I’m sure you’ve all experienced (maybe even firsthand) the negativity of the past year. I won’t go into the battles we’ve all endured, however, I simply want to share my empathy with each of you. I know, firsthand, how the ravages of 2020 affected not only myself but also my family. My prayer is that you didn’t suffer the loss of a loved one, you didn’t lose your job, you and your loved ones survived COVID thus far… the prayers are endless!
I see people whom I once believed were very spiritual be reduced to something similar to a rabid wolf. I’ve also witnessed people whom I didn’t think were in touch with their spirituality come from the trenches and pull more than expected of anyone. We never know how we’re going to react in dire situations such as what we’ve encountered in the past year.
So, what do these extreme conditions do to our spirit – our soul? I’ve thought about this – a lot! On one hand, I can imagine that we all signed up for this – knowing full well that we were joining the world for a purpose greater than we can fathom. However, what could be God’s grand plan in the horrors we’re all facing? What’s OUR part in all that’s going on in the world?
Yes, we’ve all been tested to the max, and I’ve also considered that PTSD, suicide, and declining mental health are more rampant simply due to the enormous stressors we’re all under. I sincerely hope you’ve found a way to extract yourself from the drama and stress in some way so you and your soul can heal and rejuvenate.
OUR part in all that’s going on is to be present within ourselves. How are we being triggered? If we’re triggered is there anything we can do to avoid it? Sometimes it may be as simple as to leave a conversation, turn off the media, stay away from social media, leave the room, etc. For me, I mentally say to myself, “I don’t own this!” or “I’m not allowing this into my life!” Some people might say I’m looking at the world through rose-colored glasses, but I know what stress does to my spirit, mind, and body. Practicing extreme self-care is vital.
Try turning away from the negativity or triggers that make you angry, hurt, or anxious. When you’re engaged in a conversation that turns to something negative, excuse yourself politely. You may even have to remove yourself (hopefully temporarily) from someone near and dear to you if they’re triggering you – whether intentionally or unintentionally. In time YOU will better learn how to calm yourself so that you’re no longer triggered. A simple mental “I’m not engaging” along with a deep cleansing breath may be all it takes to return you back to your zen place.
Looking forward to 2021, I envision more challenges, but also know we’re more adept at rolling with the punches or going with the flow. Things that once seemed important will no longer hold true as we come to understand what’s real and what isn’t. Yes, there will be those who want nothing more than for life to return to “normal”, but is that what we truly need? Think about the frantic pushing to get ahead, the fancy possessions that we believed we needed, but later learned it’s the simple things that mean the most to us. Consider how your job or career changed… yes it’s frightening to lose a job, but where are you now? Did the loss of the job provide you with the opportunity to move forward with the dream you once thought impossible? The list goes on and on, so give yourself a moment or two to contemplate how what once seemed bad actually turned out for the best!
Instead of lamenting over your losses, please consider thinking about how this past year transformed YOU for the better. What goals have you attained? What challenges have you faced that in the past you thought you could never overcome? This transformation brings about soul growth, spiritual growth, mental and emotional growth. Hopefully, in 2021 you continue to witness your own strength and potential – without the enormous challenges, this past year had presented you with. Witness who you were and whom you are becoming. Do you like whom you’re becoming? Remember, your potential is limitless!
Peace be with you… Peace BE you!
Lisa
