In the aftermath of my injury, I found myself in an entirely new and unsettling psychological state. I lived with the anxiety of the constant risk of setbacks. I felt as if my previous life had been completely dismantled and I was forced against my will to adapt to a new normal.
Sound familiar?
As the world confronts the coronavirus pandemic, several people now find themselves living in a similar state of mind, albeit under different circumstances.
I wanted to share a recipe that helped me confront the future I faced. I don’t claim to have the answers, but perhaps this might help others during these challenging times. The concepts are nothing new to longtime readers of this blog, and I also stress them in my book. And anyone who has seen me speak has also heard them.
That’s because I have continued to use them. And at least for me, they work.
WHAT HELPS ME DE-STRESS:
Focus on the NOW. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, and no amount of worrying can impact anything. Sometimes it’s better to keep a short-term horizon. I have always found that any problem is much more manageable when broken down to its simplest parts.
Celebrate Every Victory – Even Small Ones. Who doesn’t love a reason to celebrate! I recently wrote about this in more detail which you can check out here.
Incrementally Get Back What Has Been Lost. Things aren’t going to return to normal overnight. That’s okay. It allows us time to adapt and recalibrate. However, don’t stop working towards what it is you seek. Just realize, some things take time.
Appreciate the Little Things. Perhaps social distancing and sheltering in place will help you find a greater appreciation for the things that make you feel alive. When you do resume some of your old habits, make sure to appreciate what you took for granted.
WHAT ADVERSITY TAUGHT ME:
It All Starts with the Right Attitude. Perhaps the single greatest lesson I have put to use in my life that has made a difference.
Do Not Let Adversity Define You. The impact that adversity has on your life does not have to be permanent. Choose to let your actions in the face of adversity define you.
Inch by Inch Is a Cinch, Yard by Yard Is Hard. It’s easy to allow yourself to be overwhelmed, especially these days. Glimmers of hope present themselves every day. Eventually, days stretch into weeks, and weeks into months.
There’ll be good days and bad days. Ebb and flow is the natural order of things. Stay the course and don’t get discouraged as things fluctuate.
Keep the faith and believe. “For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18
A few other “universal truths” you might consider revisiting can be found here. here
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and joyous Easter! He is risen!
Stand Strong!
Scott
Wow very well written and inspirational! thank you for sharing. I also been struggling a lot later with this corona I was starting to get better from my car accident and then my clinic closed… Ive been doing a lot of therapy at home with my active passive trainer i got from here https://www.tzora.com/apt/ well best of luck to everyone
I bought one also a couple weeks ago to continue therapy from home and I am so happy with it!
Thanks for the much needed help and inspiration, Scott.
Happy Easter.
Thank you Scott
Great stuff. Thanks for sharing in the midst of all is uncertainty in the world. Awesome to have your voice of clarity
Beautifully said, as always sir Scott. Happy Easter!
Scott, Thank you, your words help. God Bless
Thank you Scott. Your timing is impeccable, and your words are spot on.
Happy Easter to you and your family!
Well said, Scott. I miss our visits. Hope you will be able to enjoy Easter with your family through Skype or Zoom.
Scott,
Words to live our lives by. I have lots of recipes most of which never turn out right. But this my friend, is a keeper and came at a time when I could really use it. I’ve already passed your ‘recipe’ along to a few friends who are struggling.
Happy Easter to you and your family. I pray for a turnaround to current events, but mostly I pray for you Scott. Thanks for keeping so many of us motivated.
Thank you. Your words give hope to the hopeless. Have a Blessed Easter.
Thank you, Scott. I have such a deep respect for your spunk and wisdom. Many blessings to you and all your family during this Holy time of year!
Scott, I have a deep respect for your level of spunk and wisdom. Your book is filled with inspiration that has touched every person who reads it. Thank you again for sharing your heart and your wisdom today—reminding us what is truly important in this time on earth. God bless you and all your family during this Holy time of year ! Happy Easter 🙏🏻
As always inspirational Scott! Thank you for sharing your encouraging thoughts!
Happy Easter to you and your family💜💜💜
LOVE IT! Perfect timing, as always! Hugs!!
Thank you Scott for this reminder and encouraging words.
You stay safe and well. May God watch over you and your family always.
Thank you Scott for this reminder. There are days when I feel like I am not coping very well with the situation at hand and when it will end. This will help (and so does my gardening in my yard). Happy Easter Scott! He IS risen! Alleluia!
A great reading and inspiration, especially during this most Solemn Week. Happy Easter to you, too, Scott!
Scott fantastic advice from a man who has been through so much. God bless and stay safe my friend.