Do What You Can

Yikes this is a hard time.

I’ve not spoken to a single person who is not struggling in some way right now. Whether it’s a kiddo figuring out the sudden change to online learning, a mom no longer having outings and groups that got her through the day, an elderly person who is essentially cut off from society. It’s hard for all of us. This rocked our world in a pretty sudden and comprehensive way, and we’re all finding a new routine (I’m not saying normal - because none of this shit is normal. It’s just new and routines are comforting.)

So in this period of uncertainty - when you feel like you have to do ALL THE THINGS - do what you can.

Emily, what even does that mean?! There are so many things! I have to do ALL THE THINGS! I have to cook gourmet meals and clean and make my kids geniuses and paint the frigging foyer and somehow work like I’m not at home and try to pretend this is all fine and crafts! We have to do crafts!

Do what you can.

If today feels like it’s smothering you and all you can muster is sharing an inappropriate meme on Facebook? Do that.

If today feels a little more steady and you can sew some masks? Do that.

If today you can be that metaphorical shoulder for someone else? Do that.

If today your kids actually learn something, or all you can muster is tablet time, or you’re somewhere floundering in the middle? Do that.

If today you’re at the grocery store and are able to thank a patient employee who you saw put up with a whole lotta something they didn’t deserve? Do that.

If you know a nurse or doctor and can check in with them and thank them for their work? Do that. (But really seriously on this one because legit guys - these people are risking their lives to take care of us and the people we love. We need them!)

If today you hide from under the covers and only peek out to breathe? Do that too.

It means that now isn’t the time to push yourself. Now is the time to be kind - to yourself and others. It means to try not to measure your pace or coping or fortitude against what someone else posts on social media. And maybe don’t argue with people on the internet right now either (seriously, it’s not going to go well and do you need that negative energy?) It means to have grace with one another. We’re all doing the best we can with what we have right now.

If you have the energy and it’s going to help you cope to finally paint that frigging foyer, go for it. Maybe today’s hard for me, but tomorrow I can be there for you.

Do what you can.

And please please pleaaaaaaaase for the love of all that is good do NOT measure your suffering against someone else’s. If you’re drowning, you’re drowning - it doesn’t matter if that water is ten feet deep or two hundred feet deep.

Choose kindness. And do what you can.