It is in these uncertain times that we will have many feelings and emotions. For some of us, it may mean that these feelings and emotions that you struggle with on a daily basis can become more intense. For others some feelings and emotions may be new or rare.

Either way, this is a reminder to anyone who needs it…it is okay to feel how you are feeling. Even if that is feeling positive and good one moment and fearful and anxious the next. For many, this journey is a rollercoaster and we all have different experiences.

It is okay to feel whatever you feel right now and there is no right or wrong. But please remember, it is also important to not let our fears overpower us and control us.

I am mindful that this blog highlights the difficult time we are going through and I am one to definitely promote avoiding reading too much negativity that can impact on your mental health. But, hang in there!

My aim is to simply recognise how many of us are feeling, there is no hiding the elephant in the room but if just one person can relate to these feelings and feel reassured or not alone then that puts a big smile on my face.

Anyway, I have been thinking about the power of our minds and in particular fear vs hope.

Let me explain Fear. Fear is an emotion induced by perceived danger or threat, which causes physiological changes and ultimately behavioural changes. Fear is closely related to the emotion anxiety, which occurs as the result of threats that are perceived to be uncontrollable or unavoidable.

During times of change and uncertainty, experiencing the emotion fear is completely understandable. And if this relates to you, please remember you are not alone. In just one moment, our whole lives changed.

Everything we took for granted, such as freely walking in to the shops with no queues, shelves being fully stocked, spending time with friends and family and travelling wherever we want. And ultimately our freedom has stopped abruptly.

For some people, they can no longer work, which can bring worry about finances and the future. For others they have been asked to work from home which can be difficult and feel isolating for some if this is not something you are used to and key workers whose roles are vital for public health and safety continue to work in the most difficult times, putting themselves at risk. And I think we can all agree that we are eternally grateful for this.

The news and social media can be a scary place at the moment and we should be mindful of what we are absorbing daily. Yes, we need to have updates and understand the most recent guidance. However, that is all we need to be absorbing. This doesn’t mean we are being ignorant to what is going on around us. For many this will mean, “I need to be kind to myself and look after my mental health”.

There is no doubt that everyone has been effected by this worldwide pandemic, some more than others. My thoughts go out to anyone struggling.

On a positive note, it is during this time that we have seen true kindness around us, positive, uplifting and heartfelt acts of kindness. The message “we are all in this together” is everywhere to be seen. This message alongside other positive news and media posts is what gives us hope.

Hope is something good that you want to happen in the future, or a confident feeling about what will happen in the future. Hope for some can mean always looking on the bright side and seeing challenges as opportunities. In other words, always “hoping for the best”.

Hope can have different meanings to people, but hope in general means a desire for things to change for the better, and to want that better situation very much. It is important to remember during this difficult time that hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.

When we try and take some control of our fears, there is an antidote that is sure to help…hope.

And as I sit writing this over Easter weekend I can’t help but think that Easter is said to be a symbol of hope, renewal and new life. Well, I don’t know about you but I think that’s a sign!

So, let’s try to challenge our fears with hope. Life is short, don’t take one day for granted. Everything can change in a moment. Be grateful for what you have and all you are. Cherish those you love.

Soon, when all is well, you will look back on this time. You will have a new perspective and a new love for life and feel grateful for the lessons learned.

Choose hope…brighter days are coming.

Love,
ThinkLess*LiveMore

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