I woke up again with a overwhelming, overflowing amount of gratitude for all of the Essential Workers who have not stopped serving since this whole thing started. 90% of my clients are in Essential Positions as first responders, caregivers, civil servants, healthcare, educational and ministry workers and the many volunteers who are also giving back through service. The rest are board members, trustees and elected officials.

All of these amazing people have been unceasingly serving people in our communities. While my business is quieter than usual because these forward facing champions are all consumed, I find that each day, I’m thanking God for them.

It might be one of the reasons that even though I’m writing this in seclusion, I’m not feeling sad, depressed or discouraged by all that is happening around the world. I know some of these folks and how dedicated they are about serving and caring for others. I know we’ll be working together again developing their teams when things slow down.

How are you holding up?

What are you filling your mind with these days?

  1. May I suggest that you start by plugging the leak in your gratitude bucket by not getting caught up in circular/endless negative news cycles. Control the content and volume of content you consume and the alerts that are being automatically sent to you.
  2. Consider re-watching Shawn Anchor’s TedTalk – The Happiness Advantage. Practice these simple suggestions for a happier life. Each one lasts less that two minutes:
    • Gratitude Exercises: Write down three things you’re grateful for that occurred over the last 24 hours.
    • Journal: Take one positive experience from the past 24 hours and spend about two minutes writing down every detail about that experience. As you remember it, your brain labels it as meaningful and deepens the imprinting.
    • Conscious Act of Kindness: At the start of every day, send a short email or text praising someone you know. Our brains can become addicted to feeling good by making others feel good.
    • Deepen Social Connections: Spend time with family and friends (virtually) Our social connections are one fo the best predictors for success and health, and even life expectancy.
    • Meditation: Every day take two minutes to stop whatever you’re doing and concentrate on breathing. Even a short mindful break can result in a calmer, happier you.
  3. Affirmations: Pull out your affirmation folder (or create one). These are thank you notes, emails, cards that people have sent you letting you know how much they appreciate you. It sounds a bit selfish, but there are times when we need some reminders that who we are and what we do makes a difference to others. I found my folder and have been reading a few notes each day. This is helping me get a daily dose of reminders that I’ve made a difference. It also give me great inspiration that I can continue to make a difference. It feeds my creativity and helps me innovate. I need this because I believe that we will not be returning to normal anytime soon…if ever.

Let’s use these days to become more creative in how we think, work and relate. I’m using some my time creating and working on my business instead of always in my business. I’m updating videos, refining some of my most frequently used forms and surveys and converting my signature workshops into webinars.\

I double dare you to try a few of these suggestions! Let me know how it works. STAY GRATEFUL MY FRIENDS! (said in the low, deep Dos Equis voice).