Written by Eli Coker
As this time of uncertainty continues, many of us find ourselves feeling like Kristoff in Frozen 2– “Lost in the Woods.” Questions go without answers, days go without routine, and life goes without any sort of normalcy.
For some, a sense of productivity distracts from our racing thoughts. For others, endless thoughts overwhelm our minds, leaving us paralyzed, wondering where to start. Tasks seem to pile up even faster than usual as we use more dishes, get out more toys, or play more dress up.
Life feels like a lot right now, but the truth is, we don’t have to do everything at once. So how do we address emotions while still completing the things we want or need to complete?
In Anna’s words, “You must go on, and do the next right thing.” We need to take one step at a time and offer an abundance of empathy for ourselves and others.
What is the next right thing for you?
-If making a to-do list helps you prioritize, try checking things off in order of importance, one check at a time. If making a to-do list feels like creating a pile of chores as big as the pile of laundry on the floor, skip the list.
-Try alternating a tedious task with a creative task, an indoor task with an outdoor task, or an active task with a sedentary one. The next right thing might appear in the form of a nap, a puzzle, or a picnic in the yard.
-Try out different timelines. Some people prefer spreading tasks out over the week, while some people prefer to get it all done in one day. If you are feeling overwhelmed, experiment with several different schedules to find what works for you. With any schedule, focus only on the next task at hand. Worrying about everything at once only hinders progress on the current task.
-Most importantly, listen to your body. Humans require rest and nurturing. Offer yourself empathy next time you spend the day watching your favorite movies instead of mowing the lawn. Offer your kids empathy when they are moody and won’t finish their school work.
Everyone copes with drastic change differently. All we can do is try. Every day is a new day. When certainty and answers are hard to find: take it one day at a time, and “do the next right thing.”