In this transition time, as we figure out what post-pandemic life will look like, many people (myself very much included) are asking themselves “who do I want to be when this is all over?”

Re-emerging From Quarantine

Individually and collectively, we learned so much throughout this experience. The immediate shutdown of our external world forced us to go within – within our own homes, within our closest relationships, and within ourselves to find safety from the chaos of the coronavirus. 

We had to learn how to stay healthy – mentally, physically, and emotionally – without any of the tools we previously relied on. As is often the case in personal growth, we likely learned what didn’t work first. And after some trial and error, we started to find our footing in the uncertainty, even if it was only for a few days at a time. 

We’ve been anticipating the “end” of this pandemic since the day the lockdown started. And now, blessedly, the final stretch of this unrelenting time appears to be on the horizon.

As jarring as the shutdown was when it first started, many people are starting to feel anxious about leaving their pandemic lifestyle behind. They aren’t quite ready yet to give up the time and space that allowed them to radically shift the way they see themselves, and the world.

But here’s the good news. We have an opportunity right now to integrate all the lessons learned from this past year to re-emerge as a stronger, better version of ourselves. It’s not too late.

In fact, this is the perfect time.

How to Make the Most of This Transition

Quick fixes aren’t what we need right now. It’s time to play the long game and cultivate wellbeing practices that serve our future goals. The parts of our lives that felt heavy and messy over the past 12 months deserve our attention now more than ever. It’s time to spring clean now that we’ve had a good look at everything tucked away in our inner worlds.

This is the time to be investing in things like financial planning, strengthening our relationships, finding food and movement that works well for our bodies, and creating a home environment that fosters happiness. And it all starts with the relationship we have with ourselves. We want to make sure we like who we are and how we show up in our daily life.

Here’s a 10-minute exercise designed to bring clarity and intention to what you can invest in now so you can be the best version of yourself on the other side of this pandemic.

1. Make a list of 20 things you want to have in this next chapter of life. But there’s a catch! At least 10 of them must be things you already have like your health, comfy clothes, close friends, etc. (This helps build both an abundant and a grateful mindset!)
2. From that list, circle three things you want (but don’t have yet) that will have the biggest impact on your overall happiness and wellbeing.
3. Pause for a moment to picture yourself six months in the future, fall of 2021. Of those three things you circled, which one will help set this future version of you up for the most success?
4. Get to work on that one thing. Be patient, be consistent, and trust that this is exactly what you need to be focusing on to grow and evolve.

I’d love to hear what came up for you in this exercise. What is the ONE thing you’ll be investing your time and energy into as we transition out of the pandemic? Comment below or send me a message!