Trust me, you can’t escape it. By it, I mean . . . well, you know . . . it. Coronavirus! In the past two months, I’ve grown to accept that media, all over the world, is focused on it. After pouring myself the first of many cups of coffee this morning, I plunked down on the sofa next to my husband (who, if you were wondering, drinks hot green tea himself) to face the TV. I bet you can guess today’s Fox News broadcast topic . . . Coronavirus, of course.
I’ll admit, my husband and I find this Coronavirus pandemic very frightening. And, I can only imagine that you’re feeling the same way. How can you not be on edge, given the public’s reaction, 24/7 constant news cycles, and paranoia wafting tirelessly around the globe?
But, in moments like this, it’s best to reflect on the wisdom of others. There are a few well-known quotes that I have found incredibly inspirational when I feel the overwhelm. First:
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ― Helen Keller
Life transitions like this one can turn your life into chaos, as this one has for many of us. You may find these shelter-at-home ordinances overbearing. Hell, I know I do! But I remind myself that there exists an open door awaiting my unearthing. If you find yourself without work, quarantined with your kids, or simply in need of personal inspiration, look no further. Although daunting, these moments can also be motivating.
Do one thing every day that scares you. ― Eleanor Roosevelt
It may make you uncomfortable but see this as an opportunity. Seize these moments to purge, to rethink your priorities, and to be intentional about your new habits. Try your hand at a new hobby. Reserve time to relax. Run that bath you’re normally too busy for. We can make our new normal any normal we want. This is an unbelievable opening for progress and growth.
Remind Yourself to Breathe
So please, please, please, do this each day you’re “stuck” in lockdown, before you do anything else that is undoubtedly demanding your attention. Take a deep breath, ignore the noise that inundates you from the radio, the television, the kids, your spouse, your staff and co-workers, and maybe even your dog, and focus first on what you still want in your life when the COVID-19 quarantine ends. This is your chance to define your new version of “normal,” a rare opportunity to rid yourself of the crap in your life and to keep what truly works for you, what really matters.
Did you buy workout equipment on Amazon so that you can exercise at home while your gym is closed? Have you and your wife started walking together, just to get out of the house? Have you learned to Zoom instruct your Pilates classes because you can’t open your studio during lockdown? Or, have you researched other at-home workout streaming services? Are you teaching your kids to cook because the restaurants are all closed, and you need help in the kitchen? Are you offering consultations via Go-to-Meeting because if you don’t, your business will dry up during the crisis?
It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then. ― Lewis Carroll
There’s a new you right around the corner! Someone who now can work out at home, who takes walks with your spouse, who offers a new service to her Pilates clients, who spends more time cooking with the kids, or who offers potential clients a new way to connect. There are tons of options! If, after reading this, you’re still struggling to brainstorm at-home activities, read my latest blog, “Five Fun Family Activities During Lockdown.” And, tell me about your family’s lockdown at Joryn@OpenPalmLaw.com; I’d love to hear from you!
Joryn Jenkins, attorney and Open Palm Founder, began her own firm here in Tampa after a 14-year career in law, two of which she served as a professor of law at Stetson University. She is a recipient of the prestigious A. Sherman Christensen Award, an honor bestowed upon those who have provided exceptional leadership in the American Inns of Court Movement. For more information on Joryn’s professional experience, take a look at her resume.
