One year ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. It’s also when my state closed the schools and asked us to turn our lives upside down, for an unknown length. A lot changed in an instant.
It’s been a vague kind of trauma, that effects us in some invisible ways (as well as visible ways).
We’ve all been through a lot of change to say the least. Have you honored all you’ve been through and what you’ve learned? In your personal life, and in your work life? In your heart?
Maybe this anniversary is a good moment to pause, to look back, see where you are now, and to look forward with fresh and wiser eyes. I invite us all to bring a sense of grace and acceptance of all feelings that might be naturally arising at this time.
I want to honor you for your perseverance and all the ways you’ve worked hard to protect others. That means a lot to me. Thank you.
I notice a lot of uneasy feelings in those around me, perhaps in that way a trauma anniversary can creep up on us.
I wrote a quick poem, below, to attempt to capture this moment, with this intention:
May we find some gentleness for whatever feelings arise, and may we honor ourselves and each other for our perseverance. We are stronger than we knew.