The irrevocable impact of the last 60 days

The last 60 days have had an impact on each one of us.  Some have lost jobs, some have lost loved ones, some have lost hope.  But on the other side of that equation, are others who have FOUND time, passions and truths that otherwise might have gone overlooked. I feel it is incredibly important to give equal air time to uplifting and hope-filled messages betwixt all the loss and chaos.  I do hope you will indulge me and please comment and share your own revelations.  

Through the confusion and misinformation, through the challenges and the fear, you will find small and LARGE victories. Though the screeching halt of activity and "busyness" you will the incredible stories of love and encouragement that surface through the din - buoyed by hope and grit.  I personally have found clarity in my priorities, in a world that has lowered its volume by a few decibels I can now hear and see more clearly.

1. Health, in all aspects, is a treasure to be valued and thankful for every single day. My morning routine of prayer, journaling and exercise has become a non-negotiable over the last 2 months.  I understand now more than ever that true “self-care” starts from the inside out.  Who cares if you toenails are painted if your thoughts are a mess?

2. Appreciate your family – even the weirdos. This is the only family you have and you better spend less time wishing they were different and more time being grateful they haven’t yet voted YOU off the island.

3. If not NOW then WHEN?  Your biggest dreams will become your biggest regrets if you don’t take charge of your time, saddle up your fears and simply DO THE THING.  As I used to tell myself when fumbling over my manual transmission Celica back in the 90’s - “Just Grab a Gear and GO!”. You will figure it out once you get moving.

4. Every moment is an opportunity to nudge the trajectory of your life UP or DOWN. We have limited amount of time and we should absolutely make the most of it.  Does this mean we have to be uber productive all the time?  No, but we should be INTENTIONAL with what we choose to do.  For me this means spending as little amount of time on things that don’t line up with my priorities as possible. This is the reason I am so adamant about utilizing a strategy for social media. This is why you will never find me taking a Buzzfeed Quiz on Facebook.  The only time I’m on social media is to grab a quick photo from my branding catalog and drop it into the feed before beating a quick exit and moving on to something that provides nourishment to my soul.

Even as life  upshifts again to the “new normal” these truths will hold true for me.  That is the irreversible effect that COVID 19 has had on my life.