2020-too?

If you have ever attended one of my stress management workshops, then you will know that what I call the ‘Serenity Mindset’ is one of my favourite tools for keeping your stress levels manageable.

It is based on the well known Serenity Prayer which says:

‘God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference’.

At this time, we have many things that we cannot control. For some it is not being able to hug or get together with loved ones. For others, it is reduced income from recent lockdowns. For some others, it is the grief of those who will never come back – loved ones lost to covid 19.

To get through this period, you are going to need to employ the wisdom to know the things you can change from the things you can’t. You are going to have to accept the things you cannot change – walk away from them, leave them behind, come to terms with your powerlessness over them. You are going to need to summon the courage to work with the things you have control over. 

You can control whether you make a daily habit of giving thanks for the simple things in life – waking up this morning, having a family and/or loved ones, having a job, the beautiful warm weather of our region. You can control how much time you spend obsessing over people and situations that trouble you. You can control what food and drink you put into your body, how much and how often. You can control how much time you spend on that small screen in your hand or it’s bigger cousins. You can control what you look at on those screens. You can control how much sunshine and outdoor activity you get each day. You can control how much physical activity you get each day. You can control which voices you listen to and which ones you don’t. It takes courage sometimes, but you can do it all.

As you enter this new year, take time to make sure that 2022 does not become 2020-too? Reflect on the past year and make some positive decisions on what you can do differently and better. For most of us, that means working on the soul, mind, and body. A total overhaul. There is nothing more valuable than working to improve oneself. It is the best investment you can make in your future growth, happiness, and well being. 

Seize the opportunity! Celebrate all of the things that need to be celebrated! Recalibrate and be ready for 2022 – a new year, with a new attitude. Happy New Year!