Finding Truth in the Turmoil

Calm. Chaos. Truth. Turmoil. We can find out so much about ourselves when we are in the midst of chaos and turmoil. Who are we? Who can we be? Who are we NOT.

I wrote, last time, about finding a balance between the chaos of sheltering at home, working from home, schooling from home and complete fear of the unknown – and finding the good and learning to get comfortable with uncertainty.

Almost a month in, and I have been challenged, as we all have been – to feel everything from fear to hope to joy to anxiety to faith to anger to acceptance. Truth? None of it has been easy.

The noise is everywhere: On the news, on social media, in texts from friends and family. And it’s about everything: The failure of government, the lack of supplies and tests and doctors and nurses, the death toll, the curve, the amount of toilet paper available. And how about the noise of how to handle everything? The noise of self improvement: Clean your closets! Exercise more! Take a class! Strengthen your relationships! Build a Garden! Become a chef!

Lots. Of. Fucking. Noise. Lots. Of. Turmoil. The truth of it all?

There is still a lot of joy. Stories of people checking in on neighbors they never cared about before the pandemic. Stories of creativity blossoming in place of business. Carefree timelessness spent between parents and children and husbands and wives. Reconnecting because….hey, why not? The joy is rampant, as is the turmoil.

There is not a right or wrong answer during times of turmoil. I do believe though, that all we can do is our best. All we can do, if we choose, is to find our truth. What is important to you, in this moment? All we can do is stay in each and every moment to be our best for ourselves and those around us.

So if that means that all you want to do is show up, then that is so OK. You CAN ignore every social media post about self improvement and closet cleaning and shelf dusting and getting into shape. You CAN ignore the news and still be informed about what is going on in the world. You CAN connect with your friends and still be alone with your feelings. What is your truth guiding you to do?

I believe, in this time of turmoil, that we all need to take care of ourselves in the best way we can. We need to feel. Then breathe. Then get quiet. That is where we will find our truth. Whether it be running every day, taking up cross stitching or having a Twinkie for breakfast. Your truth is yours and yours alone. Follow it. It won’t steer you wrong.