Well, where to start?
As I sit down to prepare this blog, it is Tuesday 2nd of November and much of Europe has recently been plunged into another month-long lockdown – designed to slow the rate at which coronavirus is spreading.
Over in the US, Donald Trump and Joe Biden are engaged in a messy battle for the presidency, and it seems that every other day we learn of yet another icon who has taken ill or recently passed away.
Times are tough. And in times such as this, I like to lean on this quote.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain”.
In this newsletter, I would like to share some thoughts and ideas to help you to figuratively ‘dance in the rain’ whilst collectively, we all wait for this storm to pass.
And it will pass.
- First, I want you to understand that wherever you are, if you are reading my newsletter, then in this moment, you are OK.If you have a roof over your head, some food in the fridge, and the technology to connect with the outside world, you are OK.
When you start to feel afraid or overwhelmed by everything that is going on, I want you to keep coming back to this.
I want you to remember- In this moment, I am OK.
- Next, I want you to pay attention to the things that make you feel good and notice those that make you feel scared or anxious.We all have the ability to step into the unknown with grace and confidence and though this doesn’t mean that we will never feel anxious, we can choose to be the person who handles all of this uncertainty with a sense of calm.
Become aware of the type of information that you consume.
If you stream the news all day on your TV, turn it off. Tune in each morning to hear the latest updates if you must, but then turn it off. Don’t expose yourself to this negativity all day long. It will only fuel your anxiety levels.
And be careful of social media.
There’s a lot of negative energy out there now, much of which is driven from a place of fear.
We need to rise above that. We are all trying to do our best in a fast-changing situation
Instead of these things, read a book, or watch a TV show that will make you laugh until you cry. Laughter is so good for the soul. Don’t ever underestimate it.
Really focus on what you can control in order to support you through what could be a challenging and disruptive time
- Journalling
Get out one of the empty notebooks I know that you have stashed away at home and start writing a journal. If this is not something that you practice already, then I promise you it will serve you positively during these most difficult times.Not sure what to write? Start with 10 things that you feel grateful for. Right now. Despite everything that is going on in the world right now, what are you grateful for in this moment? Set yourself up for a more positive start to the day.
- Music
I believe that music has the ability to shift our mood faster than anything else. Music heals, soothes and uplifts the spirit. It can have such a positive impact on your sense of well-being, so get yourself onto Spotify or iTunes and create an uplifting playlist. Or, if you prefer, dig out some of those old CDs of yours, select your favourites and get that body moving as you revisit some great memories.
- Get Creative
There are many resources online now and so you could use this time to do something creative. You could learn to cook, learn to blog, learn a new language, yoga – in fact, anything.You could of course also learn something that will support you in your Business. How about learning how to use LinkedIn or Instagram most effectively? Or maybe – how to make the most of a project management tool like Trello? There are so many options out there. YOUTUBE has tutorials for everything. But if that is not your thing, you can check out a service like MASTERCLASS – offering workshops from the likes of Gordon Ramsay – cooking, Anna Wintour – Leading with Impact, Martin Scorsese – Filming and even Jodie Foster – filmmaking.
- Start a Home Project
Maybe there is a home project you could be getting on with?
De-cluttering your wardrobe, book-case or even clearing out your makeup bag? This is a great way to clear the mind as well as your physical environment.Or perhaps you are sick & tired of having to rest your laptop on your knees whilst you are trying to work. Or commandeering the dining room table? Is it possible you could use this time to set up a more comfortable and professional workspace at home? Go to Pinterest or Instagram to get ideas to turn even the smallest spaces into fully functioning and effective work stations.
- Stay Connected
Be sure to stay connected during these times.
Pick up the phone and have a chat with your friends, old and new.
Skype and Zoom are also available for ‘face-to-face’ chats with friends and family. Now, more than ever is the time for all of us to come together and to let others know… they are not alone.
I could go on, but I think this is a good place to stop and to let you get back to your life.
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay upbeat.
x Until next time, sending you love x
I would love to get to know you more, connect with me here.
