Coronavirus has forced us to accept a different “normal.” Each of us has been impacted. There is no playbook for living through a pandemic. We all had to find new ways of living life fully while waiting for a vaccine, or for things to get better. Trying to regain one’s footing while living through the fluid reality of an ongoing global crisis can be stressful. When you recognize feeling crushed by life, remember that you have the power to change the narrative. To shift from overwhelmed to empowered, connect to your inner strength, the things you can offer the world that give your life meaning and direction. When hard times hit, choose personal empowerment. Look for the opportunity to make a positive impact.
The antidote to fear and hopelessness is meaning and legacy. Know that you matter and can make a difference in the world by being a spreader of hope. Most people would be amazed at how much they can do if they put their mind to it. That said, making a difference may seem like a huge undertaking and a massive responsibility. “How can one person matter?” is a question as old as time. It is one of the basic existential queries humans have grappled with echoing down the generations. Human-beings have long been and probably will always be exploring questions such as: Why are we here? What makes us special? What is the meaning of life? All things are impermanent, and all we leave behind is our legacy. If we live well enough, we live on in the hearts of the people whose life we touch. How do you want to be remembered?
To make your community brighter this holiday season, and all year round, you don’t have to know all the answers. Just keep asking the right questions. Keep pushing the limits of your empowerment, and then some, to go further and do more. Never doubt the power of one person to make a difference. It starts by believing in something bigger than yourself. Making a difference doesn’t have to be about making a big, earthshattering change. Small actions can make a big impact. Moreover, making a difference needn’t be altruistic. Do the things that are important to you, starting by doing whatever is withing your ability today to contribute to, or add value to things that matter. If you feel connected to something bigger than yourself, you’d be highly motivated to put forth the effort. When you find that clear connection between what you value and what you do, you will be able to tap into your inner reserves of strength, energy, and wisdom to do things that are worth remembering.
Trust that you have the ability to initiate change within your sphere of influence, the different circles of people in your life. A legacy to leave behind is improving the lives of people; your family, friends, and the different kinds of communities where you work and live. Empowerment is about getting out of your own space to reach out to others in order to impact a long-lasting improvement rather than a temporary effect. Setting goals that would allow you to make a positive difference would also inspire you to fully show up, to unleash your full potential, and to strive for greater heights. A mark of a great achiever is doing well the things worth doing. Do your best to contribute the most. You will be rewarded with a deep sense of fulfillment, an enriched life. Not to be confused with the pursuit of happiness - chasing happiness is about seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. Fulfillment is about connecting with and contributing to a broader, transcendent aspiration, beyond personal gain and enjoyment.
Remember that you can control your own source of positive influence. Here are three ideas to actively look at the bright side and spread the light:
1. Take a tourist’s point of view
As we get used to our familiar surroundings and people, we may lose the sense of wonder and forget to pause and appreciate what we have. I love to travel and often experience the feeling of being utterly in awe when visiting a new place. But when at home, I tend to forget I actually live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. So, I need to remind myself to look at my life from a tourist’s point of view. To reawaken the sense of appreciation and wonder at all the blessings of my life. Come on, hop on that imaginary tour bus of your life and look for all the good that exist. Notice all the great things to write home about.
2. Stay in your power
We are what we say. The more you talk about how bad things are, the more likely you are to notice the negative things around you, perpetuating a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and emotions. More importantly, we are what we do. Change the words you use to give your language a positive polish. As you recognize the good and ground yourself in possibilities, you might just find the drive to take matters into your own hands for your own happiness and fulfillment. Recognize that you can be merry and bright. Take pleasure in the mundane and enjoy the simple pleasures.
3. Spread the joy
Covid-19 is contagious, but happiness is contagious, too. You know what they say:” Don’t hog the nog!” Everyone has something worth sharing. Random acts of kindness impact everyone involved. They help the recipient feel better, but they also boost the giver’s happiness and well-being. Doing good is always a healthy choice. Find happiness in the “ordinary,” in simple living and loving, and share it with others.
Personal empowerment means treating yourself and others with kindness and generosity. Perhaps it is our lesson learned this year: we don’t need much to spread positivity throughout the year.
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