Principle #7 – Choose to be Unstoppable and Embrace Change
Life is transitioning as we close another school year and adjusting to a new norm. Changes can be exciting, and they can be scary because of the unknown. But time moves on…one chapter closes, and another opens. We may not have a choice of the changes life throws at us, but we have control of how we think about it. How well do you handle change?
I remember when my daughters were in elementary school. The last day of every school year was emotional for me. They were so excited about moving onto the next grade. But I saw it as time slipping away because my little girls were growing up. I allowed myself an afternoon of mourning and reflected on the memories. I’m happy to share that my grandson has finished third grade and is moving to fourth grade. He is growing up fast, and I cherish every moment.
It’s funny how we all have different perspectives about changes in our lives. Some changes are fun and exciting, and some are scary. And some are a little of both. For example, reopening as COVID cases slow down. We had stay-at-home orders, mask mandates, hospitals filled to capacity, food, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper shortages.
Now we have 50% of Americans vaccinated and COVID restrictions lifted in many states. It’s taken us sixteen months to get to this point. I’ve been vaccinated, but I have to be honest…it’s scary for me to go out without a mask. It’s a big change. I’m still nervous about the other 50% of people that have not been vaccinated. Let’s be clear, COVID is still present. Many people are excited and comfortable resuming their lives. But this change is hard for me, so I’m taking baby steps until I feel more comfortable.
We, as Americans, have so much to be grateful for. Scientists have developed a vaccine in record time. Doctors and nurses have sacrificed their health to give care to COVID patients and have administered millions of vaccines. The federal government has prioritized ending this pandemic and getting vaccines for everyone who wants one.
This pandemic has changed us all in one way or another. I learned how much I took things for granted in my life and how important my family is to me. I also learned that life is fragile and can be taken away at any time. Now, I live every day with gratitude. It’s scary to think about what COVID has taken from us. But we overcame it and took care of ourselves and each other.
“In every crisis, there is a message. Crises are nature’s way of forcing change – breaking down old structures, shaking loose negative habits so that something new and better can take their place.”
– Susan L. Taylor
During COVID, many of us learned just how much our federal, state, and city governments do for us. We’ve seen the successes and also the failures as we all stumbled through this crisis. We’ve been more engaged with what works well in our country and what doesn’t. We understand what an essential worker is and how much we rely on them. And perhaps we’ve learned how to trust the science surrounding viruses.
Our eyes are finally open to police brutality and racial inequities. Some of us learned about our unconscious biases surrounding racism. Now we can change how we view racial inequalities and help to make the necessary systemic changes.
“The only way you can sustain a permanent change is to create a new way of thinking, acting, and being.” – Jennifer Hudson
Our children were forced to learn remotely; we now know how important it is for everyone to have high-speed internet. Many people worked from home and were juggling their jobs and homeschooling. We learned how important childcare is for women and families. Some people have re-evaluated their careers and may have decided to retire, open their own businesses, or change careers.
We came through a global crisis, and we will never be the same. I found a video about life after COVID that sums it up the best. Check it out, https://the.ink/p/after-the-plague.
So, whether you are facing change in your personal or professional life, it can be exciting and a little scary. But thinking about it as a new opportunity instead of a threat may help with the fear. Think of it as one chapter closing and another exciting chapter beginning. Maybe you’re like me and are excited to be able to safely venture out again but are a little nervous. Remember, it’s okay to take it slow. Let’s close this chapter and begin the next one with optimism. Be patient with yourself and each other. Remember what we did to overcome the worst of this pandemic, and we did it together. We can do this together, too!
Freedom is possible!
Love,
Deb