Control what you can control.
It will take as long as it takes. Control what you can control.
I shared the above words in March of 2020, not long after the first quarantine began. At the time the entire world was freaking out about the uncertainty that lay before us. Like you, I imagine, my days cycled wildly between fear and anxiety. They still do sometimes. Not necessarily in regards to the pandemic, but to life in general.
And then I remind myself: control what you can control.
Grab your journal or a sheet a paper and make a list of things you can control.
Here’s mine:
gratitude practice
meditation practice
regular walks (every day please!)
what foods I put into my body
making time for connection
news intake (as little as possible!)
breathwork practice and deep breaths in general
creative expression
how I talk to myself
When we focus on what we’re unable to control, which is everything outside of us, we tend to feel powerless and afraid. So why not focus on what we can control? Consider what matters to you, what brings you more ease and joy and hope, and then give your energy to those things. If meditation helps you feel more peaceful, then make time to meditate. If you love to walk, then take walks. If painting makes your heart sing, then grab your brushes.
We are not powerless. In fact, we are powerful beyond measure in our capacity to change our lives. YOU are powerful beyond measure. Start looking at what you can control and be intentional about where your energy goes in terms of those things. There’s no way you won’t notice a difference in your life. It’s the only possibility.
If you’re so inspired, share in the comments some of the practices that bring you peace, or joy, or meaning. I’d love to know.
With Big and Bigger Love,
Scott