There are two thing I know for sure:
1. The impact Covid 19 had on our lives will forever change us and how we interact with those around us.
2. There are universal lessons to be learned about ourselves
As restrictions are starting to ease up, we see more and more people reflect on the things that the pandemic has taught them about themselves.
What have I learned?
I have learned seven valuable lessons about myself. Some of these lessons were liberating and some were very hard to acknowledge. Maybe you will resonate with some of these lessons yourself.
The Lessons I have learned:
1. Do thing in your time.
Now that most of us are still spending more time a home than at work, spend the time you used to commute to work and home to meditate, to drink a cup of coffee writing down your purpose for the day – even your dreams, maybe write down the things you are grateful for. Say you use to spend two hours per day driving to and from work: How wonderful will it to be able to have 120 min extra on those days to align your life, your purpose and to connect with the Lord?
2. There are benefits to slowing down.
Just slow down …. Breathe … Instead of doing “things” and ticking off lists to show yourself that you are productive and leading a purposeful life, what about just doing the “things that matter”?
3. Now is the time for self-reflection.
What have you done with “you” whilst you were waiting? Are you waiting for the pandemic to end or are you busy rebuilding who you are? What were your dreams prior to this pandemic? What are you still dreaming about and wishing to accomplish in life?
4. There is always time to change.
This is a difficult decision to make. It is not always a pretty picture that looks back at us in the mirror. What is keeping you in a state of numbness? What is triggering your sadness? What is holding you back at this present moment? What are you afraid of? What do you need to do right know to be happy? That is your WHY!
Psalm 57:2 says, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” This is key to understanding God’s purpose for your life. God has numbered your days and will fulfill every purpose He has for you, but, you need to slow down to be able to hear His voice. He will reveal Himself to you.
5. Kindness counts.
There is no better time than now to make that call and to reach out. We have all become somewhat recluses, but we were not designed to live in isolation and as islands. Take the first step and go and ask about someone else’s life and their struggles. Give hugs. Say thank you. You will see that there are also people around us who are also battling being alone. Be the kindness you wish for. Princess Diana once said: “ Carry out a random act of kindness with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that someone may do the same for you.”
6. There is joy to be found in being alone.
I was petrified of being alone when my daughter got married. I thought I would never be able to be all by myself for the first time since she was born 25 years ago. Guess what, I have started reading again – sometimes more than one book simultaneously, writing a journal, starting this amazing journey. I love my alone time. I am growing and I have started glowing- I am investing time and care in myself.
7. Take care of the things that really matter.
We are all handed so many balls in life to juggle. You know what they are. All these balls are just rubber balls except your family and your health. All the other balls can be picked up again, but you cannot afford to drop the two precious glass balls. They are irreplaceable.
What is the effect of these lessons in my own life you may ask yourself? I have come to the realization that I am my own home. I am my own body’s resident. I need to take care of myself before I can be of service, and healthy enough to take care of those around me. You cannot pour from an empty vessel.
Self-care fills our own jugs.