Have You Seen My Best Self?

By Lisa Miller

If you're like me, COVID-19 may have disappeared your Best Self. She is nowhere to be found. You've looked for her everywhere, but she's AWOL. You've been hoping she'd show up again, because you really need her, especially now. Nope. She's gone. She's probably off somewhere having a tall glass of wine and reminiscing about the good ol' days, when it was easier to maintain your optimism and keep your cool.

Replacing her is your Quarantine Self. QS is tired. All. The. Time. She eats and drinks too much. She cleans constantly. She is SO ANNOYING with her incessant worrying, insomnia, and fear of the unknown. She talks about the same things over and over again. Blahblahblahblahblah. She is grumpy and yells more than Best Self. QS doesn't plan fun things, enjoy shopping, or follow any of the rules Best Self set up for a happy life. QS kinda sucks. 

QS is more easily rattled and takes things out on other people. So QS apologizes a lot, which is actually not a bad thing, and is a lot like Best Self. Also, QS feels grateful, and, like Best Self, spends time expressing gratitude and helping others. At least QS and Best Self have that in common. QS worries about everyone, not just herself, and reaches out to many more people than Best Self allowed. QS just wants to get through the day without too much drama.

Maybe QS needs to stop living in the shadow of Best Self and embrace a less-shiny-but-still-awesome version of me. Who is doing the best she can, all things considered. QS may be rough around the edges, and unruly at times, but she is also a badass-handle-everything-don't-quit kind of gal!

So you know what? Best Self can just take all of her judgment and corona-shaming and stuff it!