Confession: I burst into tears practically every other day when I realize the magnitude of what is happening around us.
I allow myself to “let it out” for a few minutes, but then I force myself to get it together because I know I have a choice in the matter.
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” ― Roy T. Bennett
We are all in this together, and I know some of us are struggling with staying home and not having access to the outside world as much as we used to. I totallllly get it.
But there are two ways we can deal with the situation:
OPTION 1: We view it as out of our control and give up. We throw away all progress we’ve worked so hard to make and just wait for this to be over.
OPTION 2: We get creative and figure out a way to keep ourselves healthy and continue to make some sort of progress. If there’s a will, there’s a way!
Sure, life isn’t ideal right now, but it’s not time to give up. This is still your life and you can make it what you want.
Don’t wait to get “back on track” once this is all over. I mean, who knows when life will be “normal” again. There’s no point in waiting on what you can’t control. Think about everything that you CAN control and make it happen!
Stay positive, do your best, and be patient with yourself. We will get through this together and, remember, you’ve got this! You are stronger than you know.
What option are you choosing during quarantine?
6 Comments
I had a breakdown the other day after listening to a podcast and doctors were discussing how they have held phones for sick patients while they FaceTime their spouses to say goodbye – just in case. It is a lot. I think taking a few minutes to grieve and cry it out can be cathartic. But yes, choosing to make a plan, set goals, try to maintain normalcy as much as possible, and choosing to be as positive as possible are how I am TRYING to live right now. It’s not easy, and life is definitely NOT the same. But having a positive mindset has helped me a lot to stay sane and continue to get things done.
Hang in there! <3
I agree with this but also wanted to say that SOME days it is ok to let yourself choose option 1. If you need a day to binge watch TV and eat all.the.snacks, let yourself do it but get up the next day and turn your mood around. Sometimes we just need a few hours (or a day) to wallow, as long as that day doesn’t turn into everyday!
Exactly! Totally okay to feel all of the feels as long as you don’t let them bring you down for the long-term.
Tuesday was particularly rough for me; it felt like everything was falling apart and I woke up angry to start the day. It really felt like a stage of grief and I think it a way it was and is. Yesterday, it was sunny day outside and even just seeing the sun made it better and also spending time with my dog, Daisy. No matter all that’s going on in the world, the one thing that remains consistent is Daisy and my love for her. She is still happy-go-lucky, eager to chase squirrels and spend time outside and seeing that reminds me that there is still happiness to be had in the world.
Longtime blog trader and doc at Beth Israel preparing to serve hospitalized covid patients – I have a ten month old and will stop nursing her due to fear of exposing her. Doing what I can to accept and make peace with the awful choices / sacrifices we doctors are having to make is the only thing getting me through (that and my peleton classes…). Stay safe.
This is such a great way to see things. I read somewhere: “If you get out of this quarantine without forming any good habit or accomplishing any goals. it is discipline you lack, not time”.