The reality of this temporary new normal is starting to set in for many of us. Many people are trying to adapt to their jobs being lost by creating a new daily routine at home. People are exercising at home because gym doors are shut while a few very brave people are learning to D-I-Y their hair and nails until salons reopen. For some, this temporary transition is doable. It’s tough but manageable. As some are tackling the unpredictability of this time with a sense of renewed determination, others may be struggling with what to do.

The loss of a job (even jobs that weren’t always so pleasant) can feel like the loss of identity. Being jobless might create feelings of hopelessness and overwhelming sadness, especially when that job feels like an extension of the person you are. Just because I’m writing this doesn’t mean that I’m immune to some of those feelings. There have been times where I have also worried about the impact of these changes have on my family and friends.. Like many of you I also deeply identify with the work that I do and proudly label myself with my job title when someone asks me who I am.

However, this time of reflection and unusual downtime has taught me a thing or two about the truth of who I am. I’ve come to realize that my job title is only a fraction of who I am. Don’t get me wrong…my job is awesome, and I love being in the helping profession! But my position at work isn’t the full picture of who I am and the same can be said for anyone reading this post. So, in addition to being a  (fill-in-the-blank with your job title)  we are also friends to those we care about, family members who love our relatives, neighbors in a community that’s united by survival, and so much more. When you (and I) find ourselves dealing with worries that are hard to control, let’s remember that a job title does not define our purpose. We are filled with possibilities!

Now go have fun with some of those D-I-Y projects. Why not learn a new language? Try your hand at cutting your own hair (but don’t cut your bangs too short!) And remember that you (and I) can do this! The way that we get on the other side of this thing will be a defining moment in realizing exactly what we’re made of and who we are now.

Authored by: Crystal Owens, M.S.