Pandemic Check-In

Let’s take a quick assessment.

How ya doing?

Don’t worry — you can check all that apply.

August is National Wellness Month. And considering the state of world affairs, I think it’s a perfect time to do a quick check on you.

I have a Ph.D. in Psychology. Although I’m not a trained therapist (as my friends frequently remind me), I know what I know.

And I know that during this time and space — COVID-19, righteous civil unrest, work-at-home — women are at the convergence of all things. I hear these stories from clients. We are shopping, cooking, cleaning, teaching, coaching, coordinating, and of course, for most of us, we still have those “other jobs” that pay us a salary.

Now, I don’t want to discount men. I know that many men have stepped up, just as women have, and are helping and guiding their families and households.

However, we know that the brunt of so much of this new normal has fallen on the backs, hearts, minds, and souls of women.

In short, we, as women, have a lot going on.

I also know that we’re going to be in this space for a while. Most of my clients feel, at least sometimes, both overwhelmed and grateful. Yes, it’s possible to hold both spaces simultaneously.

In this moment, let’s acknowledge that it’s okay to feel however you happen to be feeling.

I also want to share that during these last few months, I’ve seen my clients take definitive steps to creating new and improved lives for themselves.

Here are some actions taken by my clients during what I call “Corona-Times” (CT):

• Quit a crazy job as the craziness only escalated with the onset of CT
• Purchase homes — Yes! Multiple clients have purchased their first homes during CT
• Update investment portfolios to invest in the UWM Social and Responsible Strategy to align their investment intentions with their personal values
• Cut expenses by moving in with family and friends
• Reaffirmed and reviewed financial strategies to stay on track to achieve personal and family goals
• Connected with far-flung family in weekly video calls
• Prioritized self-care

The deal is this: Our world is only going to get more and more complex. So many situations and happenings will be out of your control. You have a responsibility to take control of what you can.

Here’s your challenge: What do you need to do to set yourself up for success? Personally? Professionally? Financially?

Now is the time to make these moves. Start new behaviors. Take control of your life. Engage with professionals who can provide guidance and support.

Now is the time to make it happen. I can’t think of a better time and space to set your priorities and put yourself first.

No one deserves better.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash