What did you lose during the past few years? We all lost opportunities to celebrate events and to see people. Many lost family members and friends too soon. Jobs and businesses ceased to exist. Don’t be tempted to minimize your loss because others have it worse. You can honor another’s loss at the same time that you acknowledge your own. Naming your loss allows you to grieve it and let it go as best you can, freeing your energy for moving forward.

What do you appreciate about the past few years? Family and friend groups found ways to stay in touch through zoom or porch visits. Commutes disappeared for thousands of people, and so much more is available by delivery than ever before. Neighbors met each other and sales of puzzles and board games exploded. Noting what went well allows you to express gratitude for those relationships and activities that got you through.  

We have learned that an enormous health concern can come from a place we have never heard of and impact us in ways we never expected. This requires living with ambiguity. We don’t like ambiguity as it acknowledges an uncertain future, which requires monitoring and decision making based on incomplete information. When you recognize that uncertainty is with us for the long run (and always has been), it allows you to name your edginess and find ways to cope. One way to cope with the unknown is to create a contingency plan for probable events. For example, “I will keep a mask in my car so that if I have to go to a crowded place with poor ventilation, I can put one on.” 

Having mourned your losses, appreciated what went well, and acknowledged ambiguity, how would you sum up what you have learned? Identifying your loss is an exercise in clarifying your preferences. If you didn’t get to do that thing, and it turns out you are ok with that, you are clearer about what you want to do going forward. Appreciating what helped you cope allows you to add them into your life. What have you enjoyed that you want to continue as life becomes more open? As you have lived through years of worldwide ambiguity you have made many adjustments. What new habits and skills did you gain? Reflecting (through journaling or conversation with others) on these topics consolidates your wisdom, allowing you to make deliberate choices going forward.