What Can You Control in the Midst of the Uncontrollable?
As things around us continue to be uncertain, I feel anxious most of the time. When I need to venture forth outside of my personal bubble, that anxiety increases.
As the media, social and otherwise, would have us believe, we are far from safe and mostly powerless. This has tripped my survival instinct into hyper-drive. Thoughts of the future makes me nervous. I try not to let myself project too far into it.
I know that feeling powerless makes me feel like a victim. So, I ask myself, what can I actually do to help myself?
Things You Can Control
Your Bubble
Your Bubble is where and with whom you feel safe. Safe enough to be yourself, warts and all. You get to decide who you let into Your Bubble. Do the people around you accept you for who you are? Do you feel supported by them? Do you accept and support them?
Is Your Bubble set up for your comfort and enjoyment?
Guess what? You have the power to make Your Bubble however you want. And, you get to change it anytime.
Your Thoughts
We can’t quite determine exactly where thoughts come from and why the ones that ‘drop’ in drop in when they do, but we can control which ones we entertain. If you find yourself in ‘a mood,’ most of the time, it is worth checking in with the thoughts that are keeping you company. Guess what? You have the power to choose the thoughts you want to think. And you can change them anytime.
Your Behaviour
It is very likely that you are experiencing more emotions, more often, during this time of world-wide stress. And, that’s ok. Feeling your emotions, in fact, is healthy and greatly encouraged. It’s not, however, ok to act recklessly on those emotions. Ranting on social media in a fit of emotional stress is not helpful to anyone, mostly yourself. Acting out in anger or any other kind of acting out, again, is not helpful. Guess what? You have the power to choose how you behave, even in the throes of strong emotions, always.
What media are you consuming? How does it make you feel after spending time with it? Better? Empowered? Hopeful? Inspired? If none of these things are the result, it is time to change the media you consume. Which brings us, of course, to food and beverages. The same thing applies. How do the things you physically consume leave you feeling afterward? Guess what? You have the power to choose what you consume. You can change them anytime.
What You Do with Your Body
Hopefully, you have some idea what works for your body and what doesn’t. What movement, or non-movement makes you feel good? How much rest is enough and how much is too much? What’s pleasurable and what’s harmful? Guess what? You have the power influence how your body feels.
5 Areas of Power You Own
Your Bubble; Arrange your bubble to suit you.
Your Thoughts; Think pleasant, powerful, helpful, healthy thoughts.
Your Actions; Act like someone you’d want to hang around with.
What You Consume; Consume yummy, healthy things for your mind and body.
Your Physical Body; Listen to and move your body
Once you start to look for where and how you have power, even in the midst of a pandemic, social upheaval and political craziness, you will see many options. The world needs us to exercise our personal power in responsible ways, in order to change the world. We are never as powerless as we imagine.
Coming Soon: 4 Transformation Power Steps
If you’re struggling, feeling powerless and over-stressed, I’d be happy to help you.
Certified Martha Beck Life Coach
What Now Life Coaching
www.whatnowlifecoaching.com