3 Useful Tips to Get You Back on Track in Life

Many of us have mixed feelings about the lockdown situation. Some may feel hopeful and managing well in their homes while others may feel confused, anxious, and in dire need to survive. I know how that feels. I'm somewhere in between. While it is true that we are experiencing a huge range of emotions at present, there's one common thing we are all facing that's quite tricky to cope with: uncertainty.

What are some of the aspects in your life that you're uncertain about? Is it the future plans you made? Perhaps securing your job? Maybe even not knowing which career to choose since everything seems hazy now? How to sustain your livelihood so you can provide for your family? These are only a few examples of the things many people, including you and me, are going through. It's stressful isn't it? Not knowing? 

That's why today, I will share with you three easy tips to get you back on track in life so you can cope with uncertainty more effectively and healthily. 

Tip #1: Become aware of your strengths and start activating them now

What are your strengths? What activities bring you happiness? Can you think of anything you did recently that made you feel energized? 

Strengths are our human virtues that when used, are able to increase our levels of wellbeing. We must first know what energizes us and then activate that strength to feel the positive results. 

Strengths are different from skills. Strengths are more innate and reflective, while skills are more of actions that we have to learn to play a specific role. You might be very good at accounting, for example, but it doesn't necessarily energize you, then it's probably a skill and not a strength.

Some examples of strengths include curiousity, spirituality, gratitude, and bravery, among others.

In fact, one of my strengths is love of learning. This is why I feel happy when I learn something new. A few of the activities that I do include reading books, communicating with other people so I can learn their stories, and teaching what I learn to others because I too, learn by teaching. 

By activating my strength, it makes me curious about what other activities I can do that are aligned with it. Then, the next thing follows, I become more happy and engaged as my mind takes the focus away from what's constantly worrying me and more into what's energizing me.

You can find out your strengths for free by visiting the VIA Character Strengths website.

Tip #2: Reframe your mind using growth mindset 

Earlier this year, the pandemic arrived and disrupted many people's lives. There were many industries that were greatly affected by it and that includes the service industry. For businesses to cope, some have laid off their employees, others closed down, and the rest tried to stay afloat by cutting cost. 

In my case, I experienced a significant amount of pay-cut. At first, I believed that it will be bad because I needed to save for a major life event this year, and this pay cut will negatively affect my plans, not to mention, trying to survive in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

But soon, I realized that thinking about it not only stresses me out, it also makes me feel tired and demotivated! What a bad combination of emotions to feel. 

So one evening, I decided to pause and and reflect about what's happening. It was at that moment when I decided to think another way. Instead of believing that this pay-cut will jeopardize my survival or savings plan, I started considering this as a driving force to practice minimalism, become more mindful in my spending habits, and encourage myself to be contented with what I have. It works! 

This story is an example of having a growth mindset. It is about believing that we have the necessary abilities, talents, and capabilities that we can use or develop through dedication and hard work. By knowing how to reframe and having a growth mindset, more options and opportunities show themselves to you, and you become less fearful of making mistakes.

I invite you to try it on yourself. What are some of the challenges that you are facing now? What roadblocks are currently in your midst? How can you reframe your mind using growth mindset to shift your perspective? Think about it.

Tip #3: Create something

I would like to share with you a beautiful story. 

"Grandma, how do you deal with pain?"

"With your hands, dear. When you do it with your mind, the pain hardens even more."

"With your hands, grandma?"

"Yes, yes. Our hands are the antennas of our soul. When you move them by sewing, cooking, painting, touching the earth or sinking it into the earth, they send signals of caring to the deepest part of you and your soul clams down. This way she doesn't have to send pain anymore to show it."

"Are hands really that important?"

"Yes, my girl. Thinking of babies: they get to know the world thanks to their touches. When you look at the hands of older people, they tell more about their lives than any part of the body. Everything that is made by hand, so is said, is made with the heart because it really is like this: hands and heart are connected. Masseuses know this: When they touch another person's body with their hands, they create a deep connection. Thinking of lovers: When their hands touch, they love each other in the most sublime way."

"My hands grandma...how long haven't I used them like that!"

"Move them, my girl, start creating with them and everything in you will move. The pain will not pass away. But it will be the best masterpiece. And it won't hurt anymore. Because you managed to embroider your essence." (by Elena Barnabé)

--

Whether it be baking, cooking, writing, sewing, painting, please create. More specifically, create something that gives you meaning. Don't be ashamed that no one is paying attention. Don't just do it for other people to praise you or notice you. Create because it gives life to your soul. It gives meaning to your suffering now. And because as you are creating, you are also leaving your legacy to the world.

Word of thanks

I hope these three tips will make a positive impact in your life now and may they help you get back on track with your life. You may feel uncertain, yes. But there are things within your control that you can do. Remember, take it one step at a time. There is no need to rush now, and since there's no travelling allowed yet, let's choose to take a plunge into our inner world and discover more about ourselves as the world is in "pause" mode. You can do it!

Thank you for reading.

Love,

Mary Jedde