How To Stay Calm Amidst A Crisis
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COVID-19 has thrown our world into crisis mode. A few weeks ago, most of us had never heard of a coronavirus, but today it is all we hear about. Our friends and family talk about it, and the media drones on incessantly, adding more fuel to the fear.
How do we combat that fear? How do we get back to a calm, cool, and collected existence?
Managing a crisis well comes down to where your focus is.
Your emotional state follows where your focus is.
A buddy, let’s call him Billy, and his wife have been on edge since the government’s social distancing guidelines came out. Their TV has been constantly on and fixed to various news channels. All they hear is doom and gloom. They are a younger couple, solidly in the age group that is less likely to be affected by the virus, and yet they are terrified to leave their house.
Meanwhile, across town I have another friend, let’s call him James. While taking precautions, James and his wife have largely continued about their life. While James’ wife is out taking care of family, James has been working hard, preparing their boat for a summer cruise. In the evening, after their dinner meal, they listen to the latest updates in the virus. Though they can cite the stats, and are in the most vulnerable age group, they are unafraid.
They are both experiencing the same crisis and choosing to approach it from different angles.
Though Billy is in the safer group, he focuses on the negative. The fear being hurled at him through the airwaves is a never-ending torrent, reinforcing his fear and blinding him to the good around him.
James, on the other hand, has chosen to stay informed on the crisis, but focuses his attention on the good things, his family, and the vacation they will soon be enjoying.
What you choose to focus on defines your state of mind.
Focus on the negative and fear will overwhelm you. Focus on the positive and you can still experience joy in the midst…
