A State Of Change

March 2020

There’s no doubt that we’re in a state of change and it’s something that’s happening on a global level. We’re in stage two lockdown here now and these new restrictions have shaken some people up enough for them to start adhering to the social distancing rules, especially now that gyms are closed and cafés and restaurants are only open for home delivery or take-away. Most people are working from home, if they still have a job, and children are supposed to be attending school remotely, unless their parents have to work and there is no care at home for the child. There’s conflicting advice being given by the media, word of mouth and other sources, but the bottom line is that whilst so many are looking for answers, no-one really has them.

We’re treading in new waters and none of us are certain how things are going to turn out. But I’m here to say that this does not mean that we need to succumb to the negative thinking that it’s all doom and gloom. This is just change. Granted, it’s change on a massive scale, but since we’re right in the middle of it, there’s a lot of uncertainty as events and circumstances continue to unfold. It’s natural to feel anxious or nervous about what’s next, but try to focus on the new foundations that are being laid for you.

Use this time as an opportunity to make adjustments in your life. To change what no longer works. To hold on to those things that do work. And to make small adjustments along the way. Use this time to count the simple blessings in your life. Allow yourself to cherish all those little moments and to look at things in a more positive light. If you think about it as all the things that are happening FOR you, not TO you, and you’ll shift your viewpoint.

Change challenges us and can shake our very foundations. If your foundations crumble, don’t just rebuild what was there before. Those old foundations fell down because they weren’t strong enough to withstand the changes, so make sure that the next set of foundations that you build are better than the last. Discard what no longer works and try something else.

As a collective, we all needed this shake up. Each one of us needed to understand and see how connected we really are, despite distances or differences. Something that happens in one part of the world, no matter how far or close to where we currently are, CAN affect us. The impact may be small or it may be big, but it will happen, and as we’ve seen, it can happen sooner than anticipated.

Then there’s our inner strength – the strength that some of us didn’t know that we had… That ability to keep on going, despite how difficult things can seem… The ability to make things work, despite the circumstances… That despite everything, you CAN and you WILL. You might be exhausted, you might be in over your head, but you’re going to make it through and how fantastic is it when you stop and look back on all you HAVE done? Each of us are stronger than we think.

And what about those everyday simple blessings? I don’t know about your circumstances, but I’m grateful for my children. I’m grateful for their teachers and the technology that’s available to continue learning remotely, and that they’re embracing the use of that technology. I’m grateful that I have a job to go and that I can do it from home. I’m grateful that we’re safe at home. I’m grateful for my family, friends and colleagues who ask how I am. I’m grateful that I have enough of what we need and that we can go outside to exercise and play together. And when this is all over, I’ll be grateful for each and every concert that I attend; For just being able to meet up with friends; For being able to go out to dinner or hang out at the beach. But in the meantime, I’m grateful for the push to do things differently. This is the new normal.

So welcome the change. Embrace the new normal. And delight in the little things. Feeling challenged to think or feel this way? It’s okay. Stop and take a moment to write down all the little things that this situation has shown or taught you. How have you grown and/or adapted? What are all the things you do now, that you didn’t do before? Do you spend your time differently? Do you play more with your children (if you have them)?

If it’s still all too much, know that that’s okay too. Reach out for help. Everyone adjusts to change at different speeds and in different ways. Don’t be too harsh on yourself and know that you won’t be judged if you do reach out for help because it all seems too much. If you’re interested, I’m available for life coaching. All you need to do is reach out to me and we can work out something to help you through these changes or any other challenges, transitions or events in your life.

Remember, the stars can only shine bright when the night sky is very dark, and storms clear the path ahead. Everything in life, does happen for a reason – you just might not be privy to it when it’s happening. If there is no challenge, there is no growth. Just because you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, doesn’t mean that it isn’t there. Have faith and trust that it will be so much better in the end. And help is always available if and when you need it.