This unprecedented occurrence has forced us to realize that we are dispensable. The world can shut down or continue with or without us. And no matter what we try to do it is of little or no impact. We are all trying to figure out this thing with not much to go with. The one thing constant is our need to let each other know how things should be with our lives. And pretty much we are telling each other to bury ourselves in work. To escape reality by recreating our reality.
And so we carry on (as usual) even though thousands are dying daily because the show must go on. Apparently our brains have the extraordinary capacity to adapt to changing environments — experts call this ‘plasticity’. Plasticity protects us from developing mental disorders as the result of stress and trauma. Researchers found that stressful events re-programme certain receptors in the emotional centre of the brain (the amygdala), which the receptors then determine how the brain reacts to the next traumatic event.
These receptors (PAR1) act in the same way as a command centre, telling neurons whether they should stop or accelerate their activity. Source : https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121005103330.htm
Is this our brain telling us to increase the fervor at which we do things; so as to not dwell on the reality of what we are experiencing.
When do we take a breather to see beyond ourselves in this moment; and be empathetic towards those who are suffering in the many different ways they are. Instead we say – be strong, hold on to what you have, keep busy. While these things are not a bad thing to some extent, can we make them the exception rather than the rule in light of what some are facing. It will remove the need to “do”then no one will feel they are lacking because they choose to not “do” at this time.
How about giving each other a break.
Can we talk about some important things:
As a mom separated from two of my children it is not as easy for me to focus on all that I would like to at this time. I mostly feel helpless because as much as I would like to carry on as usual I am unable to. Oftentimes I have to pause and go down on my knees and pray for my boys and others by extension, because is it really a time to be unquestionably strong?
I get overwhelmed just thinking that I can’t be there for them … mind you I am not worried about the situation ….but I am a mother. And so I think about the other mothers faced with this situation and I say I feel you.
I think about the many single mothers wondering how to take care of their family’s food and continued shelter without their jobs. Do they have the resources to create something new at this point. What do we say to them?
I think about the families who have someone directly impacted at this time but can do nothing but pray and hope for the best because they are not allowed to be with them. Do we say, do not worry- … go do something. To them I say, take the time to feel, if that is what you need. It is okay.
What about those women who had great plans …. about to run tests on a new product that they created but now unable to; millions of dollars in research quite possibly gone down the drain. Or what about the ones who were scheduled to do an amazing TED Talk after waiting years on this opportunity, also quite possibly off the table. Oh wait, she has been planning a mega seminar and after months of planning it will not happen, sponsors & investors pulled out because it is no longer a priority. From the horses mouth – just printed copies of our magazine that we are unable to place with our distributors because, really.. are magazines a priority now?
All things that we will likely bounce back from but in this moment can we acknowledge that it is crushing to say the least. And so a moment of silence please.
And so I say let us give each other a break. Yes the opportunities are there to capitalize on. New products and services will be created but once again , let us not make this the rule, let’s make it an exception for the moment and allow all of us the freedom to get to it when we can.
Knowing me I cannot leave this out – what if prophetically this is the “end times” …what then would you say is our priority at this point?
I am by no means saying that everyone must just sit back and hope for the best, absolutely not. What I am saying is that there ought to be balance in what we are encouraging in our space. There ought to be empathy towards those directly affected and not a blind eye.
And so I say to my women – it is okay to do you in this moment. Do what makes you feel whole. If that is creating then by all means create, need to cry for a moment then by all means cry. If it is baking, go bake the best cake. Some of us may want to pray, then go close your doors get down on your knees and pray. Whatever makes you feel whole is what you must do in this time. We cannot forget the human element in all of this.
It is not an easy period and so I believe all of us know what will work best for us. Make no apologies for who you are in this moment.
…and so TheBeyondWoman supports you in whatever you choose to do and to the others we say:
Understand that it is hard all around for everyone.
Be empathetic, not insistent.
Be careful of the energy you are putting out.
Not all will take this time as a means to get aggressive.
Social media has always been a place of too much noise and too much of everything and so I encourage you to tune out sometimes. Instead become in-tune with your feelings. Do not hide or ignore how you feel through scrolling (through social media). Do not feel incompetent if your life at this time is not mirroring what you see on social media.
Take your time, do what you must. Create a plan and work your plan in your own time. Keep praying and keep safe. Above all understand that all of us will have different priorities at this time. KNOW YOURS!
So…
One day at a time as we try to fulfill our basic needs above all else.
