April Theme: Allowing It All

When I created my monthly themes for this year, I never thought we’d be turning life as we know it on its head due to a global pandemic. I know it’s not easy for anyone. I know so many people who are high risk or worried about loved ones who are especially vulnerable, or people who are ill themselves. There’s the essential workers having to work through all of this, trying to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy. I know people who have lost jobs and are struggling financially. There’s the loneliness factor of feeling so closed off and disconnected from each other. For many, there’s the adjustment from the regular work/school day to multiple people working at home, possibly while kids are taking classes online. There’s trying to keep up our health and wellness while having to make do with what groceries are left by the time we get to the store, and adapting our studio or gym workout to home. I’m know there are a plethora of concerns I haven’t covered here, as we’re all unique and while we’re all sharing much of the same struggle, no two people are going to be affected exactly the same. 

And so, my theme for April is allowing. Allowing everything that you’re feeling. Allowing yourself to feel the worry and the concern, the feeling of being scattered or uncertain, the loneliness, the sadness. At the same time, allowing yourself to feel the joy in the small moments, or maybe even the big moments. (I have had several friends welcome babies into the world in the past month, for instance, and that’s certainly something to feel joyful about). Allowing yourself to take pleasure in having extra time at home with your spouse or your kids or your pet or yourself. Allowing yourself to have moments where you don’t feel that way as well. Allowing yourself time to adjust. Allowing yourself time to relax, unwind, do something mindless to take a break from the onslaught of heavy information that is the news these days. Allowing yourself to try something new, whether it’s something new for your business or work, a new hobby, a new family activity, or a new approach to an old routine. Allowing for that new thing you try to not be perfect, or perhaps not work at all. Allowing for it to be better than the old way, and to become something you continue when we’re on the other side of this. Allowing yourself to learn and grow and expand from this, even though we would never wish for this type of learning experience. Allowing yourself to ask for help if you need it, and to offer help if you’re able and inclined. 

Whatever it is that you’re going through right now, allow it. Allow the flow of feelings, the light with the heavy, the laughter with the worry and fear, the busy with the bored, the stillness with the activity. Often, it’s the tug of war between what we feel we “should” be doing/thinking/feeling, and the reality that exists that creates such a struggle. So take some time to try to let that go, even if for a moment. Allow yourself a pause. Allow yourself to be, wherever you are in this moment.