When I’m not at my new job at the hospital, most of the time I feel like a vegetable. I tend to my needs, if I can get them: nutrition, water, cleanliness, rest, fresh air, sunlight. Then I move up Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, but not by much. I socialize virtually as much as I have energy for, and make my living by showing up for work (which is always a risk for exposure). Beyond that, I reach my honest limit. Cooking, cleaning, searching for my lost cat, commuting, caring for patients, and taking care of myself is me trying my best. Right now, I don’t have that much capacity for self actualization and realizing my creative potential. And I’m willing to bet that many of you are feeling the same way. . I don’t have magic words of comfort that will make your burdens disappear. And I acknowledge that these hardships are very real. Uncertainty and insecurity are powerful. Just because you “have time” in these circumstances doesn’t mean these are the perfect conditions for growth. Just because you’re functioning, doesn’t mean that you aren’t struggling. In the same way, just because you are struggling, doesn’t mean you aren’t where you need to be. . And if you really are one of the few folx who are feeling secure and doing well, I don’t mean to take that away from you. Your joyful confidence is precious, and can be a beacon of life to your neighbors. . But for the rest of us, I want to say that we are doing enough. I’m not writing poetry or making art or reading or building muscle, and that’s ok. You may or may not be either. It’s ok, because every breath is enough to affirm the worth of your existence. . You’re ok. You’re more than ok. . Look at these beans that my roommate and I planted. We are excited because they show a little more green each day. We don’t expect them to produce money or sew clothes or write books. They’re doing great, just as they are. . I’m proud of you for existing in such a world, wonderful and fearful as it is. . ____________________________________ #queerlybeloved #coronaencouragement #houseplants #transchristian #hierarchyofneeds #healingtrauma #healthcareheroes #mentalhealthworker #christianblog #oneofthem #nonbinarypositivity https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jArNZHdOt/?igshid=1vi5f79tsj1ys
