You’re going to get through all of this.
I believe it.
The resources exist within you, even if you haven’t found them yet. They will rise up when they are required.
Sometimes “when it is required” is a lot later than we’d like, but those parts of us know they know what they are doing.
Even if it feels like things are falling apart, if you feel like you can’t handle it…
If you can read this, you’re handling it. It may not look pretty. It may not be the idealized version of what it means to handle something, but you’re here.
The fact that you are even interested in a site like this means you are willing to look inside yourself and support that process even further. Know this about yourself.
When it feels overwhelming or there is an upheaval of emotions, fear, stress, anxiety…
Even if it lasts for days, weeks, months or longer (it can)…
You’re not “doing it wrong.”
It is part of the process.
There is a LOT going on in the world right now.
I’m not sure I’ve spoken to anyone who hasn’t been affected in some way.
- From my colleagues who are from Ukraine with family there
- The massive rent increase on upcoming leases including mine
- The total price to fill the gas tank, which I refuse to even look at right now
- Grocery costs, supply issues
- The stresses and challenges of trying to stay in business
- Layoffs rampant while simultaneously struggling to find workers
- Massive, even complete losses of retirement or investment funds
- An increase in ongoing, recurring or new health challenges
- Strains in relationships caused by any or all of the above
This stuff is no joke. It affects you. It’s OK that it affects you.
It’s OK whatever it brings up.
Even the people you might think are never affected, who seem to have it all figured out – I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many of them personally – they are affected too.
The last thing you need right now is to put pressure on yourself to be above it all, be perfect, or anything else. This is one I need to remind myself of often.
At the same time,
As best you can,
Do not let it crush hope.
Do not stop believing that there is power in what we focus on,
That how we relate to ourselves and inner world can help us tremendously.
That challenge provokes growth.
That it’s not impossible to find ways to actually thrive during this.
Be open to support.
Be open to finding the things that help you.
Be open to discarding things that don’t. You may be surprised at what doesn’t.
These are often the times when we realize what actually matters, and what actually applies when the rubber meets the road.
It can feel like all of this is just running on faith at times.
Faith is OK.
Faith in yourself is OK.
Losing faith, losing faith in yourself at times is OK.
There’s more to you than you know.
One step at a time!
Evan
Hi Evan and thank you.
It feels like you wrote this post to me personally :).
Your post makes me think how I maybe forgot the impact and value of genuine kind words and understanding from another human being.
Love, Bob
Thank you!
I feel the same value from your response 🙂
Hi Evan- like Bob, I felt you were writing this blog to me. This is a very challenging time both on a macro (world) level and personally. I’ve run the emotional gamut from optimism to complete meltdowns. I hold onto the hope that I am still here, and somehow muddling through this precious thing we call life. It’s a comfort to know we are all in this together even through the tears. Thank you for your kindness and wisdom.
Of course Mark – you really are dealing with a lot and handling it exceptionally well. Optimism to meltdown in the span of hours is completely normal in my experience and opinion, and also is no way a sign of being off course when hit with so much at once. In the real world it is quite messy, and my intention is that the tools we learn and insights help us manage and even find the beauty in the challenge of it.
Thank you for this, Evan. I needed the validation that I’m not alone in going through such a challenging time. (I know you through Chris’ mastermind, and it was nice finding this side of you 😊)
Thanks Ellen! Yes, you are FAR from alone. Look forward to seeing you more in the mastermind 🙂