Coping with Coronavirus: A Translator Recommends Being Kind to Yourself

Writing, translating, and social distancing at my favorite park.

​​It appears that my business is slowing down again thanks to coronavirus. In fact, this week, lots of businesses, and their employees, have seen work come to a screeching halt after another round of coronavirus-related restrictions were implemented locally. This is scary, y’all!
 
As in my last post about the impact of coronavirus on translation, I’d like to again answer the question, “How are you coping with all of this pandemic stuff?"
 
I find myself standing in a chaotic land amidst two trains of thought that battle regularly. It’s the "good versus evil" battle depicted in so many movies. To cope, I’m doing my best to reconcile the two and keep on living in the midst of that. Let me explain.

As a freelancer, much of the “evil” train of thought follows concerns about my livelihood.

1. I’m in a precarious place financially, and it is very uncomfortable and scary.
2. I have poured my life into this business, so it is very hard on my heart to see its progress going in reverse, especially since it is due to something entirely out of my control.
3. To reiterate, I am scared… so I am spending more energy keeping it together and less growing, therefore I’m a failure - this year has been a failure.
4. My income is not where I need it to be to cover my bills and living expenses. The first time the world went into lockdown, I had to put many routine purchases on my credit card, and I absolutely abhor using credit. This too makes me a failure. (I told you, it’s an “evil” train of thought!)
5. Also, the last time we closed down, it was very challenging to me mentally because I live and work in isolation. If this happens again, it’s going to be even harder…

Koi living simple lives at the park.

The “good” train of thought revolves around a few key points.

1. Telling myself, “Of course, something is wrong. There is a pandemic going on, so people are scared, and there’s lots of uncertainty right now… BUT, I am not to blame for it, nor are my life choices. This is a global problem that no one caused to happen.” This line of thought helps me depersonalize. “I’m a failure” no longer holds true.
2. I also remember that I’m lucky to have even a little work. I’ve got some form of income, and that is something to be grateful for.
3. Lastly, I tell myself that now is the time to put more effort into self-care, since I will have less human interaction as the pandemic numbers surge again. It’s up to me to make sure I’m happy and my need are being met.

​After sorting through the above thoughts, I have decided to accept both sides of the battle. Sometimes, I will laugh with joy, and, other times, I will cry. In between, I must focus on coping in a way that is not hard on myself, i.e. I must be kind to myself.
 
To that end, today (see photos), I treated myself to a short road trip and high-quality coffee, then I visited one of my favorite parks and a friend.

​I suggest you do the same, if you can. Turn off social media and the news, put on a mask, and find something that brings you nothing but joy, and go enjoy it. Whatever that looks like, as long as it helps you through this chaotic era in world history.

Quality, craft coffee is good for the spirit.