Showing Up in Difficult Times

The year 2020 has left many with an immense amount of uncertainty, anxiety, and unrest. It has been an unsettling year for many, yet life goes on. The weeks turn into months and now we are quickly approaching the holiday season. I still am working out the kinks regarding the best way to manage my stress with these uncertain times, but there is one thing I definitely know works and works well.

Show up.

Whether you are traveling into work or working remotely show up and be engaged. Take interest in your coworkers’ lives, current projects at your job, and conferences. If you work in healthcare especially, I urge you to take a little extra time to talk with your patients, coworkers, and other staff. There have been many times during the COVID-19 pandemic I have felt overwhelmed with work, but shifted my perspective. I became grateful I had a job to go to, surgical patients to care for, and a supportive team.

This could also mean picking up the phone to call a friend or family member you know is particularly struggling with the pandemic. Mental health is at a teetering point in this country and a phone call or message can make an immense difference in someone’s day. Show up to celebrate love, birthdays, births whether it be outside or on zoom. Show up to sympathize during a job loss, death, or other struggles for those you love. I think what we all need more than ever right now is the security that no matter what happens positive or negative we have people to show up and be there.

Being engaged in others adds so much light to the current situation of our communities right now. With that said, recognize when you need someone to show up for you and do not hesitate to ask. This past year has been uncharted territory but it has taught us emotional connection with those in our lives is imperative to our mental health survival.