Ask Luna – Our Advice Column for Readers: Time Management, Exposure, and Coming Out

Ask Luna - Our Advice Column for Readers: Time Management, Exposure, and Coming Out

Dear Luna,
With the new, digital lifestyle, my to-do list has been completely packed! Between school work, my job, and my family, I feel like I can’t keep track of anything. I want to be able to manage it, because everything I do is so important to me, but I’m really struggling! What should I do?
From,
Worried Worker

Dear Worried Worker,
I totally understand that! Between a constantly changing schedule and balancing new dynamics at home, it sometimes feels like time is just slipping away. One of the things that really helps me out is keeping a planner. I can mark all my meetings and my work schedule for specific times, and block out times to do homework or talk to friends. If writing it down isn’t useful for you, you can set appointments in your phone and you’ll be sent a reminder before an activity begins! Planning things out can be really useful for keeping track of everything you have to do and making sure nothing slips by.

One thing I think is important, though, is to make sure you’re also making time for yourself. Sometimes it’ll mean skipping a meeting because you feel out of it, and sometimes it’ll mean wrapping up family time a little bit earlier than usual. Even though it’s difficult to do those things, you can’t just work 24/7! You deserve some time to relax — watch a movie, read a book, take a nap. Moments like those will help you decompress and may make it easier to face your schedule the next day.
Sending you luck!
Luna

 

Dear Luna,
I have so much free time now. I used to go out and see my friends, go to the movies, and go shopping, but now I’m really hesitant to because I don’t want to put anyone in danger. How can I fill my time?
Thanks,
Spiritless Socialite

Dear Spiritless Socialite,
Life as we know it has certainly been turned upside down. First of all, I admire that you want to keep people safe! It’s really difficult to not be able to see the people we love. Especially as winter has come on, it’s even harder to see friends socially distanced with masks on because it’s too cold outside!
One thing you can do (which I’m sure you’ve heard before) is set Facetime nights with your friends. There are really great programs, like Netflix Party, that will let you stream movies with your friends! While it’s definitely not the same as how you would usually hang out, it is a good way to see each other and have a good time. It’s definitely a way to prevent yourself from becoming too isolated.
Something else you could do with the time is learn a new skill you’ve always been curious about. Learn how to sew, or paint, or learn another language! There are lots of online programs and YouTube videos targeted towards teaching skills, and even more have emerged throughout the pandemic. Don’t be afraid to throw yourself into learning something new!
Have fun!
Luna

 

Dear Luna,
I’ve been questioning my sexuality a lot lately. I think I may be a member of the LGBTQ+ community, but I’m not sure who to talk to about it. Should I bring it up to my parents? My friends? I don’t want anyone to think I’m weird, especially because I’m not sure. What should I do?
Quietly Queer

Dear Quietly Queer,
First of all, I’m proud of you for having the courage to examine yourself and your sexuality. It’s definitely a scary and confusing thing to do, and it takes a lot to go through that process.
Secondly, I want to let you know that it’s not always a fast process. There can be a lot of back and forth on labels and uncertainty about who you are, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you work at your own pace.
If you want to talk to someone about it, I’m sure your friends would be more than willing to discuss it with you, but don’t feel pressured to reach out to them if you aren’t ready to talk about it. There is no timeline — you can talk to people whenever you feel comfortable.
With regards to people thinking you’re weird, if your friends don’t support you for who you are, they don’t deserve your time. It’s never easy to leave people behind, but there are people who will love and accept you for who you are. Those people are out there, I promise, even if they aren’t in your life yet.
I’m sending you love and light.
Luna

Ask Luna (a pseudonym for this columnist) is an advice column to advise people on how to deal with their concerns and issues in the most positive way possible. I try my best to ensure that they will make decisions that will help them move forward on the right path. I hope you will write to me, in confidence, seeking my guidance. Just a reminder: I will not disclose any information sent to me. What you write will always remain anonymous. I encourage you to be creative with your usernames and send feedback so that this column will be successful in helping those who seek advice. You can email me at [email protected] or drop a note in our standing metal mailbox outside of the English office. I look forward to reading your letters.

PEDIR Luna es una columna de consejos para asesorar a las personas sobre cómo tratar mejor sus preocupaciones y problemas.​ Yo hago mi mejor esfuerzo para asegurarme que tu tomes la decicion correcta, ayudarte a avanzar de manera positiva. Yo espero que tu me escribas con confidencia, pidiendo mi ayuda. Un recordatorio, yo no voy a revelar ninguna información que me envies. Lo que tu escribas siempre va a ser anónimo. Te animo a que seas creativo con tus nombres de usuario y envíes comentarios para que esta columna sea exitosa para ayudar a quienes buscan consejos. Correo electrónico a [email protected].
Espero sus cartas.