Give me a minute to grieve
Sarah Hall
Project and Event Manager who excels in creative problem solving, while valuing inclusivity and compassion.
As I scroll through social media, I see so many people who have pivoted in their business and putting out content that has adapted to the current situation. I feel I should be doing the same, but there is something inside me that is getting in my own way.
I heard on the radio at the weekend that the COVID-19 Pandemic is leading people to go through the grief process. We have lost something precious to us, freedom, human touch and for many of us, our businesses and jobs. Our lives as we knew it, is gone, overnight. Just like when someone dies, you lose everything that was associated with that person… except memories and trying to find a new normal.
I am adjusting to a new normal, finding the positive in all of this, having time to stop and think about what makes me happy and the direction I am going in. I am having time to clean the house, to declutter, to fix the kitchen drawer, to spend time with my son and to take longer walks than usual. I am finding time to read books that have been sat on the side collecting dust, I have ordered a 1000 piece puzzle. I am trying not to think about my business (denial) and I am trying not to get angry at my son for not cleaning his room (anger), and I am trying not to sob my heart out to sad songs and films (depression). And trying not to eat my body weight in snacks!! It’s a process, accepting the feelings I am experiencing, rather than denying myself to feel and to not be okay.
There are people out there who have adapted quickly, taking their content online, taking to delivering. And to be clear, I really admire those people! And for me…..
- Will I pivot my business…. YES
- Will I take my networking events and workshops online… YES!
- Will I create that online course I always wanted to create but didn’t have time for… YES!
I saw a friend yesterday (from 2m away and she just dropped something off). She had been self isolating and the reality of no cars on the road, queues with gaps outside shops, and everyone with cars in their drive… it was overwhelming, and I just needed to give her a minute to catch up with all of that. I have been taking the dog out for a walk every day, so I have been seeing the transition gradually, I can only imagine what a shock it was for her.
So why am I writing this… we don’t all adapt at the same pace, so if your partner, employee, boss, friend, child, parent isn’t quite where you are… just give them a minute. Let them adjust, give them time, we all grieve in different ways. Just be there, let them cry, let them be angry… and if this is you…. Give yourself time….. it’s okay to not be okay!!
And I will be back, stronger….. and with a tidier house, but for now... I just need a minute.
Crack your code. Lead yourself. Master your self-leadership mindset. Make your mark, leave a legacy to be proud of. Working to enhance the lives of business leaders.
4 年100% Sarah. It's not a minor adjustment for anyone and I have to admit it's felt less of a pivot and more life a full on pirouette. Thank you for sharing how so many of us are feeling.
Commercial Strategy & Project Execution | FMCG | Retail | Building relationships and growing businesses |
4 年Well said sarah. We all have a pace, we just need to find it. Social media is a tricky one at times like this, it can be used for so much good but it can also give a false impression of reality, even more so than normal. I decided at the end of last week that I couldn’t keep up, and that I didn’t want to try, I’ve ‘pivoted’ in my own way, focusing on people who are right in front of me, clients and family, and I am now able to give them my all, rather than giving a little to many (who may or may not be even seeing it!). What you have built as a community is amazing and it isn’t going anyway, especially at a time like this, it will still be there in a minute, in an hour or however long you need.
Executive Assistant with extensive experience working with leaders and business owners.
4 年Thinking of you and hoping that all is well.
Bid Consultant and Graduate Mentor at EiB. Expert writer, storyteller and editor. Skilled in public affairs, stakeholder management, and developing communications strategies.
4 年Incredibly well written Sarah Hall and it really does resonate!
Wellbeing & Mental Health Trainer & Consultant. Specialising in: Men's Health | Introversion | Social Wellbeing | Self-Compassion
4 年Love this Sarah. Really well said!! It’s tough and there can be a pressure to adapt quickly, but we all do so at our own pace. I know I have moments where that’s easier than others, some where it’s extremely challenging. And yesterday I just had to take a day off from social media, partly for this reason. Love your honestly and openness. Stay well ????