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It feels like just yesterday we were all feeling the anxiety and uncertainty of a new disease that was spreading quickly around the world that no one truly understood yet. We were facing the first wave of cases, the fear of going outside and being around people and the first round of quarantines and restrictions.
It feels like just yesterday, but also so long ago.
I, and I am sure many others, am feeling a mix of emotions. Sad for the loss of comfort we once had. Grief for all the lives lost and permanently changed. Thankful for my health and that of my family. Gratitude for the scientists and frontline workers alike, working tirelessly behind the scenes
I hope that one day we can return to a new normal. I hope that one day I'll be able to go to work and not feel afraid to get too close to my coworkers and patients. I hope that no one will ever again have to face the end of their lives all alone. I hope that no one has their life cut short because of an insidious virus that seemingly came out of nowhere. I hope that we can all come together as one to overcome it.
I also want to bring a positive light to this past year. While it was more often than not so dark and so stressful, there was also some good coming from it. Seeing my fellow healthcare workers standing together, working tirelessly under less than optimal conditions for the greater good of humanity was so humbling and so inspiring.
This past year I also applied and was accepted into grad school! I hope one day to be able to teach a future generation of nurses who will no doubt be as passionate and caring as the one I have the privilege to be a part of right now.
I also learned a lot about myself this past year, and did a lot of work trying to grow. I developed a love for gardening, which has really helped with my pandemic anxiety immensely! I also made more of an effort to stay physically active with movement that felt fun and not like punishment. I've learned to love my body for everything it does for me, and not to judge it based on what others say the "ideal body" should be... all bodies are good bodies and it's time to stop judging ourselves and start loving ourselves! This mindset shift has changed my mental state beyond belief.
I hope you are all healthy and well. I know this past year has been heavy and dark. I hope you are all taking care of yourselves and staying safe. I hope you can try to stay positive in a time where it feels like negativity prevails. Don't be afraid to unplug, disconnect and step back from things that weigh too heavily on you. Find time for things that make you happy, trust me, it is the best investment you will make.
Stay safe.
xo
Image Source: Psychiatry Advisor
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