When someone asks me about the "before times" as in before covid, I have to work to remember what those days were like. I never questioned whether I'd be able to "work from home" on zoom. It wasn't even on my radar. I never questioned that I would be deprived of opportunities to be with people in person, be comfortable in restaurants or go to the grocery store without thinking I was risking my life. But that is exactly what it was, for me.
Now, it's rare that I think about covid, but I am always reminded how different life has become. I do a lot of work on zoom. I take e-learning courses online. I record a lot of content for the YMCA on zoom. I meet new people on zoom, and that is amazing on one hand and not entirely the same on the other.
Research is clear that covid lockdown had its profound and lingering downsides as far as mental health, sense of purpose, loss of income and CONNECTION. That spark I am talking about occurs when you just happen to run into someone who makes your day. You aren't afraid to talk to them. You aren't suspicious that their cough might be deadly, and you are genuinely lifted up by being in person, in real time (IRL) and real space. Who knew?
I know some introverts out there enjoyed the solitude and time away from all the hustle and people. But even introverts need people on occasion--just not as many occasions as us extroverts.
What I am doing to make up for lost time is engaging with strangers in lines or at the car wash. I am talking to them like real people and making a human connection that takes me out of my bubble (on screen) and puts me in the same physical space as other people. I get to read their energy (spark!) and see them from the waist down (ahem).
I am appreciating this shared humanity possibly because I remember what it felt like when I didn't have it. Every day I woke up and said--Is it over? UMM, that would be a nooo.
The train has left the station, so to speak. Technology is here to stay, and hopefully make our lives easier. Sometimes true--sometimes a total time suck. We are "both/and" people. We can have some of both, according to our own preferences. I know I wouldn't be able to connect with all my client friends in other states if not for technology.
I challenge you to think about your "before times." What was then? What was it like? What did you miss? What are you glad to be a part of now? What do you crave? These are great journaling prompts. You can make them specific for the moment, the day, the week. When we journal we have less stress, more self awareness and become more intentional with our time.
xo Coach Karen :))
YOU ASKED--AND I AM ANSWERING!
GROUP COACHING FOR WEIGHT LOSS/WEIGHT NORMALIZATION IS COMING UP.
SATURDAY MORNINGS AT 8am 30-45 MINUTES ON ZOOM.
WANT TO CHECK IT OUT FIRST? SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30 AT 8 am. ALL ARE WELCOME. ZOOM LINK https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85634228597?pwd=qwbUgzaHiLLeN3eShtEobz73WXM3Za.1
FIRST SESSION (4 WEEKS) BEGINS SATURDAY OCTOBER 7, 14, 28 AND NOVEMBER 4.
$60, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE OF OCTOBER 7.
ADDED BONUS: DROP IN MID-WEEK ACCOUNTABILITY COACHING ON TUESDAY AT 4-5PM.
WHO IS THIS FOR? PEOPLE WHO ARE NON-JUDGMENTAL, MOTIVATED, LOOKING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY, MINDSET COACHING AND UNDERSTAND MY STRAIGHT TALK.
IS THIS WEIGHT WATCHERS REDO? NO.
CAN I INVITE FRIENDS? YES.
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