This coronavirus has certainly changed our lives, and I find myself having to learn new ways to adapt every day because of it. That’s hard, yet it’s what separates us from the apes! It’s the technology that makes it difficult for me, even as far as changing to this website rather than using Word Press where I knew what I was doing and was comfortable doing it. I’m still at the stage where I have to use a “cheat sheet” in order to get my thoughts posted!
That may sound small to some people, but when you have a routine that works, even a little change can feel big. Many of us are trying to do things in new ways right now. We may be making calls instead of meeting in person. We may be sending forms by email instead of dropping them off. We may be learning how to talk with family, friends, doctors, and co-workers in ways we never used before. So I know I am not alone in this. We are all adjusting, one step at a time.
It’s technology that will get us through these times though; I realize that. I’m older and it’s hard for me to learn things that are technology based. I laughed with my sister this week when we were trying to set up a Zoom meeting and we couldn’t manage to make it work. “We just need a 10-year old to show us how” she joked! She was right. Kids that grew up with technology know just what to do to get where they want to be. Well, I’m working on learning these new ways and meeting these new challenges.
That story made me smile because so many of us have had that same moment. We think, “This should be easy,” and then the screen does not do what we expect. Or we click on the wrong thing and have to start over. When that happens, it helps to slow down and take it one piece at a time. It can also help to ask for help from someone who knows the system better. Sometimes the best teacher is the person right next to us, even if that person is younger than we are by many years.
I’m learning to set up Zoom meetings. I’m learning to use PDF Filler to get forms completed. These are things I could never do before and have embraced in my ripe, old age! I’m also learning to post things on our website, but that’s taking me longer!
There is a lesson in that for all of us. New skills do not have to come all at once. We can learn a little, rest, and then learn a little more. If you are trying to use Zoom, it may help to do a test run before the real meeting. If you need to fill out a form online, it can help to save your work as you go. If you are not sure what a button does, hover over it or ask someone to walk through it with you. Small steps can make a big job feel less scary.
My point is, we have to adapt all the time, or we’ll just stagnate. In order to be useful and to engage in life, we have to be willing to embrace new challenges, and new opportunities…and that’s not always easy, especially for those of us who have PTSD. It’s not so much that we don’t want to learn as that we are so overwhelmed by everything that’s coming at us at one time, that it can be hard to open up enough to let anything new inside. That’s growth though…that’s life!
That is true in more ways than one. Change can bring stress, and stress can make it hard to focus. When you already carry a lot, a new task can feel like too much. That is why it helps to be gentle with yourself. You do not have to master everything in one day. You do not have to get it right the first time. You can take a breath, step back, and try again later. You can also break a task into smaller parts. For example:
- Write down the steps before you begin.
- Keep a simple cheat sheet near your phone or computer.
- Ask someone to show you the process once, then practice it yourself.
- Use a calm place with fewer distractions when possible.
- Celebrate small wins, like sending one email or joining one meeting.
These are not big tricks, but they can help. They remind us that learning is part of living. And if you are feeling stuck, know that help is available. Disability Network Lakeshore is a Center for Independent Living serving people with disabilities in Ottawa and Allegan counties. Our services are free, and we work to help people live more independent lives. If you need help with disability resources, forms, information, or support, you can call us at (616) 396-5326.
New beginnings are not always exciting at first. Sometimes they feel messy. Sometimes they come with mistakes, confusion, and a few laughs along the way. But they also bring growth. They help us keep moving. They help us stay useful and engaged in life. And they remind us that even when things change fast, we can still learn, adapt, and go forward.
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