It is definitely a very overwhelming and uncertain time right now and it may be harder than usual to stay positive.
People are stockpiling toilet paper. Schools are closed. Borders are closed. Social distancing is the new norm. Most of us have never experienced such a time. We are inundated by the news of this virus all day every day and it can be unsettling especially in light of the uncertainty of when it will be finally over.
Mindset freedom is sometimes referred to as limiting beliefs, saboteurs, or gremlins. Perhaps it looks like an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. Those are conversations in your head that could be holding you back. It could just be one regular limiting belief that holds you back.
Many of these may be at play here but in this case, I am referring to the impact of everything on your mind.
- How are you feeling?
- What are you feeling?
- Are you worrying and if so about what?
Because the current situation is a very big unknown, it is hard to look forward to what will be and what to do about it. We don’t know when it will all be over. And, it will likely get worse before it gets better.
It is very difficult to stay positive when everything around you is not. What if you just looked at the present. The “what is so” of today.
- What is so is that you are alive and reading this.
- What is so is that everyone is doing what they can in a rapidly changing landscape.
- What is so is that there are ways to manage your health and well being.
So let us do some mindset shifting.
What is true for you RIGHT NOW?
Fortunately, most of us are not sick. And if you are chances are you will survive as we are starting to see that more infected people are recovering now. You have pretty much everything you need. Despite the conflicting messages of “stay home” and “you can go to the stores as they have enough food because there is nothing wrong with the supply chain” you are safe. Safe to make the choices that will keep you safe.
So back to the statement what is true for you right now?
The truth is we make up stuff in the absence of information. So why not make up stuff that supports you rather than what upsets and scares you.
Some truths and actions that will support you.
- Check-in with your community.
- You may not be able or allowed to do it face-to-face but you can pick up the phone and call, use FaceTime, Skype or Zoom and make a free video call. I have been working this way for years with people in other cities and countries and it is great. We even Skype once a week with our grandsons in Toronto.
- Deepen relationships.
- Reach out and connect with people you haven’t contacted in a while. Remember they too are most likely in isolation as well.
- Help others. Who out there is worse off than you? Reach out to them somehow. Maybe order them some food from a local restaurant. Facilitate getting groceries to their door. Call them. Let them know that despite being home alone, they are not alone.
- Take care of your mental self.
- Maybe stop watching the news.
- Check-in with friends and family and let them know you are okay.
- Now that you have more time, do those projects you have been putting off.
- Get ready for spring if you are in the northern hemisphere.
- Above all just do what you need to do to stay positive!
This is certainly a trying and rather scary time, however, if we can stay as positive as possible we will have an easier time getting through it all and it will be over, we just do not know exactly when that will be.
Sandy, thank you for writing and sharing your article. Being bombarded by daily doses or more of bad news makes it difficult to maintain a positive outlook. However, not trying to remain positive can lead to increased anxiety which can negatively impact your health. We in the religious community believe that G-d is telling us we are not connecting with him as we should. I believe this indeed the case.
It is definitely difficult to stay positive but it is actually very important to try to do that or we will go crazy. I think if we stay away from crowds and keep our family safe as well, we have a good chance of not contracting the virus. If we do not abide the rules we will not stay safe as so many carriers seem to be asymptomatic so they don’t know that they are spreading the virus and neither do we.
you are right, Joel, but it can reduce anxiety if we stay positive, calm and realistic. Again, we need to keep away from crowds because so many people are asymptomatic so do not know they are shedding the virus and neither do we. again, I hope you are staying safe and healthy and so is your precious family.
Thank you for this Sandy! May we all pull together and weather through
It’s time to put business aside and put people first!
Stay safe 🙏🙏🙏
Hi Paula, thanks for taking the time to read this article & I glad that you found it agreeable to your thoughts. We definitely have to put our family and friends first and make sure everyone stays safe & healthy. I wish that for you and yours.
You too my dear. 🙏🙏🙏
Pulling together & supporting each other is a good idea, but we still need to keep our distance, avoid crowds of any sort and try not to worry too much about our businesses right now. I am glad you found the article beneficial, Paula. I hope you and your family are staying safe & healthy during this rather scary time.
Exactly. That’s what I’m saying Sandy
We need to work together doesn’t necessarily mean physically. We need to spread awareness, not the virus!
I am home alone self quarantined. My loves are in different homes. This is hard but necessary. Thank you Hope you are safe too!
Yes, we are staying at home too. Yesterday I had to go get some groceries but the store even had markings on the floor to keep you away from the person lined up in front of you at the cashiers. I think a lot of people are not taking this seriously enough & that is why the case numbers are growing.
I think that’s a very salient issue. I’ve personally observed people getting together as if there is zero risk. Sadly, I assume that some simply don’t grasp the importance that we’re all in this together, and really should have respect for our fellow people (as well as ourselves). Physical distancing is important, and everyone needs to do their best to support that. Note I said “physical distancing”, social distancing, in my opinion broadcasts the wrong message 😉
I think you are right, Roger. People need to stay home and when out observe social distance as this virus is so contagious. Hope you are doing well and staying safe.
Sandy, this such a valuable article. Maintaining a positive outlook is so difficult these days but so important at the same time. From the news (some of which is not accurate) there are encouraging events that give rise to hope. Those of us in the religious community believe that this is G-d’s way of telling we are not connecting with him as much as we should be. I believe this is exactly the case.
Hi Joel, Glad you found the article beneficial & I totally agree with you. We need to stay positive until this is over and it could take several months before we are out of the woods with this. Stay safe and healthy!
It is so challenging to stay positive if you are in quarantine. It is easy for you and me to say stay positive. Giving in to doom and gloom is the worst thing you can do especially since there is a glut of misinformation that is being given out. For over a week I have self-quarantined myself due to a cold. Not going out has me a little stir crazy but I am coping by working on my job orders, trying to get new clients, plus taking advantage of various resources that could lead to an increase in business while trying to strengthen my relationship with G-d. Most of all I have drastically reduced the number of articles I read about the virus. Take care, Sandy. I hope you and your family continue to be well.
So glad you found it valuable, Joel. This is a rather scary time and in order to deal with it, we need to stay positive and calm as much as we can. Prayer could certainly help us no matter what religion one follows. I hope you & your family are staying safe & healthy.