There are no set rules each of us are following. We are trying to social distance and mask but the fact is rules vary by state, by county, by school and by person. We are forced to make some quick assumptions about our family and friends’ behavior to determine whether getting together with them is risky or not.
Some of these conversations are easier with some people than others. Perhaps someone is upfront with their mask wearing duties. Or perhaps they forgot to mention that their mom was exposed to her stylist who has covid. It is all rather tricky.
There is no clear answer on what is best for you and your family. On any given day, we are working with the best amount of information we have on hand and must make the best decisions we can. Sometimes we can become stuck in over thinking, and too much thinking doesn’t necessarily get us closer to the best solution. That is when we must turn to our gut.
Brené Brown is a Professor, Lecturer, Author, and Speaker, and shares that our gut can be seen as a scientific response in our body to a question or situation we are facing. Because our body collects input from past situations and stores this information in our brain and in our physical body, the gut is a collection of past responses and helps us to tap into what we personally know is best for us. Think of a bear in the woods, when it hears rumbling in the bushes it knows from past experience how to react – the bear is listening to its’ gut.
LISTEN TO YOUR GUT! I don’t necessarily mean your stomach. In this instance, think of your gut as your internal knowing. Listening to your gut or your internal senses doesn’t simply apply to making a decision about seeing family for the holidays or friends during the winter season. Our gut can inform us about many of the pending decisions in life. The great thing is, it is not a book you need to order from Amazon or another friend you need to consult with – you simply need to take some time to sit down with yourself. Close your eyes and take some breaths. Allow yourself to be here in the now, in the present. When you are able to feel you are a grounded (or close to it), ask yourself the pressing question at hand and pause. Feel what is happening in the body. How is your body reacting to the question? Then tap into what your heart is saying? Can you quiet yourself to listen for a few moments?
I sometimes forget about this amazing resource – the gut. Hope you can find time and space to tap into your gut for any upcoming decisions. Good luck!