Or try this one on...You are expected to learn a new language that you will use during the next two weeks, maybe four, maybe more...you don't know. At the same time, you are learning to snowboard, scuba dive and fly a plane; the equipment unfamiliar and weighing you down, the instructions for each activity a jumble in your brain. Add to that the need to grieve the loss of a friendship you've known throughout your existence, the one who made life seem normal and bearable no matter what.
These and other metaphorical scenarios have been entering and exiting my mind at lightening speed. Perhaps metaphors are just my way of dealing with the overwhelming feeling of not being able to control my surroundings, for me and for my children. Perhaps these ideas are the product of sharing this experience with my five, unique children and their varying coping methods. Regardless, within a week's timeframe, all of us, no one is exempt, have been thrust into this new unknown while being asked to find ways to use information and equipment that is unfamiliar and foreign. As parents and educators, certitude is difficult to muster. We struggle with wanting to assure our children even as we are feeling overwhelmed, overdrawn and uncertain.
So what is the solution? Well, I am sure I don't know the answer to that. But I do know the following... and it's more about accepting permission than seeking solution...
We are all best to take a step back and assess for ourselves what we need at this moment right now. I wish that we could all take a moment to grieve the loss of our norm before we try to gather information in order to jump into switching gears. By this I mean, we need to stop...feel...experience that which is being asked of us. Even those self-proclaimed introverts are feeling the isolationist tempo and perhaps needing to gasp for a little air. It's hard for all of us. It's OK!
In all of this, please keep in mind that we are not supposed to be readily amenable when someone or something suddenly changes the rules of the game. Anger, frustration, fear, sadness, you name it...these are all acceptable responses to our current situation. Each time the rules change, which seems to be every time we turn around, we need to take a moment to process, ascertain the best path, and figure out how those new rules are best applied to our personal story. Only then can we take the time needed in order to heed the new way we are called to serve others and allow our humanity to shine through.
Here's what I do know...we can do this...we will do this...and we will be able to endure this...if only we take the time to look at it, absorb it and accept it each step of the way. Slow down..stay safe...be gentle on your soul.
