Three Words, Nine Letters: How are You?

No. Don’t just say you’re fine. We’re asking the deep kind of “How are you? Really.”

The most critical question that we should ask a person or even ourselves during this pandemic is, “How are you?” This question, which consists of three words, nine letters, can start a long and insightful conversation into knowing a person’s current situation and feelings. During the lockdown period, people are forced to stay at home and lock ourselves as we battle this global pandemic. We are safe from the threat of the deadly virus, yet we are about to face another battle inside our homes: the surge of emotions, feelings, and even multiple anxieties. So how are you? How are you keeping up with everything that’s happening? What makes you happy, sad, excited, nervous, and grateful? How are you coping?

During this unprecedented and challenging time, we often revisit our past and re-evaluate our decisions back then. Some also establish themselves in the present and think ahead for the future. No matter what phase you are in right now, may it be going back to the past, discovering the gift, or planning for future reflection is essential. It’s always important to take a step back, pause, and reflect.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reflect is to write and keep a journal. Jotting down your feelings and emotions in a paper is therapeutic as it allows you to let go of it all and just breathe. Moreover, jotting it down can make you at ease, relax your muscles, empty your mind, and serves as a record of your journey. You can look back at your reflection five years after, and you will be surprised about your growth. 

Allotting time to write, reflect, and review it can make a difference in your daily life. If you’re still unsure if you should start your reflection journey or write in your reflection, here is a reminder that the best time to do it is NOW! To guide you in this reflection journey, we prepared some questions to start, as shown below.

• How do you feel about 2019, and how do you think now?
• In what ways did your life change when the pandemic started?
• List three songs that describe your situation right now.
• What are you most proud of? Why?
• What is the biggest challenge you faced this year, and how did it help you grow and mature?
• What skills have you developed this year? What skills do you want to create?
• Did you set goals for this year? How is it? Did you give yourself some time to make it happen?
• Did you exercise or move your body every day?
• What is your self-care routine?
• How do you relax, and when do you do this?
• How do you relieve your stress?
• What are you most grateful for?
• Were you ever “triggered?” By whom and why?
• Did you step outside of your comfort zone? If not, why and when do you plan to do so?
• Did you create new habits that help you each day? What are those, and how did you develop it?

Now that you’re ready to write down your thoughts, process your emotions, and organize them, you may check out our planner for everyone. Our planner is created to serve everyone, especially during this trying time. It will not only benefit you, but it would also be a bridge to help our medical frontliners who are selflessly fighting the pandemic and children who will now go back to school via Online Distance Learning.