You just graduated college. You were ready to go out into the world, get a job, and officially start your life. And then, COVID-19.
So…yeah…
This is not what you expected (to say the least). Maybe you’re living with your parents. Maybe you send out 50 job applications daily and nothing. Maybe you just can’t seem to meet anyone (and virtual dating isn’t really what you had in mind anyway). You might find yourself wondering, “Is everyone else moving ahead despite everything?” “Is it just me?”
THE FEAR OF MISSING OUT
If you’re experiencing a little FOMO (or the fear of missing out) right now, you’re not alone. You know, that feeling that everyone is doing something without you. Or in the case of a global pandemic, the feeling that everyone is moving forward without you. It’s bigger than just thinking everyone else has already met someone or found the perfect job. It’s the fear of missing your chance. If it doesn’t happen now, will it ever happen?
The COVID-19 crisis has sparked increased isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and depression around the world. For college grads and career-changing hopefuls, COVID-19 may have thrown a wrench in your entire vision of your future. The hope of a nonstop abundance of job offers or artistic endeavors has been replaced with negative self-talk, like the inner critic (“I’m not good enough.” “I’m inadequate.”) or labels (“I’m bad, worthless, lazy, etc.”).
When deep in negative self-talk, it can be super easy to forget…there’s a global pandemic. There is more to the story.
4 WAYS TO FIND HOPE AND UNDERSTANDING
- Acknowledge we’re in the midst of a massive global trauma and you’re doing the best you can.
- Recognize that no one has it all together right now (no matter what it looks like on Facebook or Instagram).
- Own your strengths. Think about how far you’ve come, and focus on what is in your control and what is not.
- Look for unlikely opportunities for healing and resilience. It’s possible to turn idle time and stagnation into deeper self-reflection and understanding.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTION
Connection is built on those unexpected moments when we realize we are not alone. There’s a 0% chance you’re alone in your feelings, and a 100% chance that connecting with others will be helpful in some way. So talk about how you are feeling and validate the experience of others.
Because the truth is, there is no reality where self-doubt, disconnection, and fear are mandatory parts of life. Whether you’re feeling stuck for the first time or you were feeling lost and disconnected long before this pandemic, this moment in time does not have to define you. Finding the root cause of overwhelming feelings can ensure that when you are able to move forward, you’re ready and able to own your strengths and sense of purpose.
If you’re wanting to go deeper, and find growth and healing despite the chaos, fill out the contact form or call today. I’d love to hear from you.
