Even Astronauts Prepare for Re-entry

I love seeing people getting together again. It feels so good to just hang out. Mother’s Day. Birthdays. Upcoming weddings! It really hit me when I saw my best friend from college post a picture of her mouth-watering brunch, “1st meal out in over a year!”. Followed by an open invite to vaccinated friends that the guest room is ready and waiting for anyone ready to drop by.

Finally… our lives are happening again. Our world is opening up. Many got vaccinated: ahh... freedom! Some with masks on even if it’s uncomfortable, because they’re leaders of their lives, doing whatever it takes to gather with their peeps. For my friends in Toronto and London, I have faith that it will happen for you soon. Our world will open back up. And after our long collective pause, we have a choice.

We have a choice about what we go back to, what we let go of, and even what we never consider again. And while there’s bound to be some turbulence this is an opportunity to masterfully navigate your re-entry. So let’s dig into the ways you can make the ride of your life a little smoother.

I think it’s safe to say most of your routines changed over the past year. For many of us, things slowed down. The pace of our lives changed and we developed a new, slower rhythm. And while we were working from home, schooling from home and entertaining ourselves at home, you might have discovered that you preferred that pace (more on how to maintain a calmer slow - if that’s for you - in my next blog).

Maybe you were stressed and picked up some habits that you’d rather leave behind, forgoing exercise and pouring one extra glass of wine at night. Or what about financial stress? So many people were financially impacted and had to pivot or dip into savings. And now there’s new stress. Are you ready to go back to the office, back to the commute and all? A survey at some of America’s top companies indicated that up to 47% of those surveyed would rather work from home than take a $30,000 raise. While COVID forced us out of the office, it can’t necessarily force us back in as there are alternative jobs that allow for working at home. Maybe you’re one of the 1 in 4 Americans considering quitting or changing jobs after the pandemic.

This is all to say it has been a disruptive, disorienting year.

So let’s make your next year less rough.

You have a say in how you spend your days.

You get to decide now if you’ll take that trip, apply for that job, go back to Pilates or join a tennis league. With the many choices you get to make now, it wouldn’t be odd if you didn’t feel some unease or confusion. And If you’re having a challenge seeing clear possibilities you could misinterpret what you’re feeling as feedback that what you’re doing, or planning, is wrong.

The Atlantic recently published an article that I really took to heart. In short author Arthur Brooks suggests that this time right now could be a Once-in-a-Lifetime Change to Start Over. Brooks suggests that NOW is the time to do a side-by-side inventory. Of the things you disliked before the pandemic and don’t miss against the things you LIKED during the pandemic and will miss. It’s an interesting exercise and even more interesting if you’re willing to go deep!

Speaking of going deep and creating change… my forte is helping people who are going through change and uncertainty navigate their way powerfully. So when you have a year like this one when you were handed a big bag of lemons, you use them to make lemonade. And I want it to be the best lemonade you’ve ever tasted. For that you’ll need the best ingredients. Substitute for water, sugar, and the lemons, ample portions of preparation, flexibility, and courage. And think of your body and mind as the fabulous pitcher worthy of such a delicacy. Are you filling it with energizing nutrition, strengthening it with consistent body movement, to help it manage the shift in productivity and stimulation?

I want you to be aware that as you step back into activities, and the pace picks up, your body and your mind are all attempting to integrate the changes. The excitement, the fun, the relief, the HUGS! I’m sure you can add to the list of positives and fill a page.

What you may not expect, though, is the anxiety, the awkwardness, that out of practice feeling that arises as you adjust. As you’re out and about among more people, in larger groups, it wouldn’t be far-fetched if you feel a little uncomfortable, maybe even on edge or irritable. But just keep in mind our bodies are incredibly wise at adapting. Just as you adapted to COVID 19, your body will re-regulate back to the normal you’re stepping into now.

Just as you felt a restlessness, boredom, or unease a year ago, doesn’t it make sense that as you ask more of yourself, it might feel a bit jarring too? That as you go to do this thing you’ve missed, there’s a flutter in your gut or chest. You could react by asking, “What’s wrong with me? Why don’t I feel just happy and excited?”

Let me reassure you. There’s nothing wrong.

Your mind is simply saying “This is different, and it’s my job to let you know so that you can adjust”. Because even if you’ve been around people, living with your family or you’ve been working, it’s still been from home. And now you’re experiencing a different level of interaction. One that’s more stimulating than you’ve grown accustomed to. Be aware and meet yourself where you are. And as you deal with all of this change, as you adjust yet again… (remember, we’re built for change and adaptation) get out there big enough to be slightly pushed but not overwhelmed.