It almost feels like we went from living in ‘the real world’ to a parallel dimension. Like suddenly living in The Upside Down (from Stranger Things) or being sucked into the Jumanji game. Everything is kind of the same, but different. To me, these past couple of weeks have felt surreal. I felt a lot of feelings: in the beginning, I felt confusion, stress, sadness, and fear and then it slowly transitioned to gratitude, love, connection and safe.
I was able to transform my feelings because I became aware of my thoughts. In the beginning, I went into a panic mode and sympathy mode. I thought things like:
“What about my coaching practice, no new clients would want to work with me in a time like this.”
“Everyone is struggling financially, nobody wants to invest in themselves.”
“Now we can’t help my parents and parents-in-law. Now we’re not there for them”.
“This is it, now I won’t be able to keep up with my work-out schedule”.
So OF COURSE, this gave me stress, uncertainty, insecurity and it made me doubt myself. My abilities, me as a person.
But then I actually thought to myself, is this true? And if these things are true, they aren’t true for all the 7.7 billion people on this earth. So what could be equally true, what would be an alternate truth I would 100% believe? What I came up was:
“Now more than ever people need support.”
“This is an opportunity since it creates time for people to reflect on what they want and make some changes in their lives.”
“Even if I would live close to my parents, with this quarantine going on, I wouldn’t be able to visit them anyway.”
“I can do work-outs from home since the studio I went to is offering classes through Facebook Live and now I can do the classes at a time that works for me”.
Let me tell you, this made a huge difference. It’s changing the way I approach myself and my business. I signed up for a program to expand my coaching abilities, to grow myself. I started something new, I created my first macrame wallhanging. I did something I loved doing as a kid: I finished a 1000 pieces puzzle. I am working out regularly and I have multiple virtual dates with my friends and family. AND I also have moments where I do absolutely nothing more than watching series on Netflix.
And today I spoke to someone who originally is from Bergamo, IT. And she mentioned that the people there, are doing the same, they’re looking at all the things they DO HAVE and don’t let their situation determine how they feel.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you would never feel sadness or stress (which is also ok to feel) but know that you do have a CHOICE in what you’re thinking and therefore what you’re feeling.
So while I’m writing this, I actually feel immense gratitude. I’m grateful for living in a nice apartment, for not having financial difficulties, for technology, for being able to do what I love and for Gordon who now works from home and cooks me meals ;)
I would love it if you would share what your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are during these times.
Also, here are some tips on what helped me get out of my own way on some days:
Do something that has nothing to do with work. Maybe think back to what you loved doing as a kid and do that. For example, I loved playing the SuperNintendo or puzzling or reading. And I have been doing a lot of this.
Try something new. Something you’ve never done before but you had on your ‘some day-list’. Last week I created my first macrame wall hanging. And it was so soothing and satisfying to create something new.
Have a social call with your family and/or friends at least every other day.
Dress up, do your hair and make-up (for me just putting up lipstick does the trick). It really makes a big difference. And of course, you’ll have some days that you won’t bother, that’s ok. Last Sunday I spent the whole day in my sweatpants with a fleece sweater, but on Monday I decided to dress up and I felt ready to tackle my Monday and the rest of the week.
If working out at a studio is something you loved doing because of the community feel. Think about joining an online group or attend classes through Facebook live or IGTV. The studio I went to, is now offering classes through Facebook Live and I love it. It keeps me accountable in a certain way AND makes me feel like I’m still part of a community.
Take a course or learn something that you’ve always wanted or were interested in work-related. What is something you’ve dreamt of, but never did? Go look for that and sign up for a (free) course.
And MOST IMPORTANTLY: Have days where you do absolutely nothing and thoroughly enjoy it. Where you just live from moment to moment and do what you WANT to do. If that looks like staying in your PJ’s all day, having breakfast for dinner or binging a complete season of your favorite series, know it’s all ok!
