It is ok to be human, be vulnerable and admit even the strong feel weak sometimes.

So here we are for many of us a week or more having to stay indoors, some isolated, some not working and worried about what the future will bring. In contrast, others have been working night and day to ensure they are protecting our best interests. Many on the front lines work to provide essential services to the public and others in healthcare comfort and heal those fighting the virus and other conditions. What all of us have in common is we realize this is not just a week or two, it will take longer to resolve. It will take time and collective action and cooperation on the part of humanity to end the spread of this virus.

None of us will be the same after this global crisis is behind us. We will have had time to see clearly what mattered and what didn’t. We have had time to think about our life and whether we are truly fulfilled. If we are off work, do we want to go back to that area of work? If it was a job we disliked, we may be thinking of transition and making that a reality. Or others may recognize their passion and calling is exactly in the work they are doing right now. If they are at the forefront and contributing in some way, even if it is volunteering and helping others this may light up our heart in a way that makes us think.

Then there is the more personal side of things. Today, we are not asking one another what we do for work or the mundane. We are reaching out, checking in on one another. We are reminding one another we are not alone and assuring each other of how much we care. No doubt you may have been surprised to hear from friends who thought about you and are truly concerned. Your choices in friends and those in your closest circle may shift too, and that is natural. It is during these times we appreciate the people whose actions demonstrate how much they value our connection.

All these thoughts, emotions and changes can be overwhelming. We may feel anxious, scared, confused and may angrily snap at those we love. This is when it is ok to admit to YOURSELF and others that you are human, vulnerable and are not immune to worrying about what is to come. I admit as much as I pride myself on being strong and being able to be there for others, I couldn’t be there when my parents asked me to pick them up a few more things they needed at the store. I felt guilt, angry at myself and the situation and eventually had a good cry which was exactly the release I needed. Did things come together? Absolutely, my parents got the help they needed by someone else who pitched in. I realized in all humility I am not Wonder Woman and that I too need to accept I cannot do it all. Thankfully two special souls somehow were called to reach out and comfort me at just the right time.

So, this is me sharing with you from my own experience it is ok to have bad days, it is beautiful to be vulnerable and let people know you struggle too. We need one another now more than ever. I have been doing my yoga, my meditation and writing in my journal to balance my long workdays. Yet I still have my days where the conditions of the world get to me too. I love going outside and haven’t been able to. It is having patience with myself and admitting sometimes it is ok to feel down and overwhelmed.

Reach out to those you see as strong; those may be the ones weathering the heaviest burdens at the moment. I look at some in health care providing posts on social media to assure those on their feed of the real facts, while they practice medicine at the same time. Others are working deep into the night on calls, to make sure we have all we need in one way or another. I know I am closer to my colleagues at work, we thank one another and tell each other how much we miss one another. It is beautiful, as humans, our compassion and appreciation for the need to be connected has grown and will grow further still.

Lastly, know that no matter how difficult things can get we will get through it. Yes, things may look different but together as a community, the human family will come through this and we will be better for it. I truly believe from the bottom of my heart that after the darkest night the sun rises again, and it will for us all.

I send you all so much love.

Samantha