Look For Opportunities To Turn Your Cannot’s Into Cans.

I was sitting here, thinking about all that has transpired over the past few months. Whew, it’s been an enormous whirlwind, but I have experienced goodness, even amidst the destruction of lifestyles that are forever changed.

My intention is not to make light of the current crises. I get it. In April, my uncle died—I don’t think the virus caused his death, but his passing was unexpected. Family and friends did not get to say good-bye, or I love you. The punch to the gut is that, like so many others, his wife could not hold a traditional service that he so much deserved. He was kind, funny, hardworking, and generous. Rest In Peace PS.

When the madness started, our country was shrouded in uncertainty, gloom, and doom. I made a conscious decision to stay informed but also to look for the light in each day. I told myself, “Girl, you cannot, and you will not get drawn into the recurrence of hourly news updates.” Even when hubby got sucked into the vacuum of CNN, #45, and the daily “breaking news,” I couldn’t get out of the room or cover my ears fast enough.

While TVs are blaring, my earbuds and headphones are my new best friend. I listen to my three favorite podcasts, How Does She Do It, Behind the Brilliance, and SecureTheSeat.  

Music is another favorite. I’ve got an eclectic taste in music. My family is used to me dancing in the kitchen, up and down the steps, loud finger-popping, and singing in my hammock.

Discover what boosts your mood and feeds your spirit, and do more of that.

I live each day intentionally, and turn any potential I cannot moments to I can. 

Anyway, what’s good about the past two and a half months? Please sit down; I’m going to tell you. I won’t take too much of your time.

Believe me, when I say, God is good!

One of my goals for the new year was to teach online. In March, the face-to-face classes I taught at a local college immediately transitioned to online courses. Check! Mission accomplished.

Understandably, many of my students went into panic mode. They were not prepared for online learning. It was my first semester teaching, and I was finally settling in and getting comfortable with my new job in the classroom. Freaking out would only invite more chaos.

I focused on what I could do. Pick a platform (Blackboard and Zoom). Reassure my students. Do the best that I can. It all worked. I survived, and so did my students. Additionally, I can now add new skills to my resume.

Another target for 2020 was gaining recerts for expired fitness and meditation certifications. Time and distance caused a dilemma, and I was uncertain about how I would renew them. In comes the pandemic as with the opportunity to recertify online.

A third and long-time objective was to work with recent high school graduates transitioning to college. Check! It’s coming off of the list. I’m teaching two virtual classes this summer to high risk, first-generation college-bound students. I’m so excited!! Oh, and one class is virtual Physical Education. I’m delighted!!

I curated a safe, mental, and emotional space to get through the pandemic but also a place to soak up knowledge.

In getting through any problematic situation, the same amount of energy that you exert to overreact, worry, and complain, you can use to focus on finding solutions to improve your circumstance. When you are busy executing an action plan, you won’t have time to wallow in despair.

Feeling afraid and anxious about the future is expected. Acknowledge your pain. Feel it and let the tears flow; eventually, they will dry up. Pray fiercely and with intention. Then work the damn plan…everyday!

I continue to work my plan and adjust it as needed. At this point, I presume the year will continue on its unprecedented path. I am not going to worry about it, and neither should you. We have to continue to focus on what we can do with the hand that we’re dealt.

If you are unemployed, try to take advantage of the free virtual courses. Develop some new skills. If you’re like me and aren’t ready for face-to-face interactions, network virtually, and register for a webinar or workshop on a topic that interests you.

I don’t have many answers, and Lord knows, there’s no playbook for this story. What I do know is that the next six months will look different from the past six months. The upcoming months will look and feel, unlike anything we have ever experienced. I can’t put too much energy into that thought, and neither should you.

What we can do is live smart. Maintain awareness of the country’s climate. I will work on my plan, and you should too. If you don’t have a strategy for the next half of the year, begin working on it. Points to consider in no particular order.

• Fiances - Are your finances stable? If not, what steps can you take to achieve stability? What are your goals? Do you need to improve your credit? Pay down debt?

• Family - Are you a caretaker for an elderly parent? Do you have children? Are they school-aged or near graduation? How can you prepare them for the upcoming school year? How is his/her emotional well-being? How are they staying connected with their peers?

• Health - Are you taking care of yourself? What are your eating habits? Are you engaging in some form of physical fitness? How do you managing stress? Do you need to schedule any of your annual visits? Is your blood-pressure stable? 

• Employment - Is there If you are unemployed, have you updated your resume? Have you assessed your skills? Do you have skills that you have not considered? Is there something you are passionate about that you’ve always wanted to explore? Perhaps now is the time. Are you up-to-date on the current hiring trends? How can you position yourself to take advantage of opportunities that may come your way?  

• Education - When was the last time you took a course, a workshop, or professional development?  Coursera offers a variety of courses that you can take for free. Have you always wanted to earn a degree or go back to school? Maybe now is the time. 

What I’m saying is to use the downtime to move forward. If you have young children at home; I get it, they take time and energy; however, you also deserve the time and energy. Whatever your situation, it is crucial to create purposeful time for yourself. Even if it is 30 minutes each day, you will be surprised by what you accomplish with consistent use of chunks of time.

Remember, you matter, every day!

Henry Ford’s famous quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right,” is suitable and worthy of your consideration.