It's not easy being green

Like more and more folks, I've spent a lot of time on Zoom recently (for those who are unfamiliar, Zoom is an online platform for video conferencing). Most of my screen time has been for work. Fortunately for me, most of my meetings begin with an opportunity for all those on the screen to share how they're doing personally and professionally as it relates to the shit storm that is the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the questions that gets posed most often to start these meetings is "what are you doing to bring yourself to green?"

No, we aren't taking about the kind of "green" Kermit the Frog touts in many a Muppet movie. We're talking about "green" as it relates to this phenomenon that is the known as the Stress Continuum Model. Although, it might be fun to think about what sends America's beloved Muppet into each of these colored zones, I'm certain Miss Piggy is involved. I digress...

As I was saying, we've been referencing this continuum almost daily in my professional life. And as expected, each day brings new challenges and successes that move folks across the spectrum in dynamic ways. Sharing our stories provides us a platform to process, bridges our relationships and builds our own resilience. All the while, enabling us the opportunity to support one another in these unprecedented and unpredictable times.

It's easy to think that what brings me back to my green is entirely different from anyone else, we aren't robots after all. And I gotta say, it's been interesting and inspiring to see just how much overlap there is among this particular circle. One thing that has become evident: no matter how introverted a human being may be, at some level we all long for connection to others. The manner or environment we seek that may be vastly different but human connection drives most of us. It brings us back to green. There are other themes of course, like being physically active and adhering to some sort of routine. Then there are those things that are uniquely different that provide perspective as well.

For me, I must admit that I've returned to some old habits and hobbies. When I say that outloud it sounds weird and I feel like I need to reassure folks that these are all positive habits and hobbies. The top 3 things bringing me back to green these days include:

1. Exercise- I'm working on my COVID-19 physique, look out world!

2. Writing-Yep, something I used to do all the time in one of those old school pen and paper forms.

3. Playing music-I've picked up the ole' guitar quite a bit lately and am getting back to a place where it brings me great joy. I've even been toying with songwriting again (more on that in a later post).

4. Writing letters-Going back to my roots and sending things the old fashioned way, at a snail's pace.

There's other stuff on that list, too but those are some of the key players right now. It's weird, while life feels pretty complicated at the moment, in a lot of ways it's also incredibly simple.

The bottom line: the road ahead is paved with uncertainty. Find the things that keep you green and share those with others. Reach out when you feel yourself venturing into other areas of the continuum. You are not alone. It's not easy for any of us to be green right now and that's okay.