If you’re a Melbournian like me, returning to a ‘lockdown’ state again is far from ideal. There seems to be mixed emotions of anger, frustration, fear, anxiety combined with a sense of relief and hope. Schools, businesses & therapy closing down only seems to fuel these emotions.
But it’s important that we can still be proactive in the presence of these circulating feelings- that these emotions don’t dominate, dictate and control ourindividual circumstances. Reminding ourselves too,that we’vebeen here before.We know more what to expect. We have a choice ofhow we react. No amount of resentment or remorse will move us out of this situation. It only keeps us in the past, feeds our negative thoughts and prevents our ability to accept our current spot.
Personally, for every challenge that I have encountered – it seems that each obstacle I face becomes easier to navigate. Whilst these challenges appearto be never-ending they onlyseemto strengthen my resilience, my ability to navigate them or even mitigate them. Although theassociatedfeelings and emotions are still present but don’t shape my direction or trajectory.
For me, it’s always been helpful to brainstorm how best I can prepare for or address anynew challenge.
So, try asking yourselfor another –“What will things look like for me?” Surely, this would help us prepare for the return to this isolation stage.
After experiencing lockdown before, I’m sure there are things we have learnt and can draw on to ensure that this stage is easier to withstand.
So, what do we need to contemplate?
Perhaps ask yourself –
- What things did I learn from isolation last time?
- What things did I incorporate into my environment that I want to continue?
- What helped me get through first lockdown?
- What are the learnings I can take from the things that didn’t go so well? What things should I avoid?
- What are my main fears about returning to lockdown again ? Are these fears associated with my own behaviours and actions or other people’s? How can I act/ or educate others to minimise my concerns?
Reflecting on your experiences and knowing how you feel about returning to this isolation is a great way of identifying your fears, purposes and values. Surely, identifying these actions makes problems that we may face easier to tackle or navigate. Reduce the inevitable uncertainty that lies ahead and the associated anxiety!
Try drawing on your past experience of lockdown to ensure that this stage is easier to withstand!