Out of Practice?

Thinking back to the "before times." As in the times before covid--January 2020. Over five years ago. I didn't have any of the computer set up at home that I have now. I have even more now than I did in the photo above when I was giving a zoom talk about mental health.

Separate from the shock of it all (pandemic, what?), the isolation, the fear, the profound change in routine, we did have to develop new skills. I upped my technology systems and my technology skills because of stupid covid world. That was a plus.

Now for the not so good thing(s). It got really comfortable staying home, not interacting with people, not using social skills. It got really comfortable not making an effort and existing in your own silo.

Zoom, social media, two second attention span to "hook" into a post...this has damaged us all. ME INCLUDED! I am raising my hand high about the down side. Just today I was on a Zoom when someone who is notoriously oversharing, dominating and inappropriate popped on. I said to myself: not today, Satan. I just exited the Zoom room with the flick of a button. If I were in real life with this person at this meeting, I would not have done that. I would have sat through the whole meeting, practicing my patience, tolerance, breathing and more breathing.

I am not proud. I don't like this about myself. The short attention span which I partly attribute to covid "trauma" and partly to social media. I can't even read a really long book. The Covenant of Water is about two inches thick on the spine. What was I thinking? I can read a lot of shorter books, though. See what I mean?

The answer to this unpleasant awareness (trust me, I've known this for a long time) is not giving in to it.

The answer is engaging more with other people, in real life.

Being in the room, literally. Being a part of something besides yourself. Making eye contact, using social skills to practice good manners, kindness, courtesy and tolerance. AHEM, I am talking to myself right now.

What made me so aware of this was an in-person event I attended last night. A good friend, fellow coach, Dorothy Inez, hosted a "sister circle and sound bath." I love these experiences. Time to relax, recharge and connect with other people. Yes, it was effort to get there and be "in person" and YES it was so worth it.

I say all of this to remind you, if other people (shared humanity) are frustrating to you, you are not alone. We are all trying to do our best--which looks a little different every day. A lot of people are still not quite right since the "before times" and in the "now times. I see it in my own immediate family. I'm thinking of this as another chance to practice my people skills.

It's Passover this week--it's Easter on Sunday--maybe a time to be with family and friends, in real time. Enjoying what you have--knowing that five years ago, at this time, we were all stuck at home, with no end in sight. We aren't physically stuck anymore. Let's not be emotionally or socially stuck either.

I am cheering you on, all the time. Let me know if I can help. I am here to serve.

xo Coach Karen :))

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