strategy is to pace yourself.
Just like children may demand on a family road trip – “Are We There Yet?” The answer is “no”.
Settle in, find something to pass the time, take a nap, eat a healthy snack, admire the scenery – and don’t fight with your siblings, all of you crammed there in the back seat.
Try to ignore the discomforts and the number of miles left to go. Instead, focus on finding the most pleasant and patient ways to fill the moments. The journey is a key part of reaching the destination.
