Feeling Different: 3 Ways You can Start to Feel Better Through an Isolating Time
In these times of staying at home and quarantine, there is a lot of time for introspection, for soul searching, for looking within. To be honest, all of my life I have felt different. I was always able to find some dear friends, but I was not a person that “ran with the pack.” Have you ever felt this way?
Sometimes it can be difficult because I know in my heart that we are all deeply connected and we are all one collective consciousness, however we are all unique as well. At times we will feel a bit alone compared to a larger group. This is the time to reach out to those very close to us, people we know will understand, and to double down on those relationships to carry each other through.
Knowing my human design as a generator, and especially as a heretic investigator, it makes sense that I have always been different and had very different ideas about everything in the world. I’m someone who loves close connection with one on one chats, or small groups. Within a very large group I feel a bit lost and am less likely to speak up. At this time of very large zoom meetings, I feel even more lost when I try to join them. This is why I have largely chosen to seek out virtual meetings with close friends or people I would like to network with on a one-one basis. I believe it is so important to do what feels right for you. It may not be what a large group is doing, but it is right for you. What’s right for you is always the best choice.
I felt this strongly one other time in my life. I felt it my sophomore year in high school. I felt like I just couldn’t find my “group” or “community” of people there. I felt a bit lost. I felt a bit alone. I didn’t know really which direction to go in. Then, a great opportunity came up. Some Rotary Club members came to my high school to give a talk on becoming an exchange student to go to a foreign country. I was so excited that I told my parents right away! They were supportive and after I applied to become an exchange student I was accepted! I ended up going to Mexico for a whole year! That was the year that things truly came alive for me. I made a lot of friends, I went to lots of parties and events and I felt truly part of something magical. I still have close friends from Mexico to this day. I feel so grateful for that time in my life.
At this point I am feeling once again that feeling of not being sure of where I belong. This is why I am starting to reach out to those I am close to and to make sure I am building a group of my own. It’s ok to not relate to everything and everyone. It doesn’t mean we can’t be kind to everyone, that is so important. However, as a person who feels everyone’s energy, it is important to conserve your own energy so that you can serve the people that you are meant to serve.
Here are three things that you can do if you are feeling different than the rest of the large group. I feel it’s important to have strategies to cope, especially during these times of isolation.
- Reach out to close friends and set up virtual meetings. Make it special by having a meal set out, or coffee, tea. These talks will deepen those connection that you have with friends and close family members. Make sure that you have enough of these scheduled during the week so that you don’t feel overly alone or isolated. An idea for a virtual meeting can also be setting up your own small “club” around playing a game, discussing a book or a movie each week. These can be very enriching and small groups of people that you know well can really boost your spirits rather than getting lost in very large online calls.
- Find an activity that is your “pillar activity” of the day. For me that has become writing these articles on medium. This gives me the outlet to express myself, to get my feelings out. This is my anchor for the day and something I really look forward to. Other ideas may be to create videos, take photos of things you find outdoors or finding a form of exercise you really enjoy. Any activity that strengthens your sense of self and your resolve to get stronger through this experience will be enormously helpful.
- Clear your mind. Find an activity to do that clears your mind of the buildup of thoughts that accumulate there. This can be meditation, journaling, walking outside, or a creative outlet such as drawing or painting.
I hope that these ideas help you feel less alone during these times. Especially if you really feel different it can be especially isolating during these times of quarantine. Do you feel different? Do you feel that you are feeling much different than most of the people around you? It is perfectly ok to feel that way. I celebrate all of the diffierences in this world because it makes us all stronger. Thank you for being exactly who you are.
With lots of love,
Trista