Staying Positive in a Time of Uncertainty

If you’re anything like me, this feels like the 99973737th day of Quarantine. Seriously, when my friend Barb mentioned to me way back at the end of February that we could get Quarantined, I laughed so hard because it didn’t seem like that was even possible. Clearly, I was wrong, but that’s not the first or last time I’ll be wrong.

Right now, if you turn on the TV, go online, or talk to anyone on the phone, it is likely that Quarantine or the Coronavirus is brought up. In a time of uncertainty, it is easy to feel anxious, or depressed, or pissed off or maybe even a little confused. There are tons of things floating the internet about how this is your time to start a new business….. or create your side hustle…. or if you don’t clean and organize you didn’t lack time, you lacked discipline. Let me be the first to tell you…. I have organized one cabinet and well I don’t foresee myself doing more until I move…. but I don’t think I lack discipline… cabinet organizing isn’t really on my priority list.

I also would like to be the one to say that not everyone desires a side hustle or writing a book or being a business owner….. if this wasn’t your “thing” before Quarantine, why would it be now? Do what makes you happy. Don’t know what makes you happy? Now is the time to figure that out.

If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, lean on those you love and your inner strength. Being vulnerable about how you’re feeling will make you feel better and allow others to know how you are truly feeling. I have been keeping up with my morning routine of journaling, praying, and, gratitudes. I know these things help to ease my anxiety and depression. Also, remember you are in control of what media you consume and how you choose to act. If you choose to consume media that makes you anxious, STOP. What good is coming from you feeling even more uneasy about things you can’t control? You know what you can control? Your attitude. You’re the only person who can control you. Sure anxiety/depression still might creep in but like my therapist says, “acknowledge it, but don’t let it control you.”

Maybe you’re pissed off or frustrated that businesses aren’t open, that you lost your job, or that overall you don’t think this has been handled properly. I encourage you to lead with the thought of Always assume positive intent. We have never been in a global pandemic before, and we don’t really know what is going to happen, but do we ever know what is going to happen? Nothing in our lives is really as stable as it seems even before this pandemic. Your job could be lost at anytime, health conditions could change, laws could change, and well anything is possible.. so being upset now also isn’t having a positive impact. Sure, I absolutely understand being pissed off and frustrated, but I have to chose to be positive. I have chose not to engage in argument regarding what is right and wrong because we don’t really know. i have chose to do my own research, follow the rules, and stay true to who I am and I encourage you to do the same.

I hope you’ve caught on to the theme of this post. There are many feelings happening for everyone all over the world right now. Choose positive, focus on what you can control, and know that you are have the resilience to make it through any economic hardship. Your mind is the most powerful tool you have, how you choose to use it is up to you.

If you are needing someone, don’t hesitate to reach out. You are not alone.

XO,

Madison