Unprecedented. I predict that will be the most used word in 2020, the year an unseen enemy affected change across the globe.
By mid-March, live speaking and comedy events began being postponed or cancelled. What was shaping up to be my busiest year yet had quickly morphed into a year with no events in the immediate future. I had two choices: 1. Sit back and wait, or 2. Do something.
I chose to do something.
Or several somethings.
I knew, as days of stay-at-home orders turned into weeks, the uncertainty would give way to stress. My first “something” was the decision to be kind to myself and keep my life, mind-body-soul, balanced.
Although I was relegated to spending more time at home, I chose to stick closely to a schedule, keeping the same hours for meals, sleep and work. Gym time became challenging.
Fortunately, we live in this virtual age where every exercise that can be done in one’s home is readily available. My only dilemma was in choosing which one. My biggest challenge: staying motivated to work out. Boring was out of the question; fun was required. It would require creativity.
My home gym offered virtual workouts as did my Zumba instructor. I continued to walk daily. During work breaks, I chose a playlist and danced in the living room. (Thankfully, no one saw that spectacle!) The schedule, coupled with regular exercise, helped decrease the stress and increase balance in my life. And, it was fun!
My next “something” came from a desire to do… something. You know how, when you see people hurting or in need, your heart produces an altruistic feeling of helpfulness? And, if you don’t find a way to help, that feeling turns to helplessness.
First, I had found balance for myself; now, I needed to help others. Sheltering at home, my options were limited. This would require creativity. Just as I’d been kind to myself, I also wanted to be kind to others. I brainstormed: What were the needs of those around me?
Today I’ll share with you 3 simple actions I took that helped others, enabling me to balance, more completely, my own life and may help you:
- Supported small businesses at least once a week.
- Checked in on elderly neighbors, via text, and left groceries on their porch.
- Sent cards and postcards to staff and residents in a local nursing home that had offered unprecedented care for my mother in her last days. (There’s that unprecedented word again; and it fits!)
As time passed, I drew on the creativity and kindness ideas of others. We were all in this together. Sharing and implementing each other’s ideas gave us a sense of community. We realized that kindness plus creativity equals balance in our lives and, in during these uncertain times, helped us ease the suffering in others.
Jim Kwik, author of Limitless, says, “Difficult times can define us, develop us, or diminish us.”
When change comes your way and you’re faced with choices, what will you choose? Never sit back and wait. Always do something.
Jean Bailey Robor, professional speaker and award-winning author is the “No Buts About It” expert. With 20+ years’ experience in the corporate world, she offers fun and educational keynotes and workshops to help you succeed in living your best life, starting now.
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