“So far, you’ve survived 100% of your worst days. This too shall pass.” (author unknown)

I always remind myself of this quote when I’m having a bad day but lately, to be honest, I’m tired. I feel less motivated and productive which makes me feel anxious and stressed. As someone who is always on the go, I’ve slowed down. This fatigue seems to be reverberating amongst my family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Time and time again, I hear, “I’m tired”. “I’m exhausted”, “I don’t have the capacity”.

The past few weeks and months have been challenging for most of us. On top of what we may have already been dealing with in our personal lives, we’ve now faced a pandemic, civil rights movement, wildfires, virtual school, and significant changes to our daily routines and activities.

The surge of adrenaline that propelled me forward back in March, and helped sustain many of us through the first half of the summer, has faded. It’s officially Fall and we are still in the midst of a pandemic. Our daily lives have significantly changed and there is little reassurance of when a “return to normal” will occur. Yet, we are all still pushing through and trying to manage as best we can.

One of the greatest gifts this pandemic has taught me is that it’s ok to slow down. It’s ok to give yourself some grace. This chapter in our lives and history is hard. It’s ok to feel what you need to feel. It’s ok to take care of yourself. It’s ok to ask for help. It’s ok to have a bad day. It’s ok to take a day off. We are going through a collective trauma but we will heal. There is so much to look forward to.

I’m focusing less on accomplishments and more on my connections with others. I’m enjoying the little moments more. I’m more present and less focused on my to-do list. It’s helping me re-fill that proverbial cup – the one we can’t pour from when it’s empty.

If you are finding yourself emotionally exhausted, reach out to your support system for help. If friends and family aren’t an option, a trusted therapist can be an amazing tool. If therapy isn’t an option, check with your employer to see what programs and resources they have available. If your employer isn’t an option, look for local community outreach programs. Many resources have been created as a response to the pandemic and a lot of them are free.

You are not alone! We are all so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for.

This is just a chapter. This isn’t our whole story. We’ve got this.