Last year at this time, many people from around the world were hopeful and eager to welcome in 2021. On the horizon was the promise of vaccines that would put an end to the lockdowns and the expectation that the pandemic might have an ending. Many of us looked forward to the holidays with some level of loss, however, the newness of the re-imagining Holiday traditions and celebrations was looked at with creative energy. Now, as we move forward into 2022, the newness of Zoom opening of gifts has faded and we now believe that the pandemic will still be with us in 2022. Although the world seems more prepared overall, as with the process of grief, the second year has a reality with it that this is the way it is and it will not be like it was before. Things are different and perhaps expectations need to be adjusted.
Some readers have reported that they are just feeling weary. Nothing seems to really be wrong, however, they just feel that they have been expending so much energy to get through whatever, and that they are tired and frustrated. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of weariness is …” exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor or freshness…having one’s patience, tolerance, or pleasure exhausted.” Each of us will experience weariness in different ways. Some may not want to attend the holiday celebrations, some may want to stay home more and some may throw all care to the wind. A variable in all these examples is that we still have choices in what we decide to do. Choice implies action and if the choice is to do nothing that, too, is OK. Sometimes choosing to do nothing affords us the opportunity to be present with ourselves. It is also important to stay with our feelings, perhaps acknowledge the feelings to ourselves and trusted others, to be present with the grief, the anger, sorrow etc. and to believe that you can and will survive this.
Referencing the process of grief and grieving, trusting in your resilience, and knowing that others have gotten through very difficult times, can offer a sense of reassurance and calm.
Key Takeaways
The Pandemic is still with us.
Sometimes to do nothing is the right choice.
Trust in your resilience.
Best Practices
Focus on restoring the health of the mind, body, and spirit.
Keep a photo or written journal.
Although perhaps changed, keep important traditions alive.
Things to Limit
Minimizing your feelings.
Drowning your feelings with alcohol, drugs and food.
24/7 News
Quote of the Week
“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.”
Ralph Marston
The past two years have been difficult, in so many ways, and as we reflect on these times we also need to celebrate how we have managed and perhaps even grown from them. Our ability, to be adaptive during times of change, offers us a level of reassurance that we can and will get through it.
Be well,
The paraDocs
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The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
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