Why not? I mean, honestly, what do you have to lose???
Not too long ago, I was hanging out on a rooftop pool, loving life, totally unaware of the insanity that was about to ensue in the world. As I lay there, soaking up the sun (and freckling all over, thanks to genes from my Irish grandmother), I realized that as heartbroken as I was in that picture (and still am), everything was going to be okay.
How could I be so sure?
Well, the picture pretty much says it all. That's me--my real body. All natural, too. How or why anyone could ever break my heart is clearly not a "me" problem. Insecurity is always the answer. Another word for insecurity? Self-sabotage.
Ah, self-sabotage...I know it well. But that's so 2018, people!!! It's 2020. Time for a #GlowUp!
No more whining. No more crying. Yes, things are frustrating. And of course everything sucks--how could it not??? We're in the midst of a pandemic! This is not a drill. It's very serious. Life as we knew it is effectively over. Sure, a vaccine is imminent and once distributed to the seven or so billion folks on the planet, things like international travel will be possible again. But in the meantime, there's no need to sit around and watch the oh-so depressing news. Focus on the positive! Because, even in the midst of a freakin' pandemic, there are still PLENTY of things to be grateful for.
I'm grateful for love. And for the opportunity to experience it. At least once, anyway. I'm grateful to know a person exists in this world who made my mind, my heart, my body, and my soul sing. I'm grateful for the basics, too--a little food, my one roll of TP (Seinfeld comes to mind: "I can't spare a square!"), adequate shelter, and water.
Know what else I'm thankful for during this pandemic? The internet.
I have friends in Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Brazil, Finland, Russia, UK, Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, India, Nepal, Australia, New Zealand...and, all over Canada and the States. Today, I took a few hours sending messages to many of them to check in. A gal-pal in England asked after this gorgeous British friend of mine, inquiring if he had a single father or uncle for her, inviting us all to join her at her place in Crete once things have calmed down. Another friend (or chara in Gaeilge) in Ireland left me a voice message that had me absolutely rolling as he riffed on how this whole C19 scare would probably end up leading to some new sex fetish. And, a long-time Finnish ystava earnestly wished me well, urging me to stay safe.
All of the above was good for my soul. I started to feel like myself again, even dancing around my kitchen and singing to this old Pink song I hadn't heard in ages.
If you look, you can find moments of simple joy to celebrate everyday miracles like friendship.
Gyms are temporarily closing around the globe. So what??? Once upon a time, humans stayed in shape by walking, swimming, climbing, running, bending over repeatedly--not for deadlifts--but to pick up things like rocks and berries. The canals of Venice aren't the only things getting cleaner and more natural--we humans have that same opportunity as well. Take advantage of it!
It's time for a good ol' fashion #GlowUp! Wherever you are in the world, you now have all the time you need to make yourself better, smarter, fitter, hawter, wealthier...get more creative, more resourceful, even more ambitious! Why not? We're in the midst of a pandemic--you quite literally have NOTHING TO LOSE.
No one is promised or owed a thing in this world of ours. Life can change on a dime. You're in love with the right person but in a relationship with the wrong one??? Now's your chance to clear those negatives! Have crucial conversations. Be courageous! If you can't be honest during a pandemic, when can you be?
Your moment is approaching. Be ready to seize it!
And yes, I did apply to Harvard. Harvard Business School, to be exact. I got in, too. Online classes start at the end of August. I also started a new book, sent in a proposal, and canvased a bunch of job opps. It's optimistic, sure, but LinkedIn is full of new listings--a good sign for the future.
Right before the travel ban, I was offered a job in London. Yes, London. I was considering it, too, but when the travel ban hit, so did a hiring freeze. However, that doesn't mean my life has to freeze just because the job market has.
At this stage of my life, I know my value. Even though I feel pain, I also understand that it will eventually stop. Might take some time, but we're in the midst of a quarantine...all I have is time. It's the same for each of you, too.
Today started off on the difficult side. I was feeling tired, depressed, and generally sorry for myself. But after a little #GlowUp, I remembered all the good things in my life, like the people who cared enough about me to reach out during this scary time. It made me wonder why I'd even spent a single nanosecond fretting over anyone who can't be bothered.
When we feel rejected/dejected, our perspective gets skewed. In those moments, remember who you are--and all the positives you have in your life right now. To help you do that, review recent pictures on your camera roll and remind yourself of both your inner and outer beauty. Reinforce that positive glow by listening to music and dancing around your kitchen--clothing optional! While there, try (and maybe fail at) some new recipes--you have the time! Then, look up dream jobs on LinkedIn and apply to a few. Keep working on your bucket list, too, like attending Harvard. And, no matter what's happening around you, always hold your head high and smile.
You were not built to just survive--you were built to thrive! NEVER FORGET IT!!!
Focus instead on what you can do, not what you can't. One of those things is to give yourself closure if you need it. Never wait for anyone to give it to you--because the people you need it from are already long gone. Time to self-soothe! Write yourself a letter. Let yourself know you're loved. Because, frankly, the most important relationship you'll ever have is with yourself.
Be brave! And stay safe by staying home. Things will improve. Until then, use quarantine to make yourself better, inside and out. The moment this pandemic is over, make good on the promises you made to yourself. Tell that guy or girl you love them. Ask for a divorce. Sign up for a Master Class. Make plans to travel. Join a dating app. Go blonde. Have a threesome.
Whatever it is that makes your heart sing, do it. No more waiting. The Universe is giving you the green-light to #GlowUp...it's your Destiny. And, there's no denying Destiny.
COVID-19 is a wake-up call. Answer it! If you don't or can't, it's time to ask for help--check out the array of sessions offered right here and sign up to move your life forward today:
Built for Victory!