Make it Matter.
“As much as this will not be easy, it’s better to choose life even through the struggles.” - Unknown
I think it is safe to say that most of us were not properly prepared for a global pandemic. I have only played the board game Pandemic once and soon realized that it was almost impossible to win and have since chosen the game of Life. There is no doubt that many of us are now grappling with extreme changes in our routines, security, relationships and mental state. None of this is easy and it would be a disgrace if we didn’t make all this hardship matter.
To the Parents who are now Teachers
Fill your cup up first- it needs to happen, now more than ever. Whatever it is: exercise, meditation, sleep or nutrition make sure that you’re properly ‘fueled’ because you’re now being asked to give and serve more than ever. Make no mistakes though, your most important role is that of parent and not that of impromptu teacher. Ten years from now your weeks as a substitute teacher will not be the cornerstone of your child’s educational success. Do the best you can, but please understand that even real substitute teachers hardly adhere to the primary teacher’s syllabus. Your role as a parent during this time is what will count. There will be a time in the future where you’ll long for more time with your children, make it matter, make it memorable.
To the Unemployed and the At Home Workers
Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.” ― Steve Maraboli,
We, I say we because I am one of you, are now found with hours of unaccounted for time. Yes, if you’ve been laid off or your hours have been reduced it goes without saying that your income has also been reduced, but sitting on the couch zoning out to Netflix won’t put money in your pocket, nor will it make you feel any better about the situation. Taking action and using this extra time to improve yourself will make you feel better.
If you never had the time to workout- now you do, never had time to prepare nutritious meals - now you do, no time to meditate - you have hours now, reorganize the pantry- YUP you can do that now too!!! Start focusing on what you can do, if your employment situation will not change then start working on yourself. This is not a two month vacation, this is two months that you can dedicate to self-development and improvement. You can either sit on the bow of your boat, watching the storm and seeing others help in ways you can’t or you can get up, set your sails and start steering your own ship.
This is not disrespecting, devaluing or ignoring those that are fighting for their lives - this is honoring what they’re fighting for. Those that are putting their lives on the line would want to know that their lives and actions have more meaning than just flattening the curve. Think to yourself, what is a life worth fighting for, it is one of happiness, purpose, love and meaning, and if others are fighting to keep you safe and alive, make sure your current choices reflect this.
To the Frontline
To those that are risking their lives, working overtime and worrying about what they’re bringing home to their families - all to save the lives of strangers while keeping the rest of us safe, WE SALUTE YOU. So few in our society are able to do what you are doing now, many of us must stay on the sidelines and cheer from afar while you fight our battle. It is you and those that you are taking care of that have spurred me to write this. When I think of what we can do to show you what your fight means, I think that if you’re fighting for us, then we will make our lives worthy of your bravery and efforts. When we come out of this storm and you’re finally able to look around I want you to see people truly living. We will focus on our own seamanship and come out of this storm better in honor of those who made it possible for us to sail and for those who were swallowed by the sea.
You Matter
Never forget or take lightly, the true wonder that needed to take place in order for you to come into existence, the miracle of life is truly miraculous. Remind yourself during times of strife and hardship that you’ve already overcome vast odds just to be here now. Though at times you may wish to not be in the present experiencing and enduring unforeseen challenges - but just as your existence matters so does your experiences. Each experience is a thread in the woven tapestry of your life, and those threads that are thicker and harder to handle are usually the ones that enable you to weave an even bigger and more glorious mantle.
Copyright 2020 Strength & Grace Life Coaching LLC