We’re in a storm the likes of which most of us have never seen before.
Storms are very normal in life. Storms happen in relationships, they happen in finances, and they happen with health.
Yet, the storm we are facing right now – this pandemic – could be called the “perfect storm” in that it’s impacting all areas of life in every part of the world.
In my online conversation last night, Doug Schneider said:
“While storms are very normal, what happens when we’re not used to going through them is we can begin to catastrophize.
You may feel that our world is going to fall apart or your life will be ruined. A university student might feel, I’ll never get the career I wanted, and all of those different scenarios.
In reality, we discover a storm is always built into our destiny.”
What we are facing is very real.
Things have changed for all of us. As a professional speaker, the conferences at which I was booked to speak have been cancelled or postponed. Both of my newly married daughters (one of whom is expecting her first baby this July) have lost employment and income due to the pandemic.
Yet . . .
Even in this storm, there is hope and opportunity.
- We have opportunity for rest and for growth.
- We have opportunity to reinvent and recharge.
- We have the opportunity to allow this storm to build into us strength and values that we might not possibly gain any other way.
However . . .
To seize the opportunity, you need to be able to see the opportunity.
When we are in a heightened state of worry and anxiety, our thinking can become impaired and fuzzy. We are unable to hear clearly and opportunities can be missed.
For that reason, it’s important to regulate your emotions by reducing worry and resting your mind during this time. One way to accomplish this is to remember . . .
Not every thought you think is true.
AND . . .
Just because something feels true, doesn’t make it true.
When you start to feel worried or afraid, check in with your thinking. Ask yourself:
- Is this thought a fact?
- Is it true?
- Is it helpful?
Suppose, for instance, you start thinking, “I can’t handle this.” Stop and ask yourself the three questions above. In doing so, you’ll likely discover the answer to all three questions is a resounding “no.”
The reality is you’ve already handled all of the obstacles you’ve faced in life. You’ve already made it through past storms—and probably a lot better than you imagined you would. You will be able to manage whatever lies ahead for you and your family too.
Begin declaring, “I CAN handle this!” It will help you to build your confidence in handling whatever comes your way.
For more strategies and techniques to help you find your unique opportunity in the storm, I invite you to watch my interview with Doug Schneider. You’ll discover how to find hope and opportunity in this defining moment.
All my best,
Denise Marek
P.S. For YOU and/or the loved ones in your life who need more CALM in this storm, my book CALM: The Proven Four-Step Process Designed Specifically for Women Who Worry, is still available for purchase.
AND . . .
It’s only $14.95 Canadian!
AND . . .
I’d be happy to autograph the book before sending it to you!