An Opportunity To Go Inwards

Point One

Originally published: March 31, 2020

When you stop resisting life becomes a lot easier. A week ago my anxiety was through the roof, panic attacks were a normal occurrence, and my mood was all over the place. One moment I was seemingly happy, laughing hysterically and the next, I was questioning everything while feeling so alone and claustrophobic. Looking at the current state of the world, I think it’s safe to say why. There’s no doubt that this time we’re experiencing is scary, terrifying, and anxiety-inducing but what I will say is this:

Your time during quarantine and social distancing doesn’t have to be destructive. Once I leaned in and let go, this shit got a lot easier. I felt a lot lighter. My morning routine has been a sacred practice of mine, but I’ve been relying on it now more than ever. By continuing to show up in the world (even if it’s just in my own house), getting up at my usual time, meditating, moving, and creating has allowed my anxiety to subside.

Point Two

This doesn’t mean I’m not scared. I am. I’m scared for my loved ones who are immunocompromised (my mom literally had her double lung transplant a year ago) and my heart breaks for the individuals and families that have been impacted by this. That said, I refuse to let this crippling anxiety and the constant "what if’s" throw me into a destructive mindset for months to come. ⁣

I’m taking this as a cue from the universe to go inward, to slow down, and to reconnect to my surroundings. And if you’re feeling anxious, I suggest you do the same. We still have some much to be grateful for. Some things that have been keeping me sane are: matcha lattes (hi Ippodo Tea ), meditating, movement, books (currently reading the daily stoic), podcasts, WORKING ON MY FIRST EBOOK (you heard it here first), organizing, and catching up with my loved ones.

Conclusion

We can’t control what’s happening in the world, but we can certainly help by doing our part. It’s our responsibility to social distance, to self-quarantine, to forgo social gatherings, and to hold each other accountable while also having compassion for the impossible situation we’re all in. The sooner we do this, the sooner we can be done with this.