Does anyone else feel as if the past season in life has lasted way too long? I'm currently in the middle of a season that has been harder than any other, and I know that many others are in the same situation that I am. It may not be the same exact situation, but we can all learn and grow together in this season of waiting.
Over the past couple of weeks, as 2021 was coming to an end and now has come and gone, and 2022 has begun, I've been trying to think of things to do during this season of waiting to help it feel a little more bearable. My anxiety and depression have been sky-high, so I thought of five things to do during this season of waiting that I feel can help many of us...whether in the moment or long-term.
One // Think of something you're thankful for
In the hardest moments, this one might seem impossible, but trust me, do your best to focus on the good. Focusing on everything that's going wrong or could go wrong isn't going to help fix the situation you're in. What's something you're thankful for? Is it your family? Your new car? A new friend who finally understands you? It honestly can be something as simple as a cup of coffee from your favorite coffee shop.
Two // Think of something you're hoping to learn
What is one thing you're hoping to learn during this season? Whether we like it or not, the toughest seasons are when we learn the most--about ourselves or simply life in general.
"You grow through what you go through."
Are you hoping to learn a new skill? A new leadership strategy? Or maybe you're hoping to learn how to cope and finally feel like you again. Whatever it may be, growing and learning, no matter how hard the lesson is always worth learning.
Three // Think of your dreams
Close your eyes and dream for a minute. Where do you see yourself? What can you see yourself doing long-term? Currently, I'm on a beach somewhere taking a well-deserved vacation. haha! But in all seriousness, think of what your heart is truly desiring and what you're hoping to get out of life. Whether you're dreaming of a new career, a relationship/friendship, a new hobby you've always wanted to try, or you want to finally have time for your passions again; dream it.
This sounds kind of crazy, but we were finally able to go to church for the first time in months on Christmas Eve (my work schedule always preventing me from going), and I had an overwhelming feeling that things were going to get better soon. I've been wanting to get back into being able to sing at church and simply be present at home and spend time with my son and husband. Things are going to change this year and that feeling, that dream is what is keeping me sane during this season of waiting.
Four // Set boundaries to avoid burnout
Boundaries are essential, and they're not just for work. I'm talking about boundaries at home and with your friends, too. Society has taught us that we need to be available every second of every hour of every day, and let's be real. That is not healthy.
Start by creating simple boundaries and sticking to them. When you're off work, you're off work. Maybe you turn your phone on do not disturb after a certain time, or maybe you give yourself a little grace and respond to personal messages or emails in a few hours, heck the next day, and not immediately.
"Boundaries are a part of self-care. They are healthy, normal, and necessary." ~ Doreen Virtue
Five // Do something that inspires your soul
Sing a song, write out your feelings or tell a story, paint a picture, build something with your own two hands--whatever it may be, do something that brings happiness and inspiration to your soul. For me, it was creating time and sitting down to write this blog post. It's the first in a very long time, and it feels so good to let it all out in hopes of inspiring myself and you, too.
We may not be in the same situations, but we can all be in this season of waiting together. We'll get through this storm, and this new season coming will bring one of the most beautiful our lives have seen.
"Weeping may endure for a night [or a season], but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5
I hope this post has inspired you. Keep pressing on.
"Stay classy, stay positive, and love the life you live. The world is at your fingertips, darling" ~Kristen Jones
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