Five Things the Pandemic Taught Me
On March 11, 2020 my world entered a state of chaos and uncertainty. The NBA had shutdown, games were canceled, and I was told to not return to work for the foreseeable future. As a sports broadcaster, I knew what was unfolding before my eyes was big, but in the larger scope as a human being I knew what we were about to face would be even bigger.
This year hit us all with a roundhouse kick to the head, however, in the midst of all the challenges I’ve come out grateful for all the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Here’s a quick look at five things the pandemic taught me.
TO BE STILL
One thing about me pre-pandemic, was that I was always doing something. Traveling to cover a game, interviewing celebs at movie premieres, hosting events around the country, and oh, not to mention planning my upcoming wedding. I had more on my plate than I bargained for, but was grateful beyond measure for the opportunities in front of me. However, I didn’t prioritize being still. So much so, that it landed me in the hospital not once, but twice due to exhaustion. Once quarantine hit I got the opportunity to breathe, listen to my body, and reflect on all that was happening around me. For me, forcing myself to be still in the midst of a pandemic proved to be just what I needed. To take in life, relationships, and to realize being busy isn’t always best. If the pandemic taught me anything it’s to take time to take care of you.
YOUR WORK DOESN’T EQUAL YOUR WORTH
From a pure creative standpoint I saw this as something that not only I struggled with, but also my peers. When your career is what you love, what happens when that’s taken away? Who are you? Whew! What a question, “Who are you?”
I was blessed to continue my work from home during quarantine, however, that wasn’t the case for plenty of people that I know across the media industry. People were losing jobs left and right, shows were canceled, and on the influencer side, people were stuck as brands tried to figure out how to pivot. Many people, including myself, had to figure out who they were outside of their work and realize that there is value in that. Value in the titles of parent, spouse, mentor, sister, brother, or whatever unique titles you have. Say it with me, “my work doesn’t equal my worth!”
LOVE HARD
Dealing with COVID also taught me to love hard, and was a jarring reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised. That you’re never too cool to tell your friends and family, “I love you.” Every. Single. Day. We get so caught up in our routines that we forget our time here on earth is just a brief speck. That sounds bleak, but how differently would you live your life if you really thought about how fragile life really is? I’ve learned to prioritize and cultivate the relationships that nourish me over everything. Over work, over money, over everything. Family matters, your tribe matters, and memories are all we have. Cherish every moment.
BE LIKE WATER
Just like martial arts legend, Bruce Lee, once said, “be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
This pandemic taught me to be like water. To pivot and adjust to the circumstances. To embrace change and new ways of thinking. When it comes to business, relationships, life, be like water.
BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU!
This year was full of chaos, but also full of revelation. In the middle of protests, social unrest, and difficult conversations about race I was taught to be my unapologetically black self regardless of the space I’m in, now more than ever. I’ve always lived in that truth, but this year was the year I actively stepped into having uncomfortable conversations about race in my work space. I’ve learned that dimming my light to make others feel comfortable is a disservice to myself. That other people feeling uncomfortable about my light isn’t a problem for me, but rather an issue that they need to deal with internally.
Despite 2020 being a challenge in every way imaginable there is still plenty to be thankful for. What did you learn about yourself in 2020? Share below!
