You’re doing great!

A nurse reflects on the struggles COVID-19 has brought to all of us, and how it’s okay not to be okay

I spent this Easter 2,000 miles from home. I was working in the ER, sweating from the anxiety of claustrophobia and the heat of wearing PPE all day. I drove home through tornado warnings, crazy winds, and floods as high as my car windows. This was this Maine girl’s introduction to Southern weather.

I was certain I’d lose my vehicle to the washed-out roads. Back home, nurses are driving through feet of snow to keep people safe in this pandemic. Today I woke up bleary-eyed, my motivation to do my morning routine nowhere in sight. I did my makeup instead of a workout.

Your central nervous system may be fried, whether you’re a nurse or not. These are uncertain times. Loss of livelihood on the horizon. It’s okay if you’re not feeling very productive. All those memes can kick the dust.

You don’t need to make gains. You don’t need to learn a new skill. You don’t need to suddenly become a yogi and connect with your chi. You don’t have to fake toxic optimism. 

Surviving is okay. You’re doing great. Everything isn’t going to magically be okay, but you are going to make it.

Whytnie, Emergency RN