“Are we there yet?” Like antsy children in the backseat of the car on a long road trip, we’re all wondering when we will reach the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Is there an end? What exactly will it look like? I think it will still be a while before we can pack concert halls, sports stadiums and other mega events with massive crowds of people. But even if things aren’t feeling “normal” yet, there seems to be a lot more of a “stable” feeling than at the pandemic’s onset this spring. We’re adjusting to life as it is now.
Here are some techniques I’ve found that have helped me navigate through most of 2020.
1. Continue to expect the unexpected
All year long, situations have changed at a moment’s notice – and not all of them were linked to COVID-19. There have been plenty of other odd and unexpected things to deal with in 2020. While we must always live in the moment and usually adjust to whatever scenario is before us, try to stay focused on your long-term goals and business plan to see your way through it.
2. Talk about the bad days
This year certainly hasn’t been easy, but when I take a moment to admit that, a little bit of weight is lifted off my shoulders. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, isolated, depressed, annoyed, angry or any other negative emotion, find a way to voice those feelings.
Talk with your spouse, a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a farm adviser, a mental health professional, a religious leader or even a pet. It doesn’t always have to be a long conversation; just releasing the feelings instead of keeping them to yourself can help.
3. Acknowledge the gifts
I have always been one to look for a silver lining, and there are many to be found. As the pandemic seemed to slow the pace of life, we have returned to a time when little things are special again.
I was just talking with someone today about how beautiful the fall colours were this year. Was it better weather, or did I just have more time to notice it?
4. Get creative
Just because we can’t do what we’ve always done, it doesn’t mean we can’t find a new way to do something. Our community centre used to hold Friday night roller skating for kids. When that was shut down in March, we’d go down to our shop with roller skates, the kids’ karaoke machine with lights and their music selection, and let them skate around.
I also help plan an annual pork chop dinner fundraiser. It used to be a sit down dining event at one of the schools, but that wasn’t an option in our community this year. We decided to offer the same meal with drive-through service at the city park. When word got around, we doubled the amount of meals we usually prepare and still sold out an hour early. It was our best year yet!
We have spent the better part of the year on this long car ride, and “No, we’re not there yet.” But it doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to enjoy the ride.
