TFTs

This week has been a challenging one for me. On Sunday night, a mandate was made in the state of Utah to not see anyone outside of your own household (with the exception of work and church) for two weeks. I know this doesn't sound like much, but it has really been a challenge for me. I have struggled to stay positive, specifically with not being able to see my girlfriend with the exception of short phone calls and video chats. At the beginning of this week, I was really frustrated with myself, and I still find myself getting down or sad, and then I try to cheer myself up. This cycle has gone around and around many times just in the last few days, but I listened to a podcast by Brene Brown called "Unlocking Us" that has helped me come to terms with this challenging time during this global pandemic. The thing that helped me was her description of what she calls TFTs- Terrible First Tries. She explained that everyone really struggles with things the first time they go through them. She specifically mentioned this global pandemic and the struggles that have come with it, and described her own struggles with it. The anxiety, stress, and awkwardness that come with new things are normal and even healthy. They help us grow and become better day after day. We just need to realize that we are going through a TFT, embrace the difficulty, and remember that we have always gotten through trials before. Plus, we don't have to go through these things alone! We have support systems around us that can uplift and help us. Use them as a strength, and strengthen them! This too shall pass, and when it does, we will be better and stronger than we were before. Trust in the Lord. There is nothing to fear if you are prepared!