Phyllis Levinson

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Give Yourself a Break

Now that we’re on day 30 or 65 or 3,065 of being quarantined, it’s time we give ourselves a break from trying to do life flawlessly.  

It ain’t gonna happen.

As mere mortals we have good and bad days, do some things well and others not so much, ace some tasks and screw up others, and get our feelings hurt and sometimes hurt others.

And that was before the pandemic.

Now that the initial frenzy of being quarantined is over, we’re beginning to feel “this is getting old.”

Our collective energy is lower. That’s what fear and anxiety does. Add to that working from home while trying to be a Parent Teacher. (Is that like a Sister Wife? I’m getting punchy. 😊)

It’s time to give ourselves a break.

Moreover, our brain, which normally consumes about 20% of our total energy when we’re at rest, now has extra tasks to perform. Mask, sanitizer, social distancing and grocery shopping all must be carefully planned before even stepping out the front door.

It’s exhausting.

It’s time to give ourselves a break.

It’s OK if you’re not as productive as you were a few months ago.

It’s OK if you’re not the social media ideal of the “perfect” Professional Parent Teacher.

It’s OK if you have moments of sadness or fear or anxiety.

It’s OK if you’re tired and need to sleep more.

It’s OK if you’re not using this time to write the Great American Novel or paint the next Sistine Chapel ceiling.

This will end. For sure.

We will once again leave our homes, free of mask and hand sanitizer, and hug our loved ones.

Until then, all we can do is our best.  

And that is plenty good enough.

Give yourself a break.

You’re doing fine.