Go for a walk with no conditions that have to relate to exercise. Go outside and breathe the good air that we’re privileged to have. Get your pants a little dirty from dragging them through the snow. Walking with a family member or friend has also given me another outlet to speak what is clouding my mind, while simultaneously being able to release it from myself and into nature. Get that vitamin D!
Just read them. Read them now and thank me later.
If you’re finding it hard to breathe, these may soothe your soul. They can be challenging at some points, and also make you want to celebrate yourself at other times.
Life Change #4: Learning a new skill
Some of the lowest parts of the last two years have come from equating my value with productivity. I know, I know, we all hear the message on social media and from some loving peers. They do not equal each other at all! Now to remember that.
Moving back in with family in the middle of the pandemic has had its ups and downs, but I have never felt closer to my ancestors than now. I’ve learned new songs that my mom grew up with, made my own version of recipes that were passed down through generations, and learned to speak a little bit of my mom’s mother tongue. I am by no means fluent, but even learning a little bit has made me understand how she navigates the world a bit more. I feel more grounded, like I can experience a small part of the world a little differently now.
Learning a new skill can mean anything. For me, one of them was learning a new language. But other ones include learning how to be by myself, producing, and learning how to fuel my body with the right things. Celebrate the small skills and experiences that you earn everyday.
Life Change #5: Having a good ol’ cry
I’ve decided it’s okay for me to mourn the person I was two years ago. She was bright and happy, but she was also mourning a past version of herself. How do we let go of traits that once felt so comfortable to us? As we experience life, can we bring back parts of ourselves that we thought we said goodbye to long ago? Ahhh the thoughts that say hello to me as I’m trying to turn my brain off at night.
I’ve learned that a period of mourning is perfectly fine. It’s the process of pulling ourselves out of that period that is beautiful. Stop. Rewind. A ‘painful, scary, beautiful process’ is what I meant to say. So motivation is hitting the low point of the flow, what do I do? Cry of course. I’ve learned not to be ashamed of needing to release that energy with a good crying session. I don’t time myself either; whether it’s 10:00am or midnight, I deserve to express how I’m feeling. I’m extremely grateful to have friends and family that will pick up their phones whenever, and not let me hold onto the pain by myself. Find your trustworthy people, they are out there despite what your anxiety tells you.
Feeling sad and overwhelmed? Same. So a few months ago I went to the AGO, and took a trip to Montreal (when it was safe).
