The world as we knew it in February of 2020 is gone. COVID-19 has changed everything about our lives. Some of us have experienced the disappointment of our last high school and first college memories being ruined. Some of us have had exciting plans come to a screeching halt. Some of us have experienced much worse pain because of this pandemic. America is more politically divided than ever, and unfortunately, the wellbeing of so many people currently lies in the hands of a man who doesn’t value it. Our society is broken. Our planet is dying. Our people are dying. I would consider myself an optimist, but there is no sugar-coating the fact that the world is a disappointing AF right now. However, despite the rapid-fire disappointments of the last 6 months, there are always places we can find joy.
Here is how to avoid feeling disappointed when the world is disappointing.
- Refocus on What Really Matters
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Spend time with the people you love, spend time refocusing on the things that truly bring you joy, and be thankful for your ability to do that!
Take the time to notice the little joys in your day-to-day life! Although you may not be
on your relaxing vacation in Cancun that you had planned, getting Mexican takeout with your mom is fun too!!!…?
Remember that you can’t fix the world with your own two hands. <3 Don’t be too hard on yourself and allow yourself to still have fun.
- Don’t Dwell on What You WOULD HAVE Been Doing
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The times I feel the most disappointed is when I let my mind wander onto all the things I would be doing right now if life were normal. While it is important that you let yourself feel that disappointment sometimes, feeling sorry for yourself is so unproductive! Wishing you were at a party won’t make it happen. Don’t waste too much of your time on it.
It sounds cheesy, but be thankful for the things you CAN do! Reflect on all the things you are able to do now that you weren’t able to do in March/April when the world was full-on quarantined. Notice and appreciate those small bits of progress!
- Find Hope in the Opportunity for Change
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The world is hurting, but it doesn’t have to hurt forever. This can be our generations wakeup call, we just have to use it. We have the opportunity to never let this happen again. Use that opportunity for change to fill your hope-tank!
Be kind to other people. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Be thankful for what you have. And VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!