Purpose to Pandemic

"In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth returning to." - Dave Hollis

Starting my own business was not just about my love for jewelry, it was becoming independent, having freedom and peace. While I enjoyed the creativity that came with this business, I’ve been yearning to be more in tune with my spirituality, so I jumped on a plane to meet a good friend in Sedona, AZ. Why Sedona? It’s one of the most spiritual places in the US. Besides having the best weather for your hair, it is a paradise for nature lovers. Upon our arrival, we were faced with a huge downpour with pellets of rain which lasted days. It felt dreary and depressing. There was no “plan B.” The resort was ill-equipped and not prepared for alternative activities. My friend and I were lucky to take a quick hike before we left, and on that trail, I saw something that made me stop in my tracks. There were my initials loud and clear spray-painted in white with an arrow pointing in a direction to go.

Unfortunately, I did not follow that direction and I did not dwell on its meaning. I remember feeling disappointed that I was in the most spiritual place in the country and I couldn’t seem to tune in. I had labeled the experience as part of Mercury in retrograde and moved on, however the sight of seeing my initials on the ground always lingered in the back of my mind. Fast forward, Covid-19 hit American shores, with my city being at the epicenter of the outbreak.  

There is kind of a reclamation going on a global scale. Our bodies are able to purge the toxins we fill them. We see our grays growing out and our manicures chipping. The natural world seems to be benefiting from the reduction of people and traffic. Pollution and greenhouse emissions have fallen everywhere, and many people are rejoicing at the small gains for wildlife as they are able to move uninhibited by human beings. There is a sense of unity and kindness amongst people that I haven’t seen since 9-11. It really encourages us to think outside ourselves. 

Unfortunately, there have been many drawbacks to our new normal. Experts have cautioned the increase of domestic violence due to social distancing measures, in addition to the nationwide mental health epidemic. It is important that we check in with ourselves, the elderly and the often forgotten disabled population (which hits close to home). Seeking help can empower you no matter the channels you get it through. That being said, I am using this time to tap into my other joy, making people feel good about themselves and bringing back the social worker in me. 

Although I do not have a clinical license to provide therapy, I do have a Master’s in Social Work and excited to announce I am now volunteering as a listener on a therapy app. I encourage you all to check out the platforms 7cups, Talkspace and BetterHelp if you find yourself needing to speak to someone. Below are 5 steps I found helpful when life throws you “curve balls.”

-PAUSE and consider all things important 

-SURRENDER to the things that you can't control

-UNITE with our communities

-TRANSFORM into a stronger, better version of yourself

-RISE ABOVE these trying times