Yes, times are tough. People are out of work, businesses are closing down and the future is uncertain. Most of us are experiencing the most unbelievable situations of our lives. Fear of the virus, fear of loss, fear of the unknown, fear of illness, fear of death, fear of loss of income,
the hardships of isolation, lack of understanding regarding the issues, isolation, loneliness, anxiety, uncertainty and fear of losing the life we knew before forever is encompassing many people’s lives.
First, we can’t change what has happened and where we are today. We can be mad, sad, angry, confused, frustrated and wanting to fight back, but we can’t change what has happened and where we are. Once we accept where we are, we can evaluate the circumstances and our place in society and begin to adjust our lives and plans for our future.
This pandemic is unprecedented, unusual, stressful and CRAZY!!! But, we must adjust and move on. We must accept the times, the terms, the restraints and THE POSSIBILITIES.
There is hope, there are opportunities. BOOM! ADJUST
- ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE – Several months into the pandemic it is still sobering to see the changes our society has undergone. Masks, gloves, plexiglass, waiting in lines and waiting in your car have replaced unrestrained movement and our sense of freedom. Our current society seems strange and unusual. Most of us still awaken in the morning thinking it was all a dream or an outlandish movie. Yet, here we are in this awkward reality. Adjust your attitude to accept and withstand what you cannot change. Many of us will never embrace this situation, but we do need to adjust to it for optimal functioning.
- ADJUST YOUR OUTLOOK – Yes, the financial and lifestyle changes are excessive. Yet, there are some positive outcomes from this situation. Traffic has decreased, air quality has improved, sanitation has improved and people are providing others with personal space. We no longer have to ask the person in line after us to quit breathing on our neck. Many people have had the opportunity to rest, relax, spend some quality time with their loved ones, connect with friends and re-focus on what is important in their lives. Most of us have had a “reality check” as the establishments we frequented were closed. And now that they are re-opening, albeit differently, we wonder how we will re-emerge into this altered society. Evaluate the situation, your place and develop a new outlook.
- ADJUST YOUR GOALS – You may have had grand travel plans this year that were cancelled. You may have had a wedding or family reunion rescheduled. You may have planned to remodel your home or upgraded your business only to have those plans put on hold. The time is now to adjust your goals. Reevaluate and reschedule the events in your life. Evaluate your life, your personal situation and new opportunities. Adjust your goals, seek new ideas, adjust your plans, make new time-frames and implement adapted tasks.
- ADJUST YOUR LIFESTYLE – Now is the time to evaluate your work, family and social life as you knew it before, are experiencing it now and plan to live it in the future.
- ADJUST YOUR BUDGET – The current situation has financially strained some people while others have been fortunate enough to maintain an income and some have even increased their income. Assess your current income and expenditures as well as your future projected income and expenditures. What is your income; what are your expenses? What is your debt; what are your assets? What are your income, saving and spending goals for the next few years? How can you obtain those? Adjust your budget for your current financial situation.
- ADJUST YOUR SCHEDULE – Store hours have changed, dining routines have changed, touchless processes have been implemented and drive up services are encouraged. There are days of the week and times of the day when lines are longer and navigating stores and services is more challenging. Afternoon hours are certainly busier than early mornings. Friday’s are certainly busy days. Evaluate your community and adjust the times you do your shopping, dining, socializing, traveling and events for more ease and convenience.
- ADJUST YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS – Consider this situation a reset. This societal adjustment is a great time to reevaluate your hopes and dreams. Reflect on your passions, talents and skills. Evaluate your ambitions and how you can pursue them. Determine what is really important in your life and what is insignificant. Adjust your hopes and dreams for your future from here.
When times are tough, we should adjust. Adjust the aspects of your life for a better lifestyle.
Photo by Tanner Larson on Unsplash