Hang in there

This saying is growing old, fast.  I’m not viewing this expression as equivalent to saying “I’m fine” when someone asks you how you’re doing.  I’m not annoyed in the fact that I keep using it and can’t seem to find anything else that would be appropriate.  Both responds are generic and mask one’s true feelings.  Being home for over four weeks now has be on autopilot answering new and old acquaintances alike.  So, it got me thinking.  What else can we really be saying to switch up the humdrum?

First, it’s important to highlight the definition of what it means to “hang in.”  According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it is

said as a way of telling someone to not give up, despite difficulties

In reading this, it does remind that we are certainly experiencing difficulties.  Trying to not give up hope (and our sanity) despite the COVID-19 pandemic does seem somewhat uplifting.  It’s still being overused.  I was reading through other idioms though too.  What if we tried on to keep on trucking, to push forward, or to continue weathering the storm?  Ironically, I was using the expression “business as usual” during the first two weeks.  Then when my time came and went for when I was supposed to be traveling for work, it no longer became business as usual.  I might try on pushing on for size and see how that feels.  If it doesn’t sit well, I can be certain that I’m not going back to using hang in there.  That idiom is forever dead to me.

I’m so curious what other people are using, if anything at all, as an automatic response to describing how one is doing.  These are difficult times, and they’ll continue to be moving forward.  Stay the course.  We can get through this.  Remain positive.  Find solace in slowing down.  There is no room for anxiety and worry right now, as there is only so much that is in our individual hands.  Take care of yourself, and do your part.

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