In the 1993 comedy Groundhog Day, self-absorbed weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is covering the eponymous festival in Punxutawney, Pennsylvania when a freak blizzard leaves him trapped in a time loop and living the same day over and over. After going through periods of shock, bitterness, depression, and even suicidal ideation, he realizes that if he can’t change the world, he can perhaps change himself. When Phil starts caring about other people, he’s not only able to profoundly transform his life, he gets to move forward again.
These days, life feels pretty friggin’ similar to Groundhog Day.
Like you, I wake up to the same set of circumstances every day. Same house, same walls. I can’t see my friends, go out to dinner, see a movie, get a mani/pedi, or work out at my gym.
At first, I got busy. I cleaned out my closets, baked cookies, made soups, and organized my files and photos until my eyes crossed. It staved off the anxiety for a while, but eventually I ran out of steam and succumbed to melancholy, energy depletion, and feeling flat. Like Phil Connors, I was waiting for the world outside me to change – for life to move on – so that I could feel better. Also like Phil, I realized that I could change only one thing about my circumstance: me.
Now, we all process things differently and in our own way as we navigate this unprecedented time. You are likely grieving your old life, anxious about how you’re going to come through this, and worried about your and family and friends getting sick. On top of all that, you’re probably truly bored.
But difficult circumstances, like feeling trapped in the same day, don’t have to mean doing the same things. Below, I’ve created a list of some of my favorite peeps and resources that have helped ease my anxiety, sparked joy, soothed my soul, encouraged a deeper connection with myself and others, and made me laugh. Phil Connors and Bill Murray both know that we all need a little levity when times are hard.
Break Shot: My First 21 Years: James Taylor on Audible
James narrates this touching and short memoir of his life before fame. It’s a combination of storytelling, music, and performance that will both enlighten and delight you.
Brené Brown is like a balm for the soul. Once you listen to her podcast, I know you’ll be hooked. Brené discusses a plethora of relevant topics (managing day-to-day anxiety, comparative suffering, the 50/50 myth) and hosts interviews with people like Alicia Keys, David Kessler, and Glennon Doyle.
Good News Show with John Kransinski
If you’re overwhelmed by fear- and scarcity-based news, I promise that John’s show will restore your faith in humanity. Besides being funny and inspiring, he’s just plain ole’ adorable.
Esther Perel’s virtual workshops on love, loss, loneliness, and a pinch or humor during confinement
Perel, a brilliant and insightful couple’s therapist, author, and speaker, discusses how to engage in this new normal from a relational perspective. Esther has brought so much solace to my life during some very difficult times. You’ll love her gorgeous wisdom and practical advice for how your relationship can thrive during what she refers to as a “great adaptation.”
A Woman is no Man: A gripping story about three Palestinian-American women living in Brooklyn who struggle to adapt to the strict mores of their Arab culture and their true desires. A real page turner!
(besides groceries and sweatpants):
Emily McDowell Greeting Cards & More
Emily designs “awkward cards.” They’re weird, truthful, and sincere ways of saying something meaningful and beautiful when you just can’t figure out how. Grab your first six for 25% off!
Words with Friends
Realmahjong
New York Times Spelling Bee
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Here’s how it works:
You bring a small and specific outcome you want to take away from our time together. I’ll coach you for 20 minutes. At the end, I’ll answer any questions you have about how this works and discuss implementing a plan going forward to keep up your momentum.
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