This past month of July, I sensed the onslaught of personal overwhelm hitting me. I had to stop in my tracks to take a breather, and reflect on what could possibly be ailing me. I came to the realization that I had been sorely missing my old life and human companionship (prior to COVID-19) not having had access to people for approximately 15 months. I was downright craving it. Right at this point, the universe answered my call for a solution. A friend sent me an invitation to visit her beach side estate in Bayfield, Ontario. This generosity uplifted my spirits immediately. It was the first time since March 2020, that I would be in the physical company of people, my friends. A true gift! Accepted with Gratitude. The weekend break was a miracle worker and I rejuvenated my soul.
At this time, I am also hearing from clients that they do feel the need to break loose from the present situation that they find themselves in as it has been a long haul. The compounded pandemic experience has impacted each one of us in different and unique ways. There is not a single one amongst us that can claim to be the same after somehow surviving the unprecedented experience of COVID-19. From topics of “resilience” and “maintaining a positive attitude” the shift is now on addressing how to cope with another change, creating a new normal. Social media and other literature are currently inundated with articles and tips on how to return to a ”new normal”, in what is called the post pandemic era.
None of us have been left unscathed. No matter what, we have emerged as survivors by:
- enduring what could have been unbearable tragedies and challenges, and building our resilience muscle
- reflecting and awakening to the realization “not to tolerate” the present, and desiring quantum leap changes in our lives
- ruminating on the uncertainty of life and offering forgiveness and having gratitude
- seeing new opportunities and taking a risk by going for it
- moving altogether in a different sphere and having the courage to be authentic
This emergence has created a new you. Whatever the situations and challenges that were confronted, it facilitated growth in resilience, and forcibly being moved out of a comfort zone by a jolt to the current mindset. All of which we succumbed to by relying on internal resources and the innate ability to cope emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Taking one day at a time and making amazing discoveries about ourselves in this journey of life.
As they say, “we are like a Tea Bag, you don’t know how strong we are until immersed in Hot Water.”
Here are some beliefs taken from “iPEC (Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching) Foundation Principles” that I share to steer us going forward:
- The answer to all questions lie within
“The significant problems of today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them.” –Einstein
- Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional
“In order to know the light, we must experience the darkness.” -Jung
- The only constant is change
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” – Reinhold Niebuhr
- All experiences are opportunities for growth
“Are your experiences stumbling blocks or stepping stones?” -Bruce D. Schneider
- Life offers neither problems nor challenges, only opportunities
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” -Sir Winston Churchill