15 Ways Living Through the Pandemic is Like Having a Newborn

As we enter what feels like day 4,872 of the pandemic, I’m left with intense feelings – highest highs, lower lows, humility, awe, exhaustion… just like when I had a newborn. It’s disorienting.

Can you relate?

Like having a newborn, I’m suddenly dealing with a whole new, unchartered world where physical and emotional space is limited. I have no idea what the rules are for this world or when the emotional rollercoaster will end. I only know that one day it WILL end. (Right?! It has to end. It can’t go on forever . . . can it?!)

Does this sound familiar?

1) I’m utterly exhausted at the end of the day, but I’m not sure why. The house is still a mess and dishes are piled high in the kitchen sink.

2) I suddenly realize it’s 3pm and I still haven’t showered.

3) Life is an endless cycle of cleaning, cooking, and sleeping. I’ve never done so many dishes in my life.

4) I can’t remember the last time my husband and I went on a proper date.

5) My kids need me. All.The.Time. There are IT issues with virtual school, Barbies to play with, login codes to track down, and bikes that can’t be ridden alone.

6) Going out to a restaurant gives me a panic attack. Is this place clean? Is anyone sick? What’s going on in the kitchen?

7) My world feels incredibly small, and I can’t seem to breach its barriers and find the life I once loved.

8) I don’t want anyone to breathe on my kids or me.

 9) An oversized bottle of hand sanitizer (and a backup) are within reach at all times.

10) I often find myself waiting for things to go back to “normal,” despite knowing it will never come. Life after Covid is going to look different because I’m forever changed.

11) My brain is mush from being interrupted every 37 seconds.

12) The Amazon delivery guy knows me (and my dog) by name.

13) Going to the grocery store is a newsworthy event that requires a debriefing from my family when I get home.

14) I relish those rare, quiet moments I’m alone yet simultaneously feel guilty about indulging in them. After all, my family, clients (and maybe even that Amazon delivery guy) rely on me.

15) The highs are so high right now, and the lows are unbelievably low. Some days, either is enough to take my breath away and bring me to my knees.

Just like having a newborn, the world can feel overwhelming right now, but it’s also a rare opportunity to stop and reflect what we want from this life.

Many of my career transition coaching clients come to me in a “love it or leave it” moment. They are in a good job, but just aren’t quite sure it’s good enough. The pandemic has given them the space to slow down and ponder whether they want more – more time, more autonomy, more joy.

If we’re going to thrive post-Covid, we should embrace this time as an opportunity to take a closer look at our life and figure out what we want. More money? More time? A new career? A new adventure?

The choice is up to you, but sometimes we need some guidance and clarity to get there. Ready to talk about how executive coaching move you closer to the life you want? Apply for a complimentary Discovery Session here.

Remember, anyone who doesn’t light you up is too small for you,

Sarah-Nell

Executive Coach + Trusted Advisor to Attorneys and Business Owners