It's Dig Deep Time

This time of year is always a favorite of mine. There’s a different, punchy energy that swirls around, and like clockwork, it starts the minute Starbucks rolls out their anticipated Pumpkin Spice Latte after Labor Day. It’s like the world exhales with relief and excitement as tastebuds await that first syrupy sip of warm and frothy fall sliding down the hatch. Viola! The season of golden, crunchy leaves is officially upon us. Full steam ahead!

Wait a minute. The record screeches to a halt as reality sets in and reminds us all that it’s still 2020 and we’re still juggling way more—emotionally, mentally, even physically—than ever before. The dance of the pumpkin spice fairies will have to wait. 2021? Are you listening? Is anybody there?

Okay, okay, forgive the sarcasm. And yet as a new mom, therapist, and human being wired for connection, I’d say this fall presents many with a different brand of anticipation. So many have suffered loss in every shade of grey and are asking themselves: How will the kids fair with distance learning? Will I still have a job come October? How will we stay healthy and safe? And pay our bills? Where can I find support for this intense depression and anxiety?

Friends, we are in the midst of what I call a “dig deep time.” It’s a time where we must become best friends with a new girl we may not have ever really noticed before. She is patient and kind. She is slow to criticize and quick to listen. She’s always available. When we want to react out of stress and charged emotion, she simply pauses, breathes, and provides a grounded response.

Her name is Grace, and she is making it possible for us all to get through the day(s), week(s), and month(s).

You and I did nothing to deserve her, and that’s the beauty of it all. She’s there for us just because we have citizenship as human beings here on earth.

When it’s dig deep time, we appeal to our higher selves—the ones that require us to grow beyond our ego—all the mechanisms of our control—and open up to a powerful, abundant hope that requires some intentionality and focus.

I’m reminded of Michele Obama’s famed words, “When they go low, we go high.” That’s what dig deep time is. It’s trusting our process enough to let go of fear and lean into Grace when all you want to do is go hide in your closet with a bottle of Pinot Noir and the Halloween candy you just picked up at Kroger.

Here's some good news for you: we are all in this together. I know, it sounds trite and overused, yet it is one of the pillars of self-compassion. The other two are mindfulness and kindness. Our shared human frailty is what connects us right now and that massive reminder alone helps me find the courage to choose Grace. We are in the midst of a test of consciousness. It’s like our hardwiring is experiencing a transformational upgrade...if we let it.

A question I’ve been considering a lot lately: How does love show itself through me today?

If you aren’t quite sure and need a little nudge…just ask Grace.

Love & Grace,

Katie