Marianna Jaross
I have been in a very transitional period of my life personally. Amongst connections changing, and my work interests and businesses shifting; I have found it challenging to feel grounded and continue my self-care and healthy habits as usual.
Here is some of what has helped me.
1.) Understanding that we are always in limbo.
By nature of being human we are always in a state of flux, growth, shedding, and change.
We have never truly ‘arrived’ until we are dead.
Embracing this can actually help us stay grounded and present; and notice both the challenges and the opportunities in a particular season.
2.) Indicators of success do not tell about the inner lives or stories of people we know.
Falling into comparisons is easy, especially in a social media age.
Being a therapist gives me insight into the secret lives of others: Even the people who seem to have it ‘all together’ experience challenges across all life arenas.
Don’t be fooled by surface presentations. Instead, stay in your own lane, build your life the best you can, and remember that we all have seasons of winter and spring.
3.) A few genuine connections can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
It is when we are most vulnerable that we find who our ‘people’ are.
The ones we can be honest and vulnerable with, who share in our sorrows, who call us out when we need it, and show up for us; even if we’re not at our most sparkly.
Hold on to these people, and remember to do the same for them when they need it.
4.) There is luxury in simplicity and enjoying the small things.
I am aware that I have been privileged to travel. I travelled overseas with my grandma when I was thirteen for a time, I have lived across most states in Australia, and spent time overseas as an adult.
Though I revelled in art, food, and architecture; it was embracing the simple pleasures that I remember most.
I have learned to implement and appreciate the simple pleasures of life in Melbourne, or wherever I am; from drinking tea in bed, routine friend visits, or chatting to locals in my area. This means I can bring a travel curiosity and openness wherever I go without needing to stamp my passport.
Taking pleasure in simple daily activities can help ground us in times of uncertainty.
5.) Uncertainty is also a fertile ground for possibility.
When we are not in a grounded season of life, we are being invited to consciously create the next season; rather than operating on a past autopilot.
Sometimes the gift of uncertainty is a blank slate from which we can create anew. Scary, but alight with possibility.
6.) Holding hope during times of uncertainty is important; and if you can’t do this, seek others to help hold it for you.
Times of transition and uncertainty can be scary, and it can be hard to see beyond a winter season.
When hope feels lost, seek support from others: We aren’t meant to carry challenges all on our own.
© Marianna Jaross
Note: This article originally appeared on Medium in 2024 and is independent of my professional association(s) and workplace(s).
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