We are living in surreal times for sure. Even if you are under a rock, you know that we're in the midst of a global pandemic with the COVID-19; Coronavirus. My inbox has been flooded by everyone from my healthcare providers, to retailers and even couture fashion houses with necessary steps being put into place to ensure the safety and protection of both their customers and staff.
Uncertainty is swelling hour by hour, and the masses are in a panic reacting to the constant newsfeed about the virus. We have no control of what is happening in the world and we are completely aware that the situation is both serious and uncertain and the necessary precautions absolutely must be taken.
Fear and anxiety is being perpetuated by the shortage of food and supplies at grocery stores and business closings. There are even countries who have shut down. But here's the deal. Fear and anxiety is a choice. Yep! I said it. You get to choose how you want to feel about any situation. The media is not creating your anxiety; you are. The news is just that, the news. We can't control the outside world, people, or circumstances. The only thing we truly have control of is our thoughts. Know that our thoughts create our feelings, our feelings create our actions, and our actions in turn create our life.
When tragic, unexpected events like this happen, or we feel a loss of control, we have the propensity to pacify or overindulge with overeating, over drinking, over medicating, and even binge-watching Netflix. We do anything not to feel and/checkout to avoid the issues at hand. More often than not, there is an unfamiliarlty with managing our emotions. Many of you look to others and question how you should be feeling about this, or adapt their fear and panic and decide how you feel based on solicited suggestions or input that's not even yours. STOP IT!
This is a great opportunity to exercise your mental health muscle. The muscle of being aware of your thoughts and managing your mindset. It is a daily practice. Am I saying not to feel your emotions? NO! That's the beauty in the contrasts of life. What I am saying is to give yourself space. Feel your feelings and process that specific emotion and then make a conscious, intentional decision on how you want to think and feel. YOU my friend, are in control of your mind. It's the only thing we truly have control of. It is our universal Super Power.
We don't know what the next few weeks hold for us and we can do one of two things; we can react to what's happening around us or respond with purpose and intention. Think of what you can gain during this time; reconnection, health, an opportunity to seek peace. That my dear is an inside job.
My mission is to empower and inspire women to live Extraordinary Lives and to do so with Extraordinary Style. If you'd like to speak with me personally or want to join an upcoming Facebook Live, please reach out to me at sonya@sonyabarnes.com or follow me on Facebook @SonyaBarnesOfficial and Instagram @SonyaBarnesInternational
Be well! Be Safe!
Yours In Style,
Sonya
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