During the time when my children were babies and toddlers, I coined a mantra for myself, “Every day is experimental.” Just these four little words, inspired me to let go of expectations and reminded me to offer myself and others grace in the midst of constantly changing circumstances. Now in this season of pandemic viruses, quarantine, and isolation, this mantra feels ever so applicable once again.
It’s ironic how it takes something as small and powerful as a virus to remind us of how little control we actually have over our lives. With so many aspects of life stripped away, I’m recognizing how grace and gratitude are the things that we’re truly hungry for, and are the elements that will see us through this crisis.
So with each passing day, I’m imperfectly practicing patience for myself and those around me, and embracing humility in not having the answers. I’m giving myself permission to fail, remembering that each day of life is a clean and fresh start. I’m accepting my feelings as they come, in waves and in various forms, recognizing that they’re all important and significant to this time. I’m doing my best to practice self-care of body, mind, and spirit, remembering that I am an integrated whole being. Most of all, I’m giving myself grace when I’m my less-than-best self, and self-compassion rather than criticism or shame.
Some days, the experiment results look better than on other days. However, what’s often more important than the results is how we are shaped during the process. This is definitely one of those times. Regardless of what happens in our lives or in the world, we are being formed. So, I encourage you to take each day as a fresh start and see it as experimental, letting go of expectations and embracing what comes. I wish you grace, peace, and compassion for your journey.