Updated: May 12, 2020
Originally Published: May 9, 2020
A couple of weeks into quarantine, a friend surprised me with a pizza, a thoughtful care package filled with self-care products, and a lovely plant. The note she included brought me to tears in my kitchen, leaving my kids looking at me with concern. Later that day, I texted her to express my gratitude, mentioning how I was going through a “flat spot.” Now, this term has become our secret language for those tough days filled with emotional overload and a sense of stagnation.
Five years ago, my family and I embarked on a cross-country adventure that remains one of the highlights of my life. We explored breathtaking landscapes—mountains, deserts, lakes, oceans, geysers, and wildlife. However, I remember the vast stretches of Indiana-Illinois-Kansas-Missouri with less fondness. These flat plains serve as a metaphor for those less exciting moments in life, much like the monotony many of us are feeling now. I understand why Kansas was chosen for the tornado in The Wizard of Oz; it perfectly encapsulates that flat and uneventful terrain.
The emotional aspect of this ‘flat spot’ experience is profound. I’m not just referencing the repetitive nature of our days, where we endlessly tune into press conferences and set up our laptops at the table once more. I’m talking about how we have emotionally processed this situation. The conversations we’ve had with ourselves to keep moving forward, and the strategies we’ve employed to alleviate the anxieties that circle our minds each night.
Physically, we’ve settled into our routines. We’ve embraced cooking, engaged with YouTube tutorials, and some have even taken in pets or crafted masks. Keeping our hands busy has become essential; we’re taking long family walks, diving into home projects, and scheduling Zoom calls to fulfill our social needs.
Yet, the emotional endurance needed to endure these flat spots is still a work in progress. Each morning feels like a reminder of what we’ve lost—cancelled plans, strained relationships, and work pressures that seem heavier than ever. We’ve lost the daily rituals that used to break up our weeks, like commutes or sharing interesting anecdotes over dinner. The emotional landscape feels flat, lacking the peaks and valleys that once characterized our lives.
Breaking free from this flat spot is a challenge. Some days may stretch into two or more, with time losing its distinctiveness. It can be tough when one partner is thriving, laughing, and cracking jokes while the other feels unmoored. The flat spot lacks any upswing, merely presenting a consistent horizontal line that can feel like a balance beam of sorts.
So how do we combat this emotional dullness? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Offer support to fellow travelers stuck in their own flat spots, plan virtual gatherings to lift spirits, and listen closely to those around you to see if they too are struggling.
And, each day, remind yourself to cherish the rich tapestry of life—the beautiful mountains, valleys, and scenic vistas. When this period passes, let’s vow never to take our vibrant experiences for granted again.
If you’re having a flat spot day after reading this, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone. We can use our code “flat spot” to navigate this long, uneventful stretch together. For more insights and relatable experiences, check out another one of our blog posts here.
Summary
In navigating the emotional landscape of quarantine, many are experiencing what I call “flat spots”—periods of emotional flatness where life feels monotonous and unfulfilling. While we’ve kept ourselves busy physically, the emotional challenges remain. It’s crucial to support one another, acknowledge these feelings, and cherish the richer experiences life offers.
Keyphrase: emotional flat spot
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