Covid-19 has tossed us into a wave, whether we like it or not.
For some people , that wave feels like it is going to swallow them up, or even drown them. For perhaps a small minority of others, they are riding it.
Prompted by a fellow-writer this morning to consider “Riding the Wave during the Covid-Crisis”, I asked myself,
- How can people be at peace in what feels like a deep trough of hardship, pain and uncertainty?
- Could being thrown into this abyss of reduced freedom, job losses and financial uncertainty be a super-valuable wave to be swimming in?
It takes me back to 2008 enjoying moments in a local, farm-style cafe in Kumeu sipping my delicious hot chocolate and hanging with my wisest of friends The Global recession was in its early days, my marriage had ended just a few months before, and the spec house we were building was on the market, and we were eagerly awaiting a sizeable profit to set us on our new paths with a sense of success under our belts and some security for the future.
That day in the cafe, I got flung into a tumultuous wave I was not expecting. The real estate agent excitedly called me to tell me the house had sold. It was deemed a “crest” in her eyes. A sale!
For me it was the lowest of troughs. My hot chocolate suddenly became cold as I sobbed oceans of tears into my cup. I was overcome by the roar of a tidal wave with the realization that I would commence my solo-mum life with more than the average number of mouths to feed, $1000 in my pocket, my humble car and an uncertain job and life future ahead. I felt I had no life-jacket to keep me (and my family) afloat as I started my swim in the turbulent sea of loss and grief.
Fast forward 12 years, a new “tidal wave” and what I call “Pandemonia” has ripped through our world. Hype, fear, panic, uncertainty and losses have starting bobbing up in the collective sea of emotions.
But I sit in a different cafe today (a.k.a my lock-down living room) with a sense of peace, assurance and serenity. Why? Because of my figurative “surf-lessons” of the past 12 years. Here’s some “surf-tips” that helped me bob up from the waves and keep “surfing”, no matter what my circumstances look like.
- Success has nothing to do with whether you’ve got the fanciest wetsuit on or a world-title. Success has nothing to do with your job title or role, nor the possessions you own. Take on some form of “work” (no matter how humble) and notice the small things that light you up, and gift the skills and your personality that will make a difference. Detach yourself from the idea of “superiority” or “ownership”, and you will find freedom, even during this time of feeling you are “losing” something.
- Waves aren’t waves without an up and down. A crest will become a trough. A trough will become a crest. Some waves are huge. Others are small. And the tide will one day bring you to the shore. Know that you’re a capable swimmer. You have what you need inside. This wave offers you the chance to pull out your massive reserves (and life-raft) of resourcefulness and creativity. It also allows you a re-evaluation of actually what’s important. Now that’s success in itself, so start seeing the positives, and jump on that board with those new found skills and values.
- A surf is more enjoyable (and safer) with a companion to share the wave. Feeling utterly alone in my trough starting in 2008, I would not be here today without my unwavering companion of “spirit” with whom I constantly call on as my “surf-partner.” Other “family in spirit” , with whom I have constant conversations. also help me ride the daily waves. We may feel alone, but we never are. Connect with someone today. Ask them for some “surf lessons” and listen. It’s not spooky or scary. It’s surprisingly comforting.
On that note, surf’s up, and I’m heading out.
Janelle Fletcher Well-being Coach www.janellefletcher.com janelle@janellefletcher.com +64 21 756 280