NOW Is That Time
If there was ever a time to think of others, to help one another and stop naval gazing – NOW is that time.
Like most of you, I was in the grocery store a few days ago what I experienced was visceral. I saw what you saw – empty shelves where toilet paper, canned goods, pasta and cleaning supplies should be. I felt what you felt – unnerved, uneasy and unsettled. And I want what you want – for things to go back to normal, for everything to be OK and for security in all areas of life including finances, work and health.
We are living in a state of emergency and life is definitely not business as usual. The current global crisis is affecting everyone in some way. But we are all in this together. And together, we will get through this.
In the past week, like many of you, I have experienced a roller-coaster of emotion and I would like to share a few ideas of how I am choosing to maneuver through this global crisis on a day-to-day and moment-to-moment basis. Perhaps what I have experienced could help you. Please comment at the bottom with any suggestions or ideas that are empowering you – it may help someone else!
It is time to think of others. If there ever was a time to step up and be a good neighbour, a good friend or practise a random act of kindness, NOW is that time. Isolation does not mean disconnection. Call a friend. Check in with family and relatives. Reach out. Isolation does not mean disconnection.
I decided this week to reach out by phone to three people every day. To check in. To see if they need anything. To be there. To let them know they are not alone. I am certain that the people I called were glad to hear from me, but you know how it goes – the gift is in the giving. Calling a few friends each day has made me feel better. More grounded. More grateful. Connected. Calm. And definitely more hopeful. We are each of us angels with only one wing and we can only fly by embracing one another.
Now is definitely the time to embrace one another in every way we can, whether it be through picking up the phone, dropping off groceries to a self-quarantined friend or simply smiling at a stranger as they pass by and our eyes meet.
It is time to help one another. There is so much we currently cannot do. Most of us are unable to go to work b/c our office is closed. Most of us are in a state of self-isolation as much as humanly possible. Forget going to yoga, the gym, church, community groups or the library. Yes – these facilities are all closed temporarily. But what can we do for ourselves and others? How can we help one another get through this challenging time? Perhaps it’s simply calling a loved one by phone as mentioned. Or maybe it’s by offering assistance in some way. What can you do to help someone in need right now? How can you help? Kids are at home and some parents are likely feeling overwhelmed. Do you have a skill that could help a struggling parent – even by sharing some ‘worksheets’ you made for your own kids. Or could you help tutor a child via zoom in your area of expertise. Could you run an errand for someone unable to get out? Everyone is struggling right now but we will get through this. Check out social media groups that are being created where you can offer your assistance (virtually or in person) or ask for what you may need. Stop watching the looping ‘news’ and start creating a positive ripple effect around you. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel. Personally, it’s made all the difference for me.
The other night I got together with a friend to make a bunch of frozen meals. The frozen vegetable section at the grocery store are barren but fresh produce is bountiful. So we bought a bunch of fresh vegi’s and spent the evening chopping, dicing, slicing and simmering the biggest pot of “one pot wonder” (as I like to call it) that could be frozen in small containers. We also spent time talking and laughing. Because right now, we really need to laugh. To stay connected. To help one another.
It is also time to stop naval gazing. Lately, I’ve been feeling very unsettled by the current situation. Like many of you, I’m experiencing first-hand, the effects of what is happening. My life is unstable. Investments are way down. Contracts and speeches have been postponed. I’m concerned about these things and while there’s no toilet paper at the grocery, there is an abundance of uncertainty and my grocery cart was full of it! As I wandered three different grocery stores the other day to get a grasp of the magnitude of things, I was shaken to my core. I lost my footing and slid downward.
And I stayed there. Until two things happened. I shared my fears with a close confidant – and that reminded me that I am never alone. You are never alone. If you are feeling alone, call someone. Call a friend. Call me. Here is my #. 250-215-2903. I’m here for you. We will get through this – together.
The other thing that happened, was that 2 friends called me. Just when I needed it. Call it Divine Intervention, serendipity or what ever you want…these two very special friends reached out to me just when I needed it. And they said they called b/c they felt compelled to reach out at exactly that moment. Wow! What a gift. Stop for a moment…Listen. Is someone on your mind? Shhhhh….really listen. Trust your intuition. Pay attention to your inner voice and call them!
Three things happened actually, that brought me back to my ‘center’. After sharing my fears and being reminded that I am never alone, and after my friends reached out to me, I laced up my runners and went out for a 2 hour run in the sunshine. Yes – in the middle of the day – when I could be worrying, working or wondering about the future. I went for a run and played my ipod as loud as I could. Smiling. Laughing to myself. Loving life. Feeling strong. Feeling brave. Feeling fearlessly me.
Running has always been where I find myself. Where I feel my best. Where I dream. Where I can do and be anything. Running is also where I find my center and discover the way.
(These are a couple photos from running in the past while – out on the Okanagan Rail Trail and a recent marathon race).
How do you find your center? How could you create a little stability in your own life during these very unstable times? Do that! And in doing so, you, too, will find your way.
For me, it’s focusing on my health. Taking care of myself. Putting good things into my body and mind. I’m also finding stability in thinking of others, helping those in need and raising my sights from naval gazing to creating a positive ripple effect in the world around me.
What could you do today for yourself to find your centre? Focus on your health. Put good food into your body. And great thoughts into your mind. We will get through this unsettling time – together.
Check out a compilation I created to Be Fearlessly You – about health, nutrition and exercise, filled with simple ideas to live a long, health and happy life! It’s just $12 including shipping within Canada. You can find it here. I’d be happy to put it in the mail for you today or into your mailbox (in the Kelowna area). It’s filled with 99 Simple Ideas To Live A Long, Healthy and Happy Life.
https://crystalflaman.com/store/
Note: Net proceeds of all sales go to Room To Read and the next school we are building. To date, through speaking engagements and work with clients, part of my speaking fees have supported the building of two schools, a reading library and provided countless scholarships for children to attend school through Room To Read. www.roomtoread.org. Check out this amazing organization and the great work that they are doing around the world to enable children to become leaders of tomorrow. If you are have a little extra time on your hands these days, read the book by John Wood, called Leaving Microsoft To Change The World. You’ll be glad you did!
Crystal Flaman is an international keynote speaker and social entrepreneur, inspiring you to discover your dreams and the difference you can create in the world. Anything is possible. Everything is possible. Believe in your dreams. Do what you love and be fearlessly you.
If you would like to learn more information about this topic or to have Crystal share this message with your team, (on a virtual basis during the current global situation) please contact Crystal. Thank you.
