When people ask me how I am faring during this Corona Crisis, I answer like this:

93% of the time I am great.  I love being home, doing what I enjoy, without the stress of quotas, clients cancelling, rushing from one place to another, following my self-imposed rules of what I can and can’t do, and not having to dress up for work.   I rent a place on the water and I am truly at peace just watching the waves crash one after the other.

The other 7% of the time, however, I don’t feel that great.  I feel like I am losing my mind, can’t stand myself or the world, and can’t figure out what to do.  It is a terrible feeling.

At the beginning though, I think I was 7% good and 93% in the Corona Crazy zone.  So I am very happy with with great 93% now.   How did I reverse it?  Here are some actions I’ve been taking:

• I stopped watching the news
• I am using this time to do what I love:  writing, connecting with people, developing a business plan for my semi-retirement, reading, meditating, and working out.
• I have started taking 1-2 walks a day to clear my mind and listen to great music
• I reach out to my friends when I need to talk something out – in the sharing, I can see what is real and what is “my fear based story” about what is happening
• I am offering 90 day plans to my friends and family – It’s fun for me, and they get to identify a dream/goal that they want to accomplish.  Together we get excited about their vision and the concrete steps they need to take to accomplish it.  I feel great because it truly makes a difference in their lives.
• I’m reading books that will develop my skills in sales and as a person
• I am also reading fiction – I love a good story
• I’m meditating, watching the waves, and just trying to be present

And, when all that fails, I just allow myself a really good cry.  It’s not always easy to know when that will be helpful, but it’s usually when I’m thinking:  “I just can’t take this anymore.  What can I eat or drink?”  That’s when I know I need to allow myself to emote.

I’m not saying these times aren’t stressful.  The uncertainty is real.  What I hear on the news is frightening.

But all we have is right here, right now.  I am sitting at my desk typing.  That’s all that’s happening.  The rest is a swirl of fear and wanting to know. It’s the Feared For Future, not our Real Future.  We really don’t know what will happen tomorrow.  Because all we have, as I said, is right now.

My advice:  Do more of what makes you happy.  Reach out to someone and just listen to them.  Share when you need to share.   Cry when you need to cry.  And definitely, watch less news.

Hope you are all staying healthy.  Thanks for listening.