Change can bring around a lot of uncertainty and fear. And currently there is a lot of change happening in our world! But it can be even more challenging to bring around positive and empowering change when our thinking is fear-based. I’ve been noticing my anxiety and panic going up when I think too far ahead about this current situation. Maybe you have as well!
At first I didn’t think much of this new virus. I was one of the people comparing it to the common cold or flu and figured things would blow over. Last week, I was far away on an island in the Bering Sea, where I personally had very little connection to the rest of the world. I couldn’t imagine that things were really shutting down. Everything seemed as usual on the island!
Now, I realize a lot is different and it’s a situation to be taken seriously. But that doesn’t mean it’s a situation that has to be faced with panic and fear. In fact, unless I’m in immediate danger, panic and fear has never really helped me face any situation. It doesn’t help me in the long haul. What helps me instead, is feeling empowered.
I’ve been hearing from lots of friends and fellow freelancers about the struggles they’re facing in the novel coronavirus pandemic. These are new challenges that need new solutions. We’re stepping out of our normal and into an unknown. It can be hard to think creatively or innovatively when you’re in panic mode. For me, thinking clearly happens when my mind and body is calm. So how can you move away from fear, find inner peace, and allow yourself to feel empowered even in trying and uncertain times?
1. Give yourself some understanding and acceptance.
Fear is important. It’s a healthy emotion. It’s normal and okay to be scared. So, there’s no need to beat yourself up about your emotions. They’re essential to life. Fear is what tells you to wash your hands – it’s helpful! Where the emotion of fear becomes harmful is when we make decisions solely out of panic. Or even when we freeze up and refuse to make decisions because of our fright. In order to move past fear-based thinking, I usually have to start by saying to myself, “I’m feeling scared.” The acknowledgment really helps. You can’t really deal with something until you accept what it is.
2. Breathe – let the fear go.
Now, take a big, deep inhale. Breathe in for as long as you can. Hold for a moment. And exhale absolutely everything out. To me, this is about so much more than calming my mind through deep breaths. It’s also symbolic. The long exhale is about releasing an emotion that isn’t helpful anymore – an idea my dad is big on. He’s told me for a very long, “Let go of that which no longer serves you.” You’ve acknowledged your fear, appreciated what it’s shown you, and now you let it go! The goal is to move away from fear to make room for a feeling of empowerment.
3. Seek out the growth that you can control.
When I feel empowered, I’m focusing on myself and the growth that I can control. Fear can feel so limiting, but the possibility of change is inspiring. Figure out where you would like to grow in the different parts of your life – interpersonal relationships, hobbies, your inner self, business, or work – there are a lot of options. Make a list of areas you’d like to see growth in your life. Curiosity is a great tool for growth. Get curious about yourself, life, community solutions and see where that inquisitiveness can take you. Allowing yourself to feel empowered, even if it’s about something small, can give you an emotional boost to steady yourself on in other areas of your life.
Even if we are feeling nervous, uncertain, or scared, we can turn inwards and move forward. Life is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be faced with fear. If you notice more anxiety in your life, an inability to make decisions, or overwhelming emotions of any kind, then I hope you can take these steps and make a little more room for positive and empowering change in your life, no matter how big or small.
