It’s been a little unnerving this past week to find myself experiencing this weird mix of grief and worry – that honestly – I didn’t see coming.
Over the past two years and so many lockdowns here in Melbourne – my kids often lamented ‘missing out’ on so many important milestones of their teenage years. Parties, catchup’s, shopping centre visits, formals/deb balls, excursions and camps.
And I am in awe of how they have navigated this experience and made the best of what they have had.
Now here we are amidst the rising peak of the ‘O’ wave – and yet we remain open. Which in itself is a huge headf*ck after being shut down for so long (cue the rise of residual trauma that my fellow Melburnians and Sydney folks will most likely understand!).
So anyway – they are *finally* doing some of the regular teenage things (as safely as possible). Part-time jobs, catching up with mates, sleepovers, trips to the city…On one hand, I am SO excited for them!
And on the other hand – it’s like a whole other level of ‘letting go’ akin almost to first time starting school or something?! That tightness in my chest where I have to remind myself to exhale. Mixed with weird grief for what they have missed and the gaps in their social experience that they now have to grapple with.
Not to mention the fact that at least when they were stuck at home – I felt they were somehow ‘safe’. Now they are out in the world – responsible for their own choices and decisions to a large degree (and they’re doing great by the way). They are finally finding joy, having fun and finding themselves as incredible young people.
As for me?
I’m just over here taking a day at a time – feeling all the feels – and looking forward to one day looking back and thinking how resilient we all were to navigate this weird time in the world!
It’s so important to remember that there is nothing wrong with experiencing the ‘big feels’ like grief and worry – they serve an important purpose. The problem arises (by way of stress and illness) when we don’t move these big feelings THROUGH and out our energy systems. Especially if we are working in spaces where we need to hold space for others as coaches, therapists or entrepreneurs. The more we become practised at noticing, acknowledging and healing our emotions as they arise – the easier this becomes. You can find my 3-step process to do just this HERE.
In the meantime – here are 3 things I am doing to support my energy and nervous system right now – in case you find it helpful too. Being a space-holder for others means I am only as good at my job as the care I take of myself.
#1 Daily self-care/healing practice
At least five days out of seven, for 20-45minutes I’ll do some journaling. Sometimes it will also include tapping and distance Reiki – I really try to feel into what I need on any given day.
My favourite time to do this is first thing in the morning before anyone else is awake. I find it allows me to really deal with any stressful thoughts and feelings that I’ve woken with – and gives me the opportunity to reset my energy to where I want it to be.
#2 Movement
It took me years to recognise the importance of movement for supporting my body and energy – and especially for moving big emotions through! A good swim or a walk with Frankie the wonder-dog and I’m usually feeling so much better! I also schedule in movement four days out of 7 (at a minimum).
#3 Support
Recognising when I need to chat with a friend or work with a professional therapist, healer or coach is so important. None of us is built to navigate this time alone.
I hope that this helps you with any current messy emotions you might be experiencing as we continue to ride this human journey together.
Amanda x
Want to re-connect to your own daily practices to support you during stressful times – jump over and grab my free mini-meditations or 21 days of journaling prompts.
Wanting support to navigate 2022 with a little more ease – I’d love to connect with you – book a free and obligation-free connection call HERE.
