While it is necessary for us to avoid congregating to avoid the spread of this virus, it is less than ideal for overall well-being.. We are not built to be isolated, especially not in an environment like New York City, with its near total lack of nature. And having online support is not enough.
But this is where we are right now. What can we do?
For starters, let’s acknowledge the unhappiness in ourselves and our fellow human beings, and rather than chastise ourselves and others for it, accept it as legitimate and reasonable. Feelings want to be felt. And as I’ve said before, feelings are messengers; they are here to tell us something about our situations, so that hopefully we can make those situations better.
In this case, however, it is not possible. We are stuck with our bad situation and our bad feelings for the time being.
It is also possible to accept these frustrated feelings and simultaneously feel gratitude if you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.
If someone tells you they are unhappy, try to convey to them that they have every reason to be. If you feel that way, yourself, don’t tell yourself you’re wrong to feel that way.