WTFUD?

I woke up at 4:30 this morning and I swear if the human brain is capable of processing 60,000 thoughts a day, I can tell you the first 1,000 thoughts running through my mind were FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt).  I suspect I'm not alone! If this was you this morning...you are not alone (well at least you know I was with you!).  So, what did I do? I caught these negative thoughts and told myself to stop thinking this way (good). I immediately checked my news feed (bad...or was it)?

 First headline "More than half of American jobs are at risk because of coronavirus." This headline alone could make one crawl back into bed and pull the covers over their head.  I'm glad I kept reading.  You see,  last week was all about me.  With my business a large portion of what we do has always been done virtually.  With survival or "safety" mode kicking in, I'm thinking how do we keep helping and serving others and yes take care of the people/animals who count on me (family, dogs, and partners...yes in that order (sorry partners :)))

With the focus squarely off of "me" how about the folks and businesses who can not serve virtually and will feel the impact of recessions most.  Food truck, hair stylist, dog-walker, babysitter, sanitation engineer, construction worker, restaurant workers, leisure and travel, dry-cleaner, lawn services, and the list goes on. Last I checked most of these are pretty tough to do virtually.   In down economies these areas are always hit hardest first.  A crisis has a way of putting things in perspective and a reminder of what I should be thinking of daily.  I'll keep it simple with pictures and a few small thoughts on 5.5 daily to do's!

1. Empathy and Understanding

Empathy isn't about fixing, it's the brave choice to be with someone in their darkness--not to race to turn on the light so we feel better --Brene Brown

2. Build People Up

Mirror and the glass.  When things are not going well hold up the mirror and ask yourself what am I doing to cause this.  When something is going well look through the glass and praise others.  Encourage those around you and help them overcome fears.

3. Focus on What is Right

We often think of the ostrich burying its head in the sand to ignore what is happening around them. Don't ignore reality and yes these are trying times.  Take a minute to look around you and ask "What is right?" You might be surprised by reprogramming your mind to ask this question first what you will find. 

4. Don't Forget About Yourself

Author Shawn Achor shares three things one can do each day re-wire our brains for happiness.  In ten minutes you will learn the power of journaling, exercising, and praising others might be the secret to better happiness.

https://www.ted.com/talks/shaw...

5. Activation Energy

Helping others get started.  Many folks are experiencing the remote working environment for the first time. The ability to work remotely requires the ability to be a strong self-starter. Personally focus on one thing you can do to get started each morning.  Better yet, help "flatten" the activation energy curve by helping someone else get started!

5.5Laugh, Think, Cry

Let's all remember to do our part during good times and times of challenge.