Put the right thing on repeat
Hi!
I do hope that everyone in Singapore is holding up well during this circuit breaker. Alcina and I had thought we were quite ready to take this on, until the rules changed and childcare arrangements were restricted. Now we both end up playing dual roles of working and parenting from home.
Trying to balance work, fathering, and husbanding, and having limited alone time to recharge is leaving me quite drained. Yet I also know I have much to be thankful for, that I can even be in these circumstances. My problems are surely a drop in the ocean compared what many others are facing now.
Regardless, it is important not to let these troubles affect my mood, and take my attention away from trying to make the most of what is before me now. I can only control my response after all. I could definitely do much better in trying to keep my mind centered, and am working on it constantly. In trying to do better in these aspects, I found this interview on the Daily Show with Christina Koch quite useful .
Christina, an astronaut who just spent 11 months in space and returned to find a pandemic, shares a tip on how she handled the difficulties of isolation in space. She would "put the right thing on repeat in her head". Whenever she found herself about to complain about something, she flips it and reminds herself what she would miss about being in space (of course definitely easier when her thing on repeat is how she would miss getting to see auroras from space).
I thought this was quite a good way to remind myself to savor the moments, and not get distracted thinking of what things could be in a different reality. Of course for me that thing on repeat is that opportunity to watch this critical time of Joy's development. Difficult as she could be, its amazing to be watching her take her first steps and learn her first words.
Do share how you all are trying to cope while stuck at home, and what challenges you are facing.
Stay safe!
James
Covid-19 Support
I was attending one of those law firm webinars on the new Covid Relief Bill, and wonder if small businesses are getting similar support to try and understand the new measures and getting guidance how to use or manage them. While big companies who are clients of major law firms will surely easily get advice, I worry that the ones who need it most will not have this benefit. If you are a lawyer who is familiar with the new provisions, and know of small business owners in your network, I encourage you to reach out and offer a chat, perhaps you could make a difference to a struggling business.
About Ideothetic Flow
Ideothetic Flow is a small passion project following my own thoughts about living life better and think of how we can be better human beings. Every 2 weeks I share something I find interesting, usually related to challenging common expectations or ideas.