Waiting For The Storm To Pass…

For sure, we are all experiencing some challenging times right now.  And in moments 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”. 

It is about making the best of difficult times.
Don’t sit at home and dwell on the negative things going on right now, get outside, take a walk and marvel at the cherry blossom on the trees.  Notice the beauty all around you.

If that seems far too simplistic, then let me 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 this 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.

  Say it aloud – “In this moment, I am OK”.

• Conscious Consumption
  Next, I want you to become aware of the things that make you feel good and 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 more conscious of the type of information that you consume.

  If you stream the news all day, 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.

  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 focusing on what you can control will support you through challenging and disruptive times.

• Journaling
  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 difficult or challenging 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.  What are you grateful for in this moment?  Set yourself up for a more positive start to the day.

• Music
  Music can shift our mood faster than almost 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 on-line now – how about nurturing your creativity?

  You could learn to cook, learn to blog, learn a new language, develop your skills as a photographer or an artist, even learn yoga – in fact,  anything. 

  You could of course also learn something that will support you in your career.

  How about learning how to use LinkedIn more 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.  A quick search and you will discover a whole host of options.

• Stay Connected
  Be sure to stay connected to friends & family.

  Pick up the phone and have a chat with your friends, old and new.

  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.

x Until next time, sending you love x

I would love to get to know you more, connect with me here.