Lisa writes this week’s “letter to my pre-pandemic self.” Lisa and I also met in high school. She is another amazing member of the “pandemic support group” on Messenger. Lisa lives down under in Melbourne, Australia. Thanks to technology, we’ve been able to reconnect and “see” each other on a fairly regular basis during the pandemic. Lisa is insightful, smart and funny. Today, she reminds us to trust ourselves as we navigate these difficult times.
Dear Lisa
If I were to give some words of wisdom to my pre-pandemic self, they would be – trust yourself. Know that your inner and outer worlds will feel overwhelming at times. That’s okay. Trust your ability to equip yourself with good information. Trust your common sense and intuition. Trust that you’ll have enough toilet paper!
Understand that through the double-edged sword of technology, you will see the best and the worst of humanity – sometimes on the same day. It will be intense. Shed tears of grief and joy when you need to. That’s okay. There will be plenty of both as you connect to weddings, to funerals, to family and to a gaggle of girls that become a safe haven for your confusion and black humour. Engage when you need to. Retreat when you need to. Trust that you will know the value of both.
A long lockdown
You will surpass over 100 days of lockdown in your adopted home of Melbourne, Australia (with no end in sight). You will miss Canada and your loved ones more than words can say and not know when you will see them again. That’s not okay. But that’s the reality of living in COVID times.
Reflect, recharge and eat chocolate!
Until then, embrace the silver linings. Use the isolation to be still, reflect, recharge. Give the rest to your higher power. Eat as much chocolate as you bloody well want. Binge-watch political satire until your eyes fall out. Laugh your ass off as much as possible. Have another glass of wine. I give you permission to do all of this… guilt-free.
You will be okay. Trust me.
Such good advice and insight…especially the “trust yourself” part. It’s sometimes easy to forget that! Thanks for sharing, Lisa.