About a week ago, I stumbled on a Twitter thread by Dr. Aisha Ahmad, who said, "I *always* hit a wall 6 months into a tough assignment in a disaster zone."
She noted that we are six months into the pandemic, and "at best, we are only 1/3 the way through this marathon." She then offered suggestions for how we can get through this:
This is my first pandemic, but not my first 6 month wall. So, what can I share to help you? First, the wall is real and normal. And frankly, it's not productive to try to ram your head through it. It will break naturally in about 4-6 weeks if you ride it out. /5
— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020
Of course, there are things we have to do. Work. Teach. Cook. Exercise. But just don't expect to be sparklingly happy or wildly creative in the middle of your wall. Right now, if you can meet you obligations and be kind to your loved ones, you get an A+. /6
— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020
Also, don't be afraid that your happiness & creativity are gone for the rest of this marathon. Not true. I assure you that it will soon break & you will hit a new stride. But today, roll with it. Clear away less challenging projects. Read a novel. Download that meditation app. /7
— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020
Frankly, even though we cannot physically leave this disaster zone, try to give yourself a mental or figurative "shore leave". Short mental escapes can offer respite and distance from the everyday struggle. Take more mental "leave" until you clear the wall. /8
— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020
In my experience, this 6 month wall both arrives and dissipates like clockwork. So I don't fight it anymore. I don't beat myself up over it. I just know that it will happen & trust that the dip will pass. In the meantime, I try to support my mental & emotional health. /9
— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020
Take heart. We have navigated a harrowing global disaster for 6 months, with resourcefulness & courage. We have already found new ways to live, love, and be happy under these rough conditions. A miracle & a marvel. This is hard proof that we have what it takes to keep going. /10
— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020
So, dear friends, do not despair of the 6 month wall. It's not permanent, nor will it define you in this period of adversity. Trust that the magic that helped you through the first phase is still there. Take a breath & a pause. You'll be on the other side in no time. /end ❤️🙏🏽
— Dr Aisha Ahmad (@ProfAishaAhmad) September 20, 2020
It's all very reassuring, especially since lately I've felt - not depressed ... more weary. Now I have hope and faith that in a few weeks, I'll feel more like myself. And hopefully you will, too!
2 comments:
Thanks for this. I've really been feeling it. So I've found myself reading a few entertaining-but-decidedly-light "cozy" mysteries in a row, setting aside the more "worthwhile" books that I "should" be reading. I'm not even beating myself up about it, just sinking into them.
Glad it helped - let me know what you're reading, I need some fun books too!
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