How many of us have recently found ourselves in the midst of a chaotic and uncertain season of life? As a therapist, I witness this scenario countless times over. Individuals fighting for their lives, their dreams and aspirations and in doing so, silencing words of doubt, when all they need is support. Yet, despite the most challenging circumstances with their worlds shifted, the clients I work with are showing up daily to knock down barriers literally and figuratively.

Right now, a global division of change is on the heels of our nation, forcing us to navigate unchartered territory amidst fear, bitterness, mental and physical fatigue, depression, and loneliness. A pandemic takes, never gives. In this time, all of us have had something taken from us that has upturned our worlds even to a halt. Recently, in my day to day happenings, I’ve felt a sense of understanding and humanity peek through cautious smiles of support for each other. It feels like an opportunity. It is my hope that as we rediscover our new routines and daily lives, this common understanding remains recognizable in each other.

Most of us have already made lists and plans, anxious for what we will attempt first when given the green light. But should we prioritize our desires based on the challenges we’ve faced during this time and the change we hope to see for our futures? I came across a quote that halted me in the moment.

“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”

– Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi

“Let life live through you.” This is such a powerful line, suggesting we let these changes filter through us, extracting the negative and dispersing the positive. Many of us may have been ‘wronged’ in some way by the upturn of events.

“And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?” Hardship is inevitable. We don’t get to choose when, where or to what extent. Will our culture and social interactions ever return to the way we remember? Perhaps not. But what other growth and prosperity do we have waiting to unfold before us? What barriers can we knock down?

Together, we can BE the collective change we seek and let those changes live through us.

-Lorena Reyes, PTA