A Season of Self Care
There is no denying it, the only thing constant is change. We stand once again at the precipice of another unknown, the phased re-opening of our borders and yet more rising COVID numbers. There is the assurance however, that others have weathered this storm before, and as a community I am confident that we can as well.
Where does this leave us in terms of our self-care? Are we taking time to reflect introspectively, to stop and inhale, then exhale? The all too familiar message, ‘Should the cabin experience sudden pressure loss, stay calm and listen for instructions from the cabin crew. Oxygen masks will drop down from above your seat. Place the mask over your mouth and nose, like this. Pull the strap to tighten it. If you are traveling with children, make sure that your own mask is on FIRST, before helping your children.’
There is a reason you must put your mask on first, you can’t help anyone else if you can’t breathe. Be mindful of your own well-being, you cannot pour from an empty cup. ‘Life rafts are located below your seats and emergency lighting will lead you to your closest exit and slide.’ Grab hold of that life raft, follow the lighting to the closest exit and slide. Slide into a season of self-care. In a world where “new norms” are emerging daily, take the opportunity to stop and reflect on what you are thankful for each morning, then say it out loud… I am thankful for, whatever it maybe. What better time to start that habit than a new year.
For the past two years we have been on a rollercoaster of a ride, one presenter I know calls it the “coronacoaster”. I am not sure when the ride will end, but I have chosen to take the emergency exist and slide. As we enter 2022, I have made a decisive effort to slide. Slide into moments of mindful breathing, moments of memory making with my family and friends, moments where I stop, and actually smell the roses.
Tracy-Ann a native from Barbados, relocated to the Cayman Islands with her husband in 2008 bringing with her over 13 years of experience managing staffing, employee compensation, benefits, labour relations and general HR Administration.