I said that I would write about current events, but I certainly didn’t imagine something as extraordinary as a pandemic. Yet, here we are.

Week 5 in quarantine is testing even the most dedicated practitioners of self-care and self-compassion. The days are blending together even for the methodically organized. The light at the end of this tunnel seems distant even for the fantastically motivated. Simply said, social distancing is anything but simple.

Mental health needs have become the focus of conversations with friends, family, and mental health professionals. We’re exchanging tips and strategies about adding structure to our days, doing things that give a sense of purpose and meaning, engaging in self-care, and connecting. All with the hope of helping each other manage the sense of loss and worry. As we try to help each other cope better, let’s recognize that it will not always be easy. That the coping mechanisms will not “fix it.”

Let’s start by being patient and forgiving with our ability to cope. Let’s recognize and appreciate the small things. Let’s allow ourselves the flexibility to re-calibrate our goals and standards day by day.