Lead with Gratitude During Tough Times
On March 16, the White House announced a program called “15 Days to Slow the Spread,” which was a nationwide effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 through the implementation of social distancing at all levels of society. Many of us are feeling fear, panic, anxiety and stress. My heart goes out to those who are currently ill and to our first responders who are helping to make things better. We are so lucky to have so many people committed to help others. Our world is so different.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was always on the go from one place to another. It seems like many people have been operating like this for sometime and mother nature took matters in her own hands. To make us stop and really think our lives. We are told to stay home to self quarantine to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This virus has impacted us globally and many of us are living on our computers/electronic devices to conduct work, keep in touch with family and friends. Being plugged in is now the new norm. While that can be really tiring on our eyes, remind yourself to take breaks. We do not have to be glued to our devices. Remind yourself during this challenging times that you are only in control of you. You can make time to take breaks, to speak with intention, to act or react to situations. I have been reading and watching things online about how to cope during this uncertain times and below are a few take-aways:
Other reminders to help us through uncertain times:
Meditate: Calm to body and breath
Lead our thoughts with gratitude: Remind yourself there is always something for us to be grateful for. We have our health, work, family friends.
Physically move: Just because we cannot go to a gym does not mean we cannot work out. Stretch, take a walk, or even take an online class. Something I have been seeing go viral are the online IG challenges. Those can be fun too!
Share gratitude: Because we cannot see people face-to-face, it is important to check in with your team, family, friends. Send a note, write a letter, send a voicemail.
Stay Healthy: Eat well and take care of your body like a new born baby. Get a good night’s rest, it does wonders. Recharging our energy is essential.
Over the weekend I surrounded myself with nature. 2020 has been very challenging and connecting with mother earth was wonderful. Hiking and exploring reminded me of why I choose Hawaii to be my home. There is so much beauty. There were so many life metaphors that came into my mind as I hiked Wiliwilinui. It starts off on some flat ground, easy and fun. Then, you start going to a steep hill, and like life, when you go through a challenge - it can seem impossible. There were several ups and downs that had me super winded, the thought about turning around did come into my mind however, when I finally made it to the top, it felt incredible. At the top, it was not clear skies though, it was cloudy and rainy (similar to life) yet I was able to find so much joy to be at the top.
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail • Honolulu, HI 96821