We live in weird times.

That’s the phrase I keep hearing people say. 

It’s just …. weird.

It’s difficult to find another word to describe it. I don’t want to say that it is all terrible. Partly because, for me, it’s not. But also because I don’t want that perspective. I don’t want to say that everything is okay, because it’s not. And I also don’t want that perspective.

So, it’s weird.

In these weird times we’re going through, everyone wants to know how to cope. How to be at home, how to still get work done, how to not go insane. 

And everywhere, people are jumping up and down, shouting, ‘I have the answer, I have the answer!’

Spoiler alert: they really don’t. 

Take this beautiful tree from Hampstead Heath for example. Imagine if a palm tree gave advice to it on how to grow. It obviously wouldn’t work.

When people are sharing their routines or strategies of how to cope, they are often making an assumption. 

‘What works for me will definitely work for everyone else.’

Spoiler alert: it won’t.

For myself, I hate following a fixed routine and being told exactly what to do. I want my days to look different. But I can’t assume that for other people; I know that some people thrive by following the same structure every day. 

That’s why I have to say that no-one has the answer.

Except for you.

You alone know how you are coping with this situation and what you need to do to get through.

Is it helpful for you to have a couple of phone calls with friends to get through the day? Do that then.

Do you find that going on a longer walk than usual helps your day flow better? Do that then.

Do you hate having to stay still for too long? Don’t do that then.

The point is that we are all learning how to cope with these weird times. And it isn’t helpful to act as though you have the answer for everyone else. You don’t have the answer for them; they are not you. 

So share ideas, share structures, share coping strategies that may work. Just don’t pressure people who are already stressed to follow your ‘perfectly working’ routine. None of us need that.

What we do need is encouragement from one another. So on that note, I want to share a song that has been making my heart smile this week. It’s by ‘Rend Collective’ and is a timely reminder of who is really in charge and who has won the battle. Enjoy!

Enjoy what I write, or have thoughts to add? Take time to like, comment and share. Collaboration makes us all better creators, so join the conversation and start inspiring others!