As I write this, we’re currently in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic with lockdowns happening around the world.
It will be interesting to read this many years from now.
What I do know, what I’m sharing below will still hold true because life is cyclical.
It’s full of ups and downs.
There will be another time when we go through a dark period.
My hope is the tips I share below can help you get through it safely.
Appreciating the things you have now
Even during “normal” times, part of my “Morning Buddha” routine is to write down in my journal, three things I am grateful for.
Focusing on what you are grateful for or appreciate helps you focus on the here and now.
It helps ease your mind that things may not be as bad as you perceive.
Ask BETTER questions
In 2015, I went through a personal trauma that left me broken.
I was thinking:
“How did this happen?”
“Why did this happen to me?”
During that dark period of my life, I went through a massive learning period.
One thing that helped me greatly (and still does to this day), I learned from Tony Robbins in his book, Awaken the Giant Within, that asking more empowering questions helps us deal with and get past our darkest moments in life.
Right now, many of you may have lost your job, lost a loved one to this virus, your business may not survive, or you may be feeling helpless inside like you’re in this deep hole with no way to get out.
Instead of asking yourself questions that don’t help you in any way…
…try re-framing the questions you ask yourself, by asking more empowering questions, such as:
“How can I prevent my life from being affected as much if this happens again?”
“How can I make the best use of this time?”
Focus on things you can control
You have no control over the fact there is a viral pandemic happening around the world.
Wasting time focusing the fact this is happening doesn’t help you in any way.
Instead, try focusing on what you do control, such as:
- How you use this time – whether it’s to connect more with family/friends, learning new skills, starting new projects, starting new income sources
- How you can control your emotions & thoughts, the questions your ask (as mentioned above)
- Focusing on appreciating & being grateful for the good things in your life
“This too shall pass.”
Where you are now is not where you’ll be six months or twelve months from now.
I can’t remember where I read this, but it was very helpful.
Despite what’s happening right now, I am fortunate enough that my life state is so much better than where it was this same time last year.
We may be going through a very difficult time right now, but what’s happening now will eventually pass.
Reach Out and Ask for Help
Growing up, in the 80’s & 90’s the culture was that of “Suck it up and take it.”
You were considered weak if you couldn’t handle things yourself.
What a load of b.s.
I discovered that people who believed that also suffered silently, there was no need for any of us to suffer in silence and alone.
It takes and shows great strength to ask for help.
There is no shame.
If you ever felt you shouldn’t ask for help due to some misconceived belief – I’m “giving you permission” to ask for help.
Know anyone else who would find this helpful? Please share with them.
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