Disruption. Change. Modification. Transformation.
These are words that I use regularly in my vocabulary. You see, I work as a Change Manager. When something is altered at an organization, whether it be a business process, technology, or re-org, I’m brought in for support.
I help people as they experience these changes by creating communications and developing trainings, so they can obtain new skills and use new technology to accomplish their work more efficiently.
Despite being categorized as an expert in this field, I still find myself struggling to manage all the change and unrest we’ve been experiencing in 2020. I sum it up similar to relationship advice; it’s easy to give, but harder to implement the practice yourself. We all are human after all.
When we have been catapulted out of our daily rhythms, as we all have, it’s easy to feel anxious, fearful, and out of control. Nothing feels normal, because nothing is normal. Children’s schooling, work—if you are lucky enough to still have it, celebrations, and even our relationships have all taken a dramatic turn.
What makes this situation most difficult is that we have lost the structure of our society—such as the deadlines and ways in which we are held accountable throughout the day. For example, pre-pandemic Lindsey would need to get up early enough to allow time to eat something prior to my commute into work. But now, why not hit the snooze button three to seven times? I conveniently have the option to eat breakfast between my morning meetings as I sit working in my kitchen.
In all this chaos and worry, I find refuge in the lessons I have learned from my faith—the practices of putting prayer, silence, and rituals into my life. All of these are agents of healing for me.
In my quiet time I have often found myself reflecting on my present and past routines. What is normal or familiar isn’t always the best or right way. Now, there is an opportunity to re-evaluate our past practices and rhythms and consciously adjust them in a positive direction.
During this time of reflection, I have also found gratitude in our current reality. I am thankful for the extra time with my loved ones, the slower pace, and time to explore new hobbies like cooking, crafting, and making my own kombucha!
During this time of reflection, I have also found gratitude in our current reality.
In order to find a sanctuary, it’s now more important than ever for us to build it ourselves by creating moments of calm, quiet, and rest. How it’s done—like creating a pact with a friend to hold each other accountable, journaling, using a meditation app, or going on a walk—doesn’t matter as much as making the time and space to do so. Find what works best for you and develop a system that makes it easy for you to practice it. Give yourself a cue, a reminder that now is your time. For example, when I have my coffee in the morning, I will journal.
If we want to help the world, we must first help ourselves. It starts by finding our refuge and ensuring that we are filled. So that we can then go fill others.
