Let Patience, Kindness and Compassion Lead the Way

Photo by Evgeny Tchebotarev

With the sun shining and the flowers blooming, it is only natural for us to desire to be out in nature moving, exploring, and connecting with others. Like the seasons of the past, we can sense the familiarity and joys of the springtime. However, unlike before, we are unable to engage in our usual traditions and celebrations of the season or, if we do, it requires a significant degree of conscious thought and planning. The good news is that we are learning that we are more resilient than we thought and capable of adapting in the most trying times, even if we are living our lives in a less preferred way.

One thing that has been highlighted day after day during the pandemic is this famous quote-  The Only Constant is Change. While it holds true all of the time, it is especially relevant now because of the everyday challenges of adapting to new information and ways of living in uncertain times. On any given day, we have to operate to the best of our abilities based on the information that we know at that time from health officials, government officials, and our own common sense.

As we come upon the beginning phases of re-entry into our situationally modified society, I have a request for you. I ask that you remember these three words over the next few months: Kindness, Patience, and Compassion. We are returning to familiar environments with familiar people, but with very unfamiliar routines. We forget what it is like to be a beginner and that learning to adapt to the new way of living will take time for all. And yes, it is likely to be a bit of a rough road in the beginning. Deploying judgment, shaming, and anger will only make this journey more difficult.   Embodying kindness, patience, and compassion will pave the road to success. Which path will you choose to take?

-Dr. Lauren Fisher, Co-Owner & Licensed Clinical Psychologist