Feel like you have nothing to look forward to during lockdown?
The leader of a Facebook group I’m in asked recently:
“What are you looking forward to next week?”
And I realized — with a jolt — that I’m not really looking forward to anything.
I mean, I’m not nervous or stressed about anything, which is great — and I appreciate that.
But I don’t have anything to look forward to, per se.
It’s not as depressing as it sounds…
All I mean is that the things I usually enjoy doing are off the cards right now: seeing friends; visiting new places; going to events…
I’m talking to people on Zoom, and laughing with my friends on text or video — but it’s not the same.
So for me, it’s not about having things to look forward to right now… because we don’t know how long this situation will go on for.
It’s about taking things day by day.
It’s about waking up in the morning and saying:
- “How can I do something — anything — good today?“
- “How can I add some joy into my day today?
- What could I do today that might help me when this is over?”
If this is where you’re at as well, don’t worry.
Just keep going, day by day.
Try to add some laughter or joy into your day. Reach out to friends or loved ones if you’re feeling bad. And keep away from things that make you feel crappy.
A surprising win…
In these unusual times, I find I’m living for today.
And when I look at it like that, it doesn’t feel so bad. I feel more present… you know?
So tell me — because we don’t know what the future holds:
- What are you doing TODAY?
- What could help you feel good, today?
- What will you reject today? (a thought, person, task, feeling…)
- What (or who) could provide you with hope today?
When you think about it, today is all we have.
And WE have the power to change that day, in some small way — through our thoughts or the way we act.
Sending love and resilience,
Claire
PS — I’ve just released my Start Amazing Habits course, free of charge… if you’ve been wanting to start a new habit, it could be just what you need!
Claire O’Connor is an accountability coach and writer, working with people who need motivation and structure or who feel lost and stuck. She helps people prioritize their tasks and make progress.
