Is COVID-19 making you crazy trying to capitalize on all this “free time”…?
If you’re used to accomplishing and producing at a rapid, arguably unhealthy pace, then COVID-19 brought with it not only fear, anxiety, and social isolation— but also an incessant drive to “do more” and make the most out of this sudden “free time.”
We all dream about free time, vacation, days off, and sleeping in.
A week ago this probably seemed like an impossible reality; nothing more than a fleeting wish or hope…
But then reality hit, suddenly and forcefully. Next work stopped— and “free time” began; a potential opportunity for rest, recuperation, and time with loved ones…right?
Yet, instead, the “over-achiever” in you emerged, and might likely be experiencing mind and body overload— a feeling of going absolutely bonkers with to-do lists, goals, plans, and beyond…
You might be experiencing…
An incessant feeling that more can and should get done...
An ever-recurring thought, “I must come up with something groundbreaking to change the trajectory of my career and future” …
An unceasing drive (angst) to move— to clean, create, post, connect, accomplish, workout (repeat!) …
Almost instantly, COVID-19 transformed you into a hamster on a wheel…
If you are feeling, thinking, acting in this way, take a moment to read these wise words.
This passage, created by Emma Zeck, changed both my attitude and mindset, and I hope it will offer the same relief and refocusing to you.
With this open time
You do not have to write the next bestselling novel
You do not have to get in the best shape of your life
You do not have to start that podcast
What you can do instead is observe this pause as an opportunity
The same systems we see crumbling in society are being called to crumble in each of us individually
The systems that taught us we are machines that live to produce & we are disposable if we are not doing so
The systems that taught us monetary gain takes priority over humanity
The systems that create our insecurities then capitalize off of them
What if we became curious with this free time, and had no agenda other than to experience being?
What if you created art for the sake of creating?
What if you allowed yourself to rest & cry & laugh & play & get curious about whatever arises in you?
What if our true purpose is in this space?
As if mother earth is saying: we can no longer carry on this way. The time is now- I am reminding you who you are. Will you remember?
-Emma Zeck