How are you holding up? These are uncertain times indeed.
When I go to the grocery store, I like to play a game. Which line is moving the fastest? I scope out the cashiers, check out how efficient they are, how much they’re talking with their customers, and how full the carts are of the people in line ahead of me. I’m talking about the sophisticated, mathematical equation that predicts grocery-store line waiting time. Even when the lines are long, I can tolerate it if my formula predicts an acceptable outcome. In a way, I’m inserting a degree of control over a situation which might otherwise cause internal stress.
The current situation we’re facing is challenging, because there are many uncertain variables which seem to change on an hourly basis. I haven’t been able to figure out the mathematical formula that tells me when life goes back to normal. My gut feeling, is that this is going to be a long line.
I tried asking google home to set an alarm for when COVID-19 will be over, a reassuring voice informed me that the alarm was set for 7pm the next evening. If only it were so easy.
So there are many things I’m not able to control, but there are others that I know I can. I’m doing my best to create a semblance of normalcy in my daily working life. I have been able to learn to use video conferencing for counselling appointments. Not bad for an ol’ dog. It may have been stressful, but I think I’ve got it.
As for outside of work, I’m going to focus on those things I can control. Doing art, organizing my house, planting an abundant garden. I’m even thinking about trying to make crumpets from scratch.
Let’s make the best of this, we’d love to hear what fun things you’ve been doing to cope.
Warm wishes,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
