by Candace Davis Hawkins
I am an extreme extrovert. I have multiple friend groups that I stay connected to where there are always gatherings, meet-ups, hangouts, trips, and more. We had big plans for this year with multiple trips planned as everyone reached a milestone birthday to places all over the world which all came to a screeching halt in March 2020.
When Covid-19 first hit, I was in shock and panic like the rest of the nation. I work as a Clinical Manager of Health Services for a large health care company and my job immediately sent us home to work. Like many others across the globe, I began working remotely and quickly had to adjust my private practice to seeing people via Telehealth. There was a lot of growth and change during this time for me. I evaluated the space my life was currently in. I had spent so much time going, going and going with little time to reflect on what I wanted my next moves to be and how to be more effective professionally, personally and spiritually. It was a reawakening of sorts.
This was all very challenging, but as an extrovert, I had to figure out a way to socially survive and stay connected.
Create your Covid Circle
So what did I do? Organically, I developed what I call my “Covid circle”. A select group of trusted friends where we all contact trace one another and share test results and commit to spending time together in meaningful ways without masks (when it’s safe).
We enjoyed outdoor activities and dining locations together. I dusted off my patio furniture (that I’ve had for 12 years and rarely use) and created a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy time outside on my deck.
My outdoor patio space to safely host friends and family.
We had curbside dinners, endless zoom calls with games and activities, and virtual happy hours. I had grand plans for my birthday party in Mexico which had to be dramatically changed to a zoom event – it was epic!
The set-up for my online birthday celebration.
Plan local ‘staycations’
A local Airbnb staycation
Pandemic does not always mean in the house! Since the pandemic canceled most of our travel plans with international and U.S. national borders closing, I discovered that travel is still possible with a pivot in your mindset. This included local staycations at locations where COVID-19 protocol was safe and exceptional. There are even safe international options as well, various countries throughout the Caribbean have low cases of COVID-19 and strict social distancing protocols.
When you want to spend time with family and friends—make agreements for testing before a trip and limit exposure to others. In this virtual world of work, I have friends that have relocated to other countries with lower COVID-19 rates and strict entry protocol to work by the beach. I planned an extended visit to see them this winter for some sun!
At the end of the day, I believe my connections with these people whom I love dearly have become stronger, as well as me. I pay close attention to how I feel and what I need and share that with my Covid circle who respect those needs and try to make it happen.
Adjust and continue what you love; make new habits
A picnic set-up for a fun and safe lunch outside.
My fitness journey continued with virtual training and workouts and I actually have increased the number of days that I work out every week from 3 to 5/6 days because I have more time.
I journal more. I take more classes for learning opportunities for overall growth and improvement and most importantly I pay close attention to how I feel. As a therapist, we often absorb the anxiety and feelings of our clients— that’s what we sign up to do and it’s OK. Self-care is more than spa services, it is incorporating things into your life that change your mindset and outlook when you feel stressed and anxious.
I connect with my life coach regularly and my Covid circle to make sure that I can remain available and effective in all relationships and areas of my life. I can’t wait to hug my friends again and see more of them in person, but for now I am embracing my new normal. With no clear return to “normal” plan, I can not help but think about what that normal may be. I am in no rush for a return to life as it was and not sure if we ever will, but that is a good thing in my opinion. My hope is that we return to a place of focus and more intentionality in our movements and relationships for a better future.
So while as an extrovert, COVID-19 has put a pause on many things, it has also started many things that I hope to continue. Please stay safe and healthy, we will survive together!
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