The other day, I got in the elevator with a co-worker. On our ride to the office, I asked how she was doing, and her answer was a deep breath then, “Okayyyyy.” She asked me how I was doing and my response was similar – big breath in and out, then “Surviving.”
As the days progressed, I’ve noticed that more often, that’s how people are responding.
Brief and honest, but underplaying how we really felt. Resigned that this was today and no matter how we felt, we’d do the best we could to get through the day with a smile.
I can’t remember the last time I heard someone genuinely say “Great!,” unless they’re in the hospitality business. “Fine” or “okay” seems to be the highest level of enthusiasm that one can drum up.
Co-workers, parent friends, neighbors, or even in the checkout line at the grocery store — everyone is at level “get through the day,” “survival mode,” “doing okay” or “tired.”
Of course, people don’t want to seem ungrateful for the blessings they have in their lives, but also don’t want to lie. Life just seems to be tough right now, for a lot of us.
Is it just the people I know or are you seeing this too? Maybe it’s just people my age and above? Although I do hear it more often from moms, I think it’s more widespread than just us moms.
COVID restrictions are gone, and I’m trying to remember if life was this crazy busy before and we forgot? Or, did life just really kick it up a notch?
Is it because the holidays are looming? Apple picking, fall festivals, Halloween and more only add to our regular chaos.
Everything’s moving at a faster pace. Our inboxes are more full. There are more to-dos and significantly more demands on our time. I can’t remember the last time I slept in. I set boundaries and others demolish them. I struggle to give my kids a few hours a month where we each have unstructured play time at home.
I miss being bored!
The funny thing is, you rarely see this perspective on social media. You know, social media…. where everyone presents the best versions of themselves, living their best life. I’m over here thinking, “How do people have time to post or create that video?” 🙂
In person, people are being more up front. And I’m thankful for their honesty because it helps me feel like I’m not alone.
So if you’re also in survival mode, trying to get through the day the best you can and still feel like a valuable human – know you’re not alone. Know I’m sending you hugs and support. And if you figure out how to pare back the craziness and time demands in your life, let me know.
Thanks for reading!
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