the sun will shine again

This is the second post of my new series, Transitioning into the Unknown. We are all dealing with the effects of COVID-19; everyone has been impacted one way or another. Through times like this, it’s easy to get caught up in the problem itself, which is the root of the issue. I feel like the days are lasting longer than ever and I’m constantly thinking about the future, whether it’s the next day or a month away. That’s why it is important to remember to stay in the present and take things day by day.

I am definitely a planner, so it’s difficult for me to not know what the future holds. It’s not even necessary to be a “planner” in order for the unknown future to aggravate you. We all wish we could know what will happen with this pandemic. Honestly, it’s okay to not know. Really, it is. What truly matters is how we choose to deal with the unknown. It’s hard to not get caught up in stressing about the future. I believe there’s not one person who hasn’t been glued to the news at one point during this. There’s no shame in that and it’s important to stay updated, but it just feeds the worry and stress already being dealt with. Trust me when I say that staying in the moment will ease up your fear, worries, stress, etc. I can’t exactly provide examples for staying in the moment, but I can explain what it should look like.

“For me, success changed when I stopped having big, long-term goals. I just try to win the day. And if you start to pile those up, that’s how you get the big wins. That’s what success looks like. “

-Stephanie Ruhle

Staying in the moment or being present is focusing on the now. It’s not focusing on yesterday or tomorrow, it’s focusing on TODAY. Wake up with purpose! Make a schedule or a mental note of something to do. It can be anything from cleaning out a junk drawer or making dinner (or snacks to store in the fridge) to finishing a season of one of your favorite shows. I’ve found that having one thing on the docket for that day, helps me focus on that one thing and not what’s going on in the world. It’s helpful to have an accountability partner. In general, having someone to go to when you need motivation or truth and vice versa is beneficial. My mom and I often do challenges together and it makes things easier knowing someone is in your corner. Just having a friend that always speaks truth to you, whether you want to hear it or not, is something to be appreciated. Overall, it’s important to know what works for you. In my last post, Transitioning into the Unknown, I shared several ways to occupy your time, but everyone’s different. If you aren’t sure what works for you, spend the day focusing on figuring it out.

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My mom bought me a planning/motivational/gratitude journal a few months ago (You can click on one of the captions above to buy an available planner). I just started using it, but I already really enjoy it. I enjoy waking up, getting some breakfast, and planning out my day. There’s not much to plan now, but anything works. Even putting down the simple things like “FaceTime Jack”, “Make homemade granola bars”, or “Do a Chloe Ting workout.” Doing this provides a sense of “having things to do.” I never thought I would miss a busy schedule, but I do. If you have ample free time, adding a little structure or even better, a schedule to your weekdays can help your overall attitude, well being, and sense of purpose.

Stay safe!

Enjoy this? Read the previous post in this series: transitioning into the unknown