Life is full of mystery. Perhaps this brief moment in time will act as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of the many things we often take for granted.
Last week, I spoke to a good friend in Canada about what was happening in Japan as it relates to COVID-19. I explained that I had been experiencing a lot of highs and lows. On Tuesday, I felt a sense of hopelessness and fear for the health and well-being of myself and those I love including family, friends and students. On Wednesday, I woke up full of hope and optimism thinking that things would be alright and that we will all pull through this crisis together by supporting each other and coming together against a common threat. Thursday, I was feeling somewhere between the two extremes; less hopeful than the day before, but more so than two days prior. In short, it was a week of highs and lows, which is very far from my normal self. Emotionally, I like to keep things close to equilibrium, something I have learned from my many years in Japan and the continual practice of mindfulness.
Acknowledging emotions is important and will help you better deal with crises.
The point is that we are living in unprecedented times. With the exception of wartime, something I am grateful to never have experienced, there has never been this much uncertainty in our world. So, if you are feeling not quite yourself these days, please remember that you are not alone. Most importantly, let yourself know that it is okay to be afraid. Acknowledging emotions is important and will help you better deal with crises.
This is a time when we can ask others for emotional support, or give support to those who are in need. This may be done simply by spending more time chatting online or chatting on the phone. After all, social distancing does not mean isolation. In the end, we will see that this crisis will change the way we live and work forever; in some ways for the better. Let’s get through this together and look forward to the better days that surely lie ahead.
Wishing you perfect health and happiness.
Mark Tofflemire
Tailor Made Inc.