We Can’t Choose Being Alone Right Now. But We Can Choose How We Handle It
We don’t have a choice about spending time alone right now, but as Quilter Stephanie Rose reminds us here, we can absolutely choose how we react, and what we do with this time. But even when you’re physically alone, you’re not really—download the free Quilt app to join a conversation and connect with women around the world.
by Stephanie Rose
I love my “alone time”, but I could do with a little less right now. Under the Covid-19 umbrella, most of us are “choosing” to stay home — those without that choice are helping to keep essential services and products available to the rest of us.
Let’s face it — it’s a tough time. None of us chose the pandemic and it is in no way under our control what happens outside of ourselves right now.
But since we can control what WE do as individuals, there are a few things to keep foremost in our minds as we navigate this situation.
Stay Positive
Look around you and count your blessings. Hard to figure out what positive looks like right now? If you are quarantined at home, how many times did you wish you had this time to clean, create, watch tv, exercise, or do other activities? This is a gift you are being given to do these things. If it looks otherwise, do a self-check on what you are focusing on and thinking.
Find Inspiration
Turn off the news and get online with someone you value! There are several video call platforms you can use, or—better yet—download the Quilt app and join a free virtual Quilt with women around the world. There are topics of conversations for all walks of life and interests. Finding common ground with women can be a great antidote to loneliness.
When you’re not talking with other women, you can also seek out advice and inspiration from community leaders. Take a look at Rachel Hollis, Mel Robbins, Brene Brown — they all have positive messages and may just say the very thing that makes you feel better and get motivated. It’s a great time to read or listen to a book on Audible!
Find Your Inner Motivation
Rachel, Mel, and Brene may jumpstart your thoughts into the positive realm, but now YOU need to take action. No one can motivate you — that’s up to you. But YOU can take that first step. Think small. Break down something you want to do into small steps and then take that first step. Too much? Break it down into even smaller steps. Better yet — get online with someone and talk about it. That creates accountability as well.
Reach Out
I’m incredibly blessed to be sharing this isolation with someone. Whether that’s you or not, try to connect one other person each day. We’ve been doing “Happy Hours” with friends — those across the street, and those across the country. (And, of course, Quilt.) It gives everyone the opportunity to debrief about what they’re experiencing, laugh, have a drink together, and share their day. It can DEFINITELY eliminate the feeling of isolation. So many women are looking for connection right now. Be the bright spot in their day!
Ask For Help
This is not the time to “toughen up” and brave it alone. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help. If you do nothing else during this time, BE BRAVE — let someone know if you are struggling. This will come to an end at some point, but the most important thing we can do now as human beings is support each other. Be there for someone else who needs it — and be the person who takes that scary step to ask for help.
We are all interconnected. If someone else is feel isolated, it’s up to all of us to help create connection. I’d like to offer myself up to anyone who needs a conversation right now. Find me on Quilt and join a conversation today.
