(Enjoy today’s guest blog from my girl Ashley Jost, who helps keep the site rolling each week!)
Like many others, I didn’t enjoy quarantine at first, though I knew it was the right thing to do. So much of the useful information I gather at work as a communications director comes from being in the presence of others, picking up on the dynamics, the politics and the opportunities. In the name of public health, I cast my selfish woes aside and hoped for the best.
That was mid March, when the mayor of the City of St. Louis announced the quarantine.
Hindsight is 20/20, and I have to admit I probably wasted those first few days – heck, maybe weeks – wallowing. I have friends who are quarantined with family, flooding social media with photos of board games and movie nights. Others are cooped up with spouses/partners, sharing pics of their sourdough starters and renovation projects.
At the time, watching everyone else’s highlight reel, I felt even more alone than I already was in my 650-square foot apartment. I moved here in December, started a new job in January and was still maneuvering my role in this new chapter. What a rush to put all of that progress I had made understanding the culture and relationship building on hold.
There wasn’t really a single moment I can point to as a turning point from the last six weeks. Perhaps it happened gradually. I started to re-create habits I had let go of over time, like reading 10 pages of a professional development book, and spending 15 minutes journaling – every day.
Then the walks started. I’m fortunate enough to be in a neighborhood where I can safely walk and avoid contact with others. I’d walk before my workday began and catch up on old podcasts from Rachel Hollis, soaking in discussions about mindset changes and leading with intention, unknowingly realizing that I was then living that truth once I got home and opened my Macbook.
The walks also made me think about my physical health and how sedentary the first few months at the new job had made me. I was also keenly aware of the impact not having office snacks and unlimited Diet Coke was having on the scale. (Hmm. Another thing to devote my energy to…) Then, one walk became three (sometimes four) walks. I break from my laptop for 20 minutes twice during the typical workday to sneak in a mile, letting Beyonce serenade me as I get my mind right for the next Zoom call.
Developing habits has been a game changer these past ~7 weeks. I’ve reconnected with what’s important to me, become a healthier version of myself both physically and mentally, and certainly (or hopefully, I should say) have become a better friend and colleague to others on my perpetual quest to serve well.
Sometimes, the simplest stories offer nuggets of inspiration. I hope that something about my personal experience during this pandemic hits home to you.
As Lori would say, I am cheering you on. ♥️