Finding your Strength during COVID 19.

Finding Lyrical Beauty in Everyday Happenings has become an even greater struggle in these unpredictable times we are all facing with the COVID-19 virus. Navigating everyday life can be a strain at the best of times, let alone in the midst of a pandemic. We already live in a time that has become a challenge to simply be in the same room with another. Now we have to stay at a distance, wear a mask and gloves as to not threaten a loved ones health and wellbeing. For some this increases anxiety and stress just thinking about it. Finding a balance can be hard but not impossible.

We all manage stress and anxiety in our own ways with our own triggers that are unique to each of us. I have personally found meditating, a walk in nature, reaching out to family and friends to be helpful when I feel elevated. When it gets hard to cope with the solitude, I remind myself why I am vigilant in taking safety measures. I want my family to be safe and healthy and not put others at risk. I have friends who instinctively reach out from time to time, reminding me that I am not alone and there is support out there. Check in with those you may sense are vulnerable, it’s sometimes all they have to keep safe.

Now add our daily struggles and depending on what you are personally challenged with, whether it be a family members health, balancing stress at work or a new relationship, the navigation becomes harder. When we have stressors that are not only at home, but also at work the challenge escalates to another level. Security in the work force is at an all time low which can send even the most successful people into a stress induced cycle. Soon we have no reprieve, our cups drain even faster than we are used to, the pressure continues to mount and that is when a crack starts to form in our own wellbeing. It’s a matter of time before the numbing takes place, we become unresponsive to the world around us. Self care is crucial to get back on track. Knowing when to reach out for help is critical for survival.

If we learn to adapt to the ever changing landscape of our world and use the resources that are there, it lessens the magnitude of what we are experiencing first hand. I have found it necessary to reach out to my support system and use my coping skills to keep my own Mental Health in check. I have added skills to my tool box to help reduce anxiety, ward off depression and remove the fear that comes with uncertainty.

Not everyone is good with change, remember that and be kind. It affects us all in different ways. It’s important to identify the change and make a plan as to how you are going to navigate the path, not alone. Remember that everyone you cross paths with is fighting their own battle. Adjusting to change starts with accepting it openly and understanding it is just a redefining of what we are used to. Learn to respond not react. Learning to let go of what was and be open to what may come. When we surrender to change, we allow life to flow and take us to where we are meant to be. Don’t fight it, embrace it as best you can.

What I am learning now is to adjust to the things I can not change and be creative with the ones I can.

I will leave you with this…

What have you done to be good to yourself? Take a moment to reflect, if nothing comes to mind, you are depleting your own reserve! End each day with thoughts that made you smile, and hold onto the brightness, it will lead you into tomorrow with hope.

Remember that thoughts become things, so choose the good ones, what we focus on will be put into play! Don’t forget HOW to play, it’s those childhood memories that make us smile, the carefree time in our lives when we looked to the future with our limitless imaginations that created the magic of our dreams.

Now ask yourself, “What have I done for others?” After we have filled our own cup with some self care, brighten someones day and check in on a friend. We all experience solitude in different ways and just knowing someone cares makes all the difference in someones day who is stepping towards depression. Let them know they are not alone.

Last but not least; Make a To Be List, not to be confused with a To Do List.

What do you aspire to be?

Be Kind, Be Calm and Be Safe ~ Dr Bonnie Henry