Who would have thought grocery shopping would become one of the biggest stressors in our lives? During this new reality, what are YOU feeling? I’ve talked with business owners who are experiencing a range of emotions in their new reality. I found the range to be something like this: Some people are overwhelmed with fatigue, numb and idling. Some have allowed themselves to take time off- to just breathe. Some find themselves working business as usual…many from home now with domestic distractions. Then there are those who are planning future activities. People are all over the board – sometimes even depending on the day.
During a webinar with business owners participating from around the globe, I became (finally) unstuck after feeling like I’d been gut-punched with this surreal new reality. The conversation provided explanations that suddenly validated my emotions. I was able to move forward into a more creative space. It feels ok right now.
I created this summary graphic after the webinar. Follow me as I talk through the journey. Maybe it will help as it helped me.
Those in the education and training space are familiar with Maslow’s triangle. We are all highly operating individuals, and we’ve fallen down the triangle to dwell into the spaces at the bottom. We are all concerned about our safety and the well-being of ourselves and others. There may be little self-actualizing going on right now. We have to take care of basics first.
We move to the “Name your feeling.” What is it you’re feeling? Spin the spinner, because it changes frequently. (Especially if you watch too much news.) Whatever you’ve identified, feel your feeling. Know it.
The figure watching TV about the virus goes through a series of states of mind. This may or may not be your journey, but do pay attention to what your journey is looking like.
So what do we do with all this? Take control of the things you can control, and let go of all the things you think you should be doing but don’t feel like it just now.
For example, I can control what I eat and my fitness activities…knowing these are great ways to boost my immunity. I can control the cautions I take when I venture outside. I can control the information I let inside my head with the frequency I allow myself to be exposed and contribute to media. What can you control in your world?
What are the shoulds you can release? Let go of all the things you think should be doing because you want to keep up with the things you think others are doing. If you don’t want to exercise everyday, don’t! If you think you should be marketing your business right now, but you just can’t do it – don’t! Maybe you feel like you shouldn’t be sleeping so much. Feel OK about getting rid of the things you don’t have energy for.
Finally…and on a positive note – there will be a new normal. We don’t know when or what it will look like right now. Our brains are resilient. What will your new normal look like? How will your business and you adapt? We are amazing humans. We will survive. When you’re ready, you will choose to be a part of it. Go at your own healthy pace and start thinking about a new tomorrow when you’re ready. How do you want to spend your time? Don’t set yourself up to look back at these few months and wish you had done things differently. We are all in this together. Please keep in touch.
Sue Fody is a graphic recorder who creates live graphic recording maps for meetings training sessions and conferences. She also prepares graphic maps and illustrations in her studio for a variety of business uses. Ask her about ideas to spread your message graphically by creating visual summaries from some of your virtual meetings happening during this crisis period. Sending best wishes for health to you and your loved ones. Stay well.