Think about a time in the past when you were in a challenging situation and overcame it. You can do it again.
Regardless of what side you are in the half-glass illustration, the truth is that human beings are prone to fear, worry, and anxiety when a crisis hits us personally or as a whole.
Growing strong:
Each person responds in different ways. Some seek who to blame; others discover courage and hope. We have a choice: either we grow and become stronger or give in to despair.
This is a time when people around you need you to be there for them. Social distancing means more virtual connections, and the human connection, even though virtual, is now more crucial than ever.
It is a time in history when it is more important than ever to be kind.
The two wolves:
Recently I come across the story of the two wolves:
An old Indian Chief from the Cherokee tribe talks to his grandson: “There is a battle between two wolves inside of us. One is evil, and it has anger, false pride, envy, jealousy, insecurity, resentment, arrogance, self-pity, and other negative traits.
The other one is good, and it has compassion, love, faith, empathy, kindness, generosity, truth, joy, peace, and hope. The child asked, ‘Which one wins?” The Chief answered- “the one that you feed the most”.
These two voices inside of us, the positive and the negative, are always talking. One says: Give up, the other says: keep fighting! It’s going on all the time during our regular lives. But in times of crisis, the negative voice is empowered by fear and uncertainty- getting louder as concern grows and insecurity follows.
We must become resourceful!
Now more than ever, we need the ability to adapt to stressful situations, to think in terms of solutions.
We need to become open-minded, self-assured, imaginative, proactive, persistent, hopeful, determined and passionate. These emotions are powerful and are the human qualities that help us to do better in stressful situations.
We must develop our ability to solve the problems we face and find answers and solutions to whatever situation we find ourselves- to develop the ability to adapt quickly to new and challenging conditions and deal with them not only intellectually but emotionally as well.
We need to develop self-confidence and trust our gut and the inner voice inside us. Focus on the good, visualize positive results, and work towards solving the challenges we face daily.
It’s possible to be happy and positive all the time?
Of course not! We are humans! But we don’t have to stay where we are! We need to learn to recognize when we are becoming cynical, fearful and anxious- then change it!
This is easier said than done, but if you want to thrive in these times and be a leader, and set an example for your family and friends, you need to be courageous.
Being courageous means that you are afraid, but you do it anyway. It is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act, even when you are scared.
Nothing good will come out of a fearful, depressed, negative, and anxious mental state. So, you must change your focus, change the meaning you give to things, and act accordingly.
How do you want others to remember you?:
People will remember this time in history for the rest of their lives. What part will you play in it, and how do you want to be remembered? We need to be a part of the solutions, and we need to be proactive.
To be a part of something bigger than ourselves, we need an unstoppable bulletproof mindset that is determined to overcome. Let’s not waste this precious time procrastinating. Let’s set goals to achieve daily even when we have to stay home and isolate ourselves.
If we allow fear to make decisions for us, we will lose. Fear-based thinking stunts your progress. Fear is a habit; so is courage.
Focus on what you can do right now to make progress. Stop focusing on the wrong things. Do not overwhelm yourself with negative news all day long.
Be enthusiastic and do as much as you can for yourself and others! Let’s become role models; let’s set an example let’s be the best we can be amidst the fear and uncertainty that surround us.
The most rewarding feeling is giving our love to others; it is more significant than receiving. People want to know if we care. Let’s be genuine and sincere and do what we can to contribute to the well-being of others.
If you have something to give: give it! A supportive phone call, a listening ear- all expressions of love are welcome. Kindness is good for your health whether you give it or receive it.
Let’s get through this. Let humor and optimism help. The “Why” we all seek to get up in the morning has never been clearer. It is making a positive impact on our world.
The feeling of what you do for others gives a more profound sense of a meaningful existence. We feel our lives matter when we focus on contributing to those around us; even the little things matter, such as a smile or a word of sympathy and appreciation.
Let love guide your actions, and it will displace fear in your life. Give, and you shall receive.
Vitin Landivar
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Thank you!