Seeking personal growth from stressful situations
COVID. One word that brings about so many emotions, nearly all of them negative. For almost an entire year we have experienced increased stressors, challenges, and fear/anger/sadness. We’ve lost visits with family, with our support systems, and had to mourn lost ones from a distance. Thinking about how this is impacting kids and teens, it may seem reasonable to assume that they might be affected to a lesser degree. So much of their lives are already experienced through technology, hasn’t the past year been a simple extension of this trend? In truth, they struggle just the same as adults, and they too have lost the option of connecting through other means.
So, how can we help our kids, teens, and ourselves when we are stuck in such an uncertain and unstable place? One good option is through finding a purpose or achieving inner growth (and, if lucky, both). Purpose is what drives us; it motivates us to get up and keep going because we are working towards something bigger than ourselves. Some examples of where people find purpose are helping others, religion, fitness goals, career advancement, etc. Inner growth is uncovering knowledge of ourselves that facilitates positive change, whether that be acceptance, peace, changing expectations, or ownership of our actions.
Recently, I was speaking with someone who happens to be a mother as well as a financial advisor and she mentioned she never realized how good her life was until a crisis arrived and she was prepared: “I have a house, I have savings, and I’m in a secure place”. So, one of her takeaways from living through COVID is further understanding that not everyone has the same security. She wanted to help change that. She plans on starting a group to offer financial advice to single parents; she is passionate about this new purpose.
Thinking about inner growth is also inspiring. A family member shared that she stopped checking social media for a while during COVID and noticed an almost immediate improvement in her mood. She stopped frequently comparing her life, kids, home, and experiences to others and felt more appreciative of what she does have. She limited herself to checking social media twice a week for no more than 30 minutes of scrolling each time. She is happy with her choice and feels more at peace than before.
In the midst of all of this turmoil, I encourage people to look for the take-aways. How did I grow? How am I stronger? What have I learned? What positive changes have I made or would like to make? There are always things we can control and seeking out those things can be empowering and enlightening.
If you ever have any questions about therapy, the process, or need a referral, please reach out. I’m passionate about providing education and support!