COVID has thrown many of us a curveball or two, whether it’s work-related, romance-related, or travel-related and we’ve all felt the tinge of disappointment that comes with things being cancelled that are out of our control. Not to mention the wave of guilt for caring about these things when some people are having to deal with overwhelming health issues.
I’ve seen so much negativity being thrown around on the internet at people who are expressing their frustration at plans being postponed and while it’s important to see the bigger picture and be grateful we’re safe, it’s 100% natural to have a few wobbles if you’re dealing with a cancelled holiday you were looking forward to with your loved ones, special occasions being put on hold, not to mention the fresh hell that is homeschooling.
Here are my tips to help you to deal with disappointment. We’re only human after all.
If you were starting a new job…
First-day jitters are always a thing for most people, but starting a new job in the midst of a global pandemic is particularly intimidating. Many companies are improvising with a virtual onboarding process but this hardly makes up for welcome drinks at the pub with your new co-workers. Expect your first few weeks to bring more chaos than clarity but it’s a good plan to go out of your way to connect with your colleagues. Take note of how your fellow co-workers interact and take a page out of their book. This will give you an idea about the company culture and then you can plan how you can fit into it. All being well, you’ll be invited to a few introductory virtual meetings but don’t be afraid to initiate a meeting if an invitation never comes. Configure all tech before your first day and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during team meetings. Most importantly, remember this won’t be forever and you will be getting to know your work colleagues in person before you know it.
If you were planning on getting married…
COVID has been especially tough on the wedding industry as a whole, not only for brides and grooms but also for venues, photographers, and wedding planners. I have friends who have cancelled their special days and rescheduled for the same date next year, some who have kept their date but scaled down the guestlist dramatically, and some who have moved their celebration outdoors. Re-shuffling the day you have dreamed of can be hard logistically and emotionally, especially if you have been planning it for months and counting down the days but my advice here is to focus on what you can control rather than the things you can’t. Your day will be just as special even if you have to wait a little longer to walk down the aisle. After all, people are still proposing despite the pandemic, I’ve seen so many incredible proposals, you should probably watch Elle Darby’s proposal VLOG, just one of the many heartwarming signs that love is still very much in the air.
If you were going abroad…
Let’s face it. It’s nice to be poolside in the summer months and take a well-earned break from work. For some, the pandemic has meant that little break has to be put off for a few months, but for some, the flight restrictions have meant that their family holiday is off the cards and when you live in a different country to your family and this is the only time you spend quality time and make memories, this is so much more than rescheduling a little break. Resentment is normal. One way to shift these feelings is to focus on others. Everyone is struggling with the new normal in some way, so call your bestie who is missing her family, facetime your family member who has lost her job, and leave voice notes for your friend that is 2345 days into home-schooling hell. These little selfless acts distract from your own feelings and give you a little hit of happiness that helps, if only a little.
The world feels like it’s come to a standstill of sorts and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out, but remember everyone is dealing with these challenges on some scale, so be kind, be grateful for what you can do, and try to find the joy in today (no matter how small).
