A couple of years ago, I met a woman who was dying (she had metastatic breast cancer).
She talked openly about her worries and fears (and that she wasn't ready to die). Yet she described herself as a happy person who was enjoying the time she had with family and friends.
How to Choose Happiness
Don't cancel happiness, Friend. You're not required to do that just because times are worrisome.
Instead of dwelling on all the bad that *could* happen, focus on the present moment and enjoy the extra time you have. You know you've wanted more time with family. Now's your chance to use it!
Be silly. Have fun.
Here are some ideas:
- Dance to your favorite song (and laugh about how crazy you look).
- Introduce a favorite childhood movie to your kids (I recently introduced The Goonies to my boys).
- Institute a rule that requires you and your kids to sing everything - using an opera-style voice - while making lunch together (yes, we sometimes do this).
Please note that I'm not belittling what's going on.
My mother has COPD and I worry about how she'd fare with COVID-19.
My husband (an IT consultant who owns his own business) just found out that tomorrow is his last day on a project that was supposed to take him through the end of the year.
But just because I worry about my family's health and finances doesn't mean that I'm marinading in these feelings. Because staying in that place is the WRONG thing to do.
What we need more of (especially now) is clear, creative thinking and it's impossible to do that when wallowing in fear and worry.
That's why it's so important to choose happiness, strength and resilience.
Master Your Mind
If you haven't already registered, don't forget to register for and join me every Wednesday morning at 8:30 AM CST / 9:30 AM EST for 15-minute mindset mastery training sessions.
These sessions will be regularly held through (at least) the end of April, and will help you decrease stress, feel more in control, and build resilience.
This week we'll be covering a simple exercise to tame your charged emotions. After the training is over, I'll open it up to Q&A.
To register (and get all sessions through April onto your calendar), do so here:
