I know, it’s been a while (again)!
Firstly, there’s been a lot going on – namely the fact that we’re currently in the midst of a global pandemic.
Secondly, my pledged consistency to writing, or lack thereof rather, is almost comedic, not to mention a source of annoyance but it’s also something I’ve recognised is a process. Writing is in itself a process, one not to be rushed or made into something that becomes pressurised and unenjoyable. So, I now take it as it comes, sentence by sentence and paragraph by paragraph.
As we’ve gathered, we’re facing a global pandemic; thousands have been affected and life as we know it has been drastically altered. Currently in lockdown, many of us haven’t seen family and friends in months and navigating the present situation is a mammoth task.
Undoubtedly, one thing to come out of the situation at hand is the increased amount of time we all now find ourselves with. For some, this is welcomed with unbridled enthusiasm and for others it’s a stark contrast to our daily lives and a force that wills us to take stock.
Being stoic is as British as a cuppa and a custard cream (fun fact: the humble custard cream biscuits originated in England in 1908 and were seen as super trendy due to their distinct Victorian markings making them chic as well as utterly scrumptious, who’d have thought it eh! Anyway, back to the topic at hand..), many of us are conditioned to maintain a stiff upper lip – keep calm and carry on.
This attitude serves few advantages in the sense that it keeps us going, stops us falling by the wayside and weeping until our eyes become sore, but it also prevents us from being vulnerable. There’s a fine line that many of us tread, between being perceptually strong and being vulnerable, with each of us fluctuating across varying ends of the spectrum. Some will declare they are made of herculean strength and have no room for vulnerability, while others embrace the sensitivity with all their heart.
Emotions are very rarely discussed and even more so rarely understood, which is why it’s no surprise that vulnerability is often seen as synonymous with being weak. Scholarly articles state that some people may spend years, or even a lifetime, not understanding the depths of their emotions. Taking the time to pause and reflect on our inner selves is no easy feat, it’s daunting and at times debilitating. However, it’s almost vital for self-growth and personal development. Now as we’re faced with uncertainty on a massive scale, disruption to our lives and chaos across the globe, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
As an extreme empath, I recognise my ability in intensely absorbing feelings, emotions and moods which then have an effect on my own. When I was younger this would manifest in ways beyond my control, causing me to quite physically, as well as mentally, feel the strain and distress of these said emotions. As an adult managing this has almost become a constant task, one that requires consistent consideration and impacts nearly most aspects of my life.
Introspection and self-reflection are opportunities to better understand our emotions, feelings and thoughts and a way to build and navigate emotional awareness. It also offers the aptitude to acknowledge and address our own strengths and weaknesses, allowing us to reset, become better individuals and providing us with the perceptual tools to manage life in an increasingly positive way.
In times like this, I’m reminded of my own responsibility in taking care of my mental wellbeing to the best of my ability, as well as the power I hold in being able to reflect and reset.
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