I’m huddling …
We’ve had 2 left field, unexpected life events over the last few weeks, leaving us reeling.
We’re all fine. It’s a time of disruption rather that devastation.
Yes gut-punched. But still breathing!
It’s fascinating to notice what comes up in times of disruption, isn’t it?
Surfacing for me: the fear and anxiety around what if I can’t cope, what if I can’t be who I need to be, and all the ‘shoulds’ and ‘oughts’ around that; the vulnerability and exposure of feeling sad and out of control; receiving love and kindness from friends and how tender that feels …
Mostly I’ve wanted to strip everything else away and huddle up on the sofa with family - just call me Queen Penguin.
AND I’ve learned (coz I’ve lived through times of disruption, and devastation, before) how to press the emergency button and activate what I call Essentials Only.
Maybe you’re huddling too this week, or maybe save these tips for when you need ‘em!
Essentials only = an opportunity to strip away everything except the very few most important things.
Decide what are your absolute essentials at this time. Limit your bandwidth. Then narrow it even more.
Give yourself full permission to step away, delete, come out of meetings, cancel appointments, postpone social engagements. Put on an OOO if you really have to, but also know that most people are super understanding when you are doing through such times.
Create a buffer of time and boundaries so that you can focus on huddling. I go into full snuggle mode with blankets, hot drinks, immersive TV.
Rest. You’ll be using and needing massive amounts of energy to just get through the day. Lower your expectations. Slow down, stop, pause, nap, sleep when you can.
Feel. Express your feelings, let them move though you. I use music and movement to help me with this, and sometimes it’s a darkened room under a duvet.
When you’re ready to pick yourself and the pace up again, take it easy, take it slow - again full permission, self compassion and grace to do less, remove all ‘shoulds’.
Start by doing gentle things that help you feel like you again, that return you to yourself, that boost your energy and give you joy.
Over to you:
How do you deal with times of disruption? what do you notice surfacing for you? do you need to activate Essentials Only?
I’d love to hear.
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