Season of Change

This week in the UK, we have witnessed the appointment of our third Prime Minister in 3 months.  Russia and Ukraine have been at war for months, and as well as the continual updates and terrifying images shown on TV, we are bombarded daily with information about the cost-of-living crisis, increasing rates of inflation, challenges in the NHS, and strike after strike among public sector personnel.

There is no question that we are all experiencing challenging times right now. And though ‘hibernation’ may seem like a good option, 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.

Tempting though it may be right now, I urge you NOT to sit at home and dwell on the negative things going on in the world, but rather – get outside in nature, take a walk and marvel at the amazing colours of Autumn.   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 you do each day, and notice those that make you feel good and those that make you feel bad, 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 this uncertainty with a sense of calm.

  Become more conscious of the type of information that you consume.

  If you are feeling anxious because 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, you can choose to 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.

• 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 your old CD collection, 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.  YOU-TUBE has tutorials for everything.  A quick search and you will discover a whole range of options.

• Start a Home Project
  Maybe there is a home project you could be getting on with?

  De-cluttering your wardrobe, bookcase or even clearing out your make up bag?

  I’ve spent some time this month clearing out all the paperwork in my home and it turned out to be a massive task but now it’s done, it feels so good.  Decluttering 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 from home. Or spreading out across the dining room table.  Is it possible you could get creative and take some 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 workstations.

• 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.

Take good care of yourself.

x Until next time, sending you love x

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