I know what it’s like to feel lost, hopeless, worn-out, and disenchanted.
My depression has always felt like a swamp.
It’s dark.
It’s gloomy.
It’s gross.
But, it’s my gross.
I know where all the bogs, marshes, and deep ends are.
“But why don’t you just get up and leave the swamp?” they always ask.
One of my biggest fears when I’m mired in the swamp is the unknown.
The uncertainty.
The chaos.
What if it’s a worse swamp?
What if it’s one I don’t know how to navigate?
Then one day it hit me:
If I couldn’t leave my swamp, I was going to renovate it.
Cut down some branches.
Lay some boards down.
Weed out the toxins.
Clear some paths.
Build some bridges.
Let in some light.
I don’t think I need to tell you – things are starting to feel pretty swamp-y right now.
For all of us.
You are not alone in feeling nervous.
You are not alone in feeling unsure.
You are not alone in feeling anxious.
There is power in numbers…. (which is also why #socialdistancing) – but…
Now it seems we all have a swamp to renovate (not to mention being stuck inside it for however many days).
Maybe now is the time to turn off the news and turn on some HGTV.
In these uncertain times, find some familiarity.
In the isolation, find a way to connect.
In the despair, create your own little pockets of hope.
In all the chaos, find an anchor – something to hold on to that brings you joy.
I promise anchors are everywhere…even now.
Here are some anchors that I’ve found while in quarantine:
- re-discovering the incredibly long shelf-life of Little Debbies (specifically Zebra Cakes)
- finding an extra roll of toilet paper
- the mini bottle of hand sanitizer at the bottom of an old backpack
- the video of Italy singing
- live-streaming concerts from friends (and Elton John)
- late-night board games
- another video of Italy singing (seriously gets me every time)
- extra FaceTime with friends and family
- a clean pair of underwear
What are some of your anchors right now?
Between the fear of eating all of my quarantine food in one night and stress-eating Oreos, I also find joy in helping others.
Making boxes + handing out hope.
In an effort to save my sanity (and the Oreos), I’ve immersed myself in my nonprofit, Find Your Anchor.
At the heart of Find Your Anchor’s mission is a small blue box. Once referred to as a “mental health first aid kit,” each box is packed with good vibes + materials designed to inspire, soothe, and offer support.
In the height of my darkness, one of my fundamental core beliefs was that nobody would care.
I couldn’t see the resources around me.
I couldn’t feel the love that I was surrounded by.
I felt isolated.
I felt alone.
With Find Your Anchor, I wanted to create a network and a community of strangers who care. If we can convince somebody that a stranger cares about you, then maybe it won’t be so hard to believe that your friends and family do, as well.
If you’re like me and helping others helps you heal, then I’ve got the perfect quarantine activity for you!
Here’s what you need to do:
- Wash your hands (again)
- Grab some post-it notes, index cards, CVS receipts… literally any piece of paper
- Write a note of encouragement to a stranger who may be struggling
- Add some extra love and good vibes to the note
- Repeat
- Mail them to: Find Your Anchor, 1050 Calle Cordillera, Unit 104, San Clemente, CA 92673
- Soak in all the good karma from being such a great human
NOTE: We will add your messages to our boxes before we send them into the world.
Now more than ever, let’s show the world the power of strangers who care.
They need us.
We need you.
