Monday, 23 March 2020 / Published in Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Self-empowerment

Navigating the New Normal

Who would have imagined that we would wake up to a pandemic that would change the way we live, work and play? Who would have imagined that the hustle and bustle…busy, busy, busy would come to a screeching halt?

Just like many of you, I also had to make major adjustments: from how my team and I work, cancel or reschedule important meetings, limiting my in-person social activities and just rethinking many daily routines. Given that I am already a germaphobe, these times are even more unnerving and unsettling.

My heart goes out to the people and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. People have lost their lives or experienced serious health complications. Many are experiencing or will experience financial devastation.

Despite the many challenges before us, there is an opportunity to reset our lives refocusing on what is most important. Change is never easy, but most don’t have a choice under the new normal.

Here are 5 areas for reset as we navigate these unprecedented times:

1. Relationships-Being holed up in the house is a great opportunity to connect with your immediate family members. You can also leverage social media/networking to connect with friends and family near and far. Be intentional about creatively connecting with others. Now is a great time to reach out to people who have been lingering on your to do list!

2. Community-If you are healthy, it is a great time to connect and serve your neighbors who may need food, companionship and other essentials. You may even be able to walk a dog for a neighbor who is at high risk for contamination. This a great time to give emotional and material support to your community.

3. Re-center-With less hustle and bustle there is more time to reflect on what is most important to you. Take time to reflect on your passion and purpose and how to live your best life. It is an opportunity to do the simple things like taking a walk or reading that book or writing your own. I certainly have had more time to literally and figuratively write new chapters in my life. No matter what you do, leverage this time to re-center an connect to what is most important in life.

4. Laughter-While it is not easy, find a reason to laugh and smile. One thing that has made me laugh is people’s fixation with buying/hoarding toilet paper😀! No matter what, take the time to enjoy life and not take yourself too seriously. Nothing brings more joy or relieves stress like a good laugh!

5. Exercise-This is a great time to get into shape through exercise. Exercising is a great way to unplug from social media/television coverage, which perpetuates fear and anxiety. I don’t have a stair-master, but literally ran up and down the steps, did push-ups and any other exercise I could think of to refocus my mind, body, and soul.

As you navigate the new normal, keep in mind these 5 tips that will provide some focus and recalibration during the COVID-19 crisis or any challenging period. We can never go wrong focusing on our relationships, community and health and the things that matter most. Too bad it takes tragedy and tough times to get us to this point, but in the end, we will emerge stronger than before we faced the new normal.

Be encouraged my friend as we navigate these unprecedented times. Keep smiling and believing that the brightest sun follows the darkest storms!

Make Today Great!

Remember, Greatness Awaits You!