With so much uncertainty in our world, the concept of control is getting extremely blurry and overwhelming for a lot of people. There is tremendous anxiety, sadness, anger, depression and frustration in the inability to control so much of what is happening in friends', family and clients' lives.
One of the strategies I have been working with for clients is to look at what they CAN control, rather than what they CAN'T control. Regardless of how smart, rich, capable, determined or motivated you are, there is so much that is out of our control right now.
- How long will this last? Who knows.
- Will I get the CV? Depends.
- Will my family and friends be okay? It depends.
- Will my business survive? Impossible to know.
- When will the financial support arrive? Hard to say.
- When can I travel again? Who knows.
- When can I hold my new grand baby? Impossible to say.
- AND ON AND ON AND ON AND ON ANDON AN DON A NDO ANDON.....
As depressing and frustrating as these questions, and lack of answers, can be, there is power in knowing what you CAN control. And the most important things you can control right now are:
- YOUR THOUGHTS AND YOUR THINKING
- YOUR WORDS AND YOUR VOLUME
- YOUR ACTIONS AND YOUR REACTIONS
- YOUR ACCEPTANCE OR LACK OF ACCEPTANCE
- YOUR STORY AND THE EMOTIONS ATTACHED TO THE STORY
There is no better time to look at how you are showing up. As the inspiring Maya Angelou once said, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude towards it. Don't complain about it."
A few strategies to help you through this time are:
1. Routine is critical, especially if you are not used to being home all day.
2. Self-care is crucial and how that looks is different for everyone. But, it doesn't have to be big.
3. Nature. Getting outside everyday for a few minutes to soak up some sunshine, or some rain, will ground you and lift your spirits.
4. Reach out and ask for help and support if you are struggling. This is the ultimate example of no ego.
5. Let go of perfection and procrastination. One is attached to the past and one is attached to the future. Neither of which currently exists.
6. Let go of the past and the future. Right now, the present is all that matters.
7. Walk away. If you are feeling overwhelmed with a task, walk away. Go outside, hit the pause button, reframe the task and return.
8. Gratitude. Regardless of how difficult things are, there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay home. Stay positive.
