2020 Vision: Are You Seeing Clearly?

Let me just say that I wrote and re-wrote this post multiple times. With everything that’s going on in the world, it has been difficult to write. I tend to lean toward the positive, and it’s been a challenge to figure out what to write that is positive, that also acknowledges the madness that it playing out in front of us. Then the idea of 20/20 Vision popped into my mind - probably because it’s time to check my eye prescription. At any rate, I started thinking about 2020 Vision in the year of 2020.

Most people think of perfect vision when they hear 20/20 vision. The American Optometric Association refers to 20/20 Vision as “normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision)…”[1] 

We are officially half-way through 2020 and it feels like YEARS have passed since we rang in the New Year. We’re in the middle of a global pandemic, quarantine-life, a deep culture divide, social unrest, high unemployment, and a worsening economy. It’s enough to make you want to crawl into bed, and wake up when it’s over. Yes, 2020 has brought a range of emotions from fear to anger to exhaustion. It’s also presented a lot of time for reflection.

99% of the time, I am an optimist, but if I’m honest, this time around, I think things will get worse before they get better. So, going back to 20/20 Vision and positivity, I asked myself, “Out of all this chaos, what practical things can I do to keep my sanity? What do I need to gain clarity on in this alternate reality that is 2020?” So far, the most obvious answer is that I can’t control everything around me. I admit, I try really hard to create a peaceful environment in terms of my social circle, and media and digital content that I consume. Currently, it has helped to balance all of the worry and anxiety that these “unique” times have brought.

The second thing I’m clear on is that while I can’t control everything, I can make a plan around certain things that are happening. Here’s what I mean:

Coronavirus: A majority of the states have re-opened and I’m still taking precautions against COVID 19. But I had to be honest with myself and think about what I would do if I were to contract the Coronavirus. When would I choose to seek medical attention, and where? Are my emergency contacts up-to-date? Who else would need to be notified? If it should affect a close family member or friend, I obviously can’t physically be with them, but what kind of assistance can I offer them? I could leave food and water on their doorstep, pick-up prescriptions (again leaving them on the doorstep), and call/ text regularly to check on them.  

The Economy: While I am convinced that no one really knows what the economy is going to do, or when, we can try to prepare for ups and downs. A lot of people have seen the “downs” lately. I have been unemployed before, and it is definitely rough. These past few months have been a reminder of the importance of saving. I tend to be pretty frugal; however, I have actively reduced my spending in order to save more. We can’t always save significant amounts of money, but we can try to save a little for a rainy day. Depending on the circumstances, the rainy day fund may not be able to produce a whole umbrella, but it can downgrade the storm to a shower. In the meantime, it’s important to know what type of financial and financial-related assistance is available in the community. When personal funds just aren’t there, a rainy day plan may have to be executed. This could mean getting rid of luxuries (premium subscriptions, cable, streaming channels etc.) or even moving in with family or a friend, to temporarily cut expenses.

Social Unrest: As a Black woman, I understand the frustration, hurt, and anger that we’re seeing expressed across the country and the world right now. My parents didn’t sugar coat the history of racism in this country, or their experiences with discrimination and prejudice. I too have experienced it first-hand. None of these issues developed overnight, and none of them have quick fixes. Change is uncomfortable. The realist in me recognizes that meaningful and systemic changes are necessary to bring about a more inclusive and equitable society. In terms of planning in this area, I am more aware of my civic engagement and how I can support others that are actively engaged. I am also more aware of who I’m spending money with. Do the brands that I purchase, support the same social ideas that are important to me? What is the extent of their support? Is it simply statements on their websites and social media, or are they actually implementing plans to make their workforce and leadership more inclusive? Yes, this information can be hard to come by, but with social media, especially #blacktwitter, nothing can stay hidden forever.

Having said all of that, do I believe that I can plan away everything that’s been causing headaches and stress? Absolutely not, but I do believe that having a planned approach is an effective way to minimize the trauma, and maintain some semblance of control. Everything may not go as planned, but having a plan is better than no plan.  

So what are you getting clear on this year? What will your planned approach be?

[1] https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/visual-acuity

How to Maintain Your Well-Being While During Social-Distancing

Before you continue reading, let me say, I am NOT a mental health professional. If you have any mental health related questions, please consult a mental health professional or physician.

                It’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything on my blog. It launched right around the time that social distancing ramped up in the U.S., and like many of you, I have been adjusting to a new normal. I wrote a post about giving back, as a means to overcome the isolating feelings of social distancing. But then, I didn’t know what else to write. COVID-19 was on every social media feed and traditional news outlet. Scrolling through my feeds became anxiety-inducing, and I had to take a break. I wanted to stick with my blogging schedule, but didn’t want to seem tone-deaf by posting something that completely ignored the current pandemic. Then, one of my friends and college classmates, @chantellilace posted an “Isolation Well-Being” checklist as well as a list of “Daily Quarantine Questions” on Instagram. FYI – she is an actual mental health professional. As someone who is a supporter of self-care, I was inspired to write about her suggestions. The point of @chantelilace’s post was that self-care and wellness are very real, and very essential. As I read through her lists, there were a few common things that I identified.   

1.       Develop a Routine

Whether it is an eating, sleeping, or working routine, it’s important to establish some “normalcy” to your day. Routines can help to alleviate stress, by limiting how many decisions you have to make. They can also make it easier to take care of yourself. I have spoken with more than one friend who has admitted to forgetting to shower. For whatever reason, they got distracted on a particular day, and started with their tasks before showering. Before they knew it, the day was almost over. Under normal circumstances, it’s hard to forget basic items. However, with the stress of uncertainty, even things that we think are basic, can be easily forgotten.

2.       Connect With Someone

 At this point, I hope that everyone has found someone to connect with every day. It could be a phone call, video call through an app, or a meet-up in the driveway. I’m an introvert and homebody, so when this social-distancing/isolation journey began, I thought it would be a piece of cake. One of my besties, who was a psychology major, invited me to quarantine with her and her family. She was concerned about me being by myself. Instead of moving in, I decided to visit once a week. After that first visit, I was amazed at how refreshing it was to be in physical contact with others. Human interaction in important for our sanity. Whether you’re communicating in-person or through the use of technology, make a commitment to connecting with someone every single day.
 

 3.       Be Patient With Yourself

This is a difficult time for everyone. There will be good days and bad days. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you aren’t always operating at 100%. I am a huge proponent of taking things one day a time, or even an hour at a time. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. No one is perfect, and there isn’t really a road map for how to handle the daily stress of social distancing. Be patient with yourself and do the best that you can.

4.       Don’t Neglect Your Physical Health

 Physical health is just as important as mental health. I was watching someone on Instagram Live a month ago, and her guest commented that, “Once this is over, we don’t want to look like we’ve been through it.” She was talking about skincare, but the same principle applies to physical health as well. If you had a regular exercise regimen, don’t let it go now. If you didn’t have one, now is a great time to start. It’s another way to break up the monotony that comes along with isolation, and it’s an energy booster.

Regardless of where your community is on the social-distancing spectrum, remember to practice self-care. Stay aware of how this new normal is affecting you, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments to maintain your well-being.