"We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them." -Epictetus
I am writing this first blog post in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020. The pandemic has created sudden changes in lives of people around the world. My life has changed professionally since we have been seeing clients through online counseling or telephone counseling instead of in person. The small personal changes in my life, like not seeing my grandchildren or wearing a mask to the grocery store are miniscule compared to others who are struggling with major effects medically from the virus or financially from a lost job.
The quote at the top seems appropriate for our current circumstances. How have you been choosing to respond to the new, unusual life circumstances? Some of my clients are experiencing fear, anger, and depression in reaction to the changes. I talk with them about maintaining routines in their lives, which can create comfort from their sameness. We all feel better when we choose healthy patterns of eating, sleeping and exercise. Helping others, whether through a phone call or a conation to the food bank, can improve your mood, also.
On the other hand, rather than seeking to stabilize your life when so many things are different, this may be the impetus you need to move forward with a major life change of your choosing. The external circumstances of the pandemic will cause some people to rethink their choice of professions, their management of money or possessions, and their relationships. Living within the uncertainty of the pandemic can show us some strengths we didn’t know we had and allow us to recognize priorities in our lives.
Major crises in life often have both positive and negative results. Some of what happens in your life after this pandemic will be due to your response to the circumstances right now. How are you choosing to respond?
Stay safe everyone!
Jane Pavich, LCSW, April 27, 2020
