The thought of returning to “normal” life sounds GREAT and yet, I find myself nervous to get back to the things I love and miss.
Broadway shows.
Live races.
Padres games.
Book club.
Women’s events.
I want to be able to enjoy all these things and still there is a part of me that wonders if it’s too soon.
Is this the after effects of being a homebody for over a year?
Is this a normal thought process?
Yesterday, my anxiety hit an all time high about going to book club. I decided NOT to force myself through the anxiety and it brought relief for a little while… until 2 am to be exact.
I woke in the middle of the night with fear of missing out on connection because of my anxiety. I thought about all the other things I might miss out on if I do not get myself out of this comfort zone I forcefully created last year.
Just last week my teenager was hesitant to go back to in person school so, I forced him and of course he was glad afterwards. Maybe I should have treated myself like I did my son and then these crazy thoughts wouldn’t be swirling.
As a fully vaccinated person you would think none of these thoughts would be swirling my head. And still they are.
It makes me curious about our society and especially the young children who have been at home for over a year. Or what about the person who already had social anxiety before they were forced to not socialize in person.
How do we get back to normal when we have all been traumatized in some form or fashion in the last year?
How do we share our thoughts and feelings without fear of being ridiculed or judged?
‘Owning our stories can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of light.” —Brené Brown
As we begin to re-enter into the world let’s be kind to ourselves and each other. For some this is going to be easy and for others it will be harder.
One response to “Re-entry”
Reading this gave me a sense of, “ok, it’s not just me”. I am currently struggling with stress, anxiety/depression. I can definitely say that returning to the social norms is one of my triggers.
Thank you for sharing Ronel.