Unexpected Bumps in the Road
Image source: Matt Dobson, Fine Art America
Many of us try to separate our personal and professional lives. But when I was recently faced with an unexpected and alarming family health emergency, I found my personal life immediately colliding with my professional one. Adjusting meetings, delegating to others, taking calls from hospital hallways, and learning new medical terms became the norm overnight (and, thankfully, things are progressing well).
When we find ourselves in an unexpected and unwanted situation, it’s easy to spiral into negative thoughts about the future.
And while we are powerless over so many things, we must remember that how we respond to a situation has a huge impact on how things go.
Here are a few things that help me keep a better mindset in times of struggle and uncertainty:
Take it one day at a time. Know that every day is different. Don’t beat yourself up when things don’t go the way you planned.
Keep a positive attitude, but don’t bury your feelings. When external factors are controlling your situation, often the only thing you can control is your attitude. Allow yourself to feel sad, have a good cry, and then focus on any silver linings.
Be empathetic. Expressing empathy is highly effective and powerful. Practice empathy with your loved one, their significant other, yourself, and the changing dynamics.
Take care of yourself. Continue to maintain your personal schedules and discipline: prioritize sleep, move your body, get fresh air, and eat nourishing food instead of junk. You can’t help anyone if you exhaust yourself or get sick.
Lean on your support system. People genuinely want to help. I’m thankful for my amazing team, family, friends, and community.
Bumps in the road pop up for all of us—they can be large or small. But when things aren’t “business as usual,” it’s important to take stock of what’s really important, continue to show up, let go of what you can’t control, delegate, and rely on your team and loved ones. Remember: This too shall pass.
Recommended Reading
Find the Good by Heather Lende
This is an inspiring and uplifting book with a fresh perspective on intentionally finding the positives instead of negatives in our lives, relationships, communities, and our world.
Written by an obituary writer in a small town in Alaska, this book will have you reflecting on your own life decisions and how they can impact your future.
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