By Barbara Britt
“I do believe we’re all connected. I do believe in positive energy. I do believe in the power of prayer. I do believe in putting good out into the world, and I believe in taking care of each other.”
Harvey Fierstein
I hear it over and over how people can’t wait to get back to normal. With all the change and innovation that is required when responding to a worldwide crisis, going back is not an option. Can you imagine how devastating it would be to not have grown from the crisis, to not implement newer smarter systems, to not adjust the way we live in order to take better care of ourselves and each other, or to not have capitalized on an opportunity further unify the world…“to go back to the way we were?”
During a crisis we know that terrible things will happen. We also know from history that another crisis will come and life will go on. The opportunity for major breakthroughs is there…for the people who seek out new horizons.
During this pandemic is the time to move forward. Living into the future, with resilience and hope. When people have the ability to grow their perspectives change. Families are pulled together, reunited with a common cause, and creativity is alive and needed everywhere.
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
Ask yourself and those in your family, church, community, work, and the world a few of these questions. Watch how your enthusiasm for life and opportunity grows. Watch how negative people who are only interested in their own agendas hinder progress and breed stagnating fear. It is amazing how small acts of selflessness and kindness can potentially change the world.
“People don’t care how much you know until they know who much you care.”
Ask these questions to yourself and others. Listen and take a moment to reflect.
1. What have you lost during the quarantine?
We’ve all had to lose something during this crisis. For some the loss was simple like losing the freedom to get together with clients and friends. For others, the loss was more serious, like the loss of a love one, the loss of a job or financial instability. This pandemic has affected everyone in one way or another.
Realizing the difference between loss that requires us to pivot and change versus devastating loss can build perspective. With perspective it’s easier to focus on gratitude, motivating us to build a new future. Now is the time.
2. What have you gained through this quarantine?
We have watched people do extraordinary things all around the world. The best part is that it does not seem to matter what age, class, color or gender. There are people out there demonstrating the best of themselves and humanity. People are finding out they can accomplish anything one step at a time, that they can make a difference. Sit down as a family or a team and build an action plan to grow together, to find out what matters most and make a difference. I love to ask people, “what have you learned today, this week, or in the last month?” What are you creating? I am amazed at all the creativity and accomplishments. Make a practice of asking this of yourself and those around you. Watch everyone become more selfless, more intentional about helping others and creating change. Now is the time.
3. What has been revealed to you about your faith? Have you handled the chaos with faith or were you finding yourself in fear pushing away? Now is the time to spend quiet time in reflection.
4. What has this hardship revealed about your family, friends, church, community, or business? For those who care to see it, these times can illuminate your weaknesses and your strengths.
If you spend this time asking yourself these questions and dedicate time to reflection, you will be amazed at what you are capable of doing. Make this a time to reflect and grow. This time can be one of your finest hours.
As an individual, a family or a team, keep a journal of this time with your thoughts and potential progress. Remember this is not a time to WAIT; it is a time to GROW.
If you’re ready to grow and develop please go to my web site barbarabritt.com, email [email protected].
