attitude

  • The power of now during Coronavirus

    The power of now. Thriving during a health crisis of COVID-19 Coronavirus.

    “Repeat After Me: This is not the new normal. This is the now.”

    Nedra Glover Tawwab, THERAPIST

    This quote about how this is no the new normal, this is the now… It had me thinking about the immense power of living in the moment. The power of now in times of Coronavirus.

    Being present.

    How to thrive during unprecedented times. 

    On a site note, what is normal anyway? We are heavily influenced by our upbringing, what we see in the media. What is normal?

    Back to the present moment. 

    What if this global event was a divine message of the universe to you out of your routine?

    A divine redirection, a detour Amazing Race style. An awakening.

    To remind you that you cannot control everything.

    To force you to surrender. 

    To nudge you to flex your mental muscles. 

    To be agile, adaptive and flexible. To remind you of your innate power within, that you can control our perspective and attitude. This applies to life as a whole, not only in times of a global health crisis such as COVID-19.

    When you are stuck in a rut.

    When you are feeling down and helpless.

    When you hit rock bottom.

    When you are at the mercy of events that are beyond your control. The loss of a loved one, the loss of your job, the break up that shattered your soul, the friendship where you were betrayed.

    What does this all mean?

    To be present.

    To be present in order to thrive during times of uncertainty as we globally face now.

    So how do you thrive during a health crisis such as COVID-19/Corona Virus?

    Be present. Be here. Be now. The power of now in times of Coronavirus.

    What a weird yet strangely incredible time, to be alive during a global event such as this. In this very moment, we are all experiencing a global health crisis. You cannot control or plan the future, like any other time, however this crisis gives you clarity on this notion.

    What you can do is be present.

    Feel your broad range of emotions. 

    I feel anxious. I feel scared. I feel hopeful. I feel hopeless. I feel nervous. I feel worried. I feel at peace. I feel positive. I feel.

    What are my current surroundings? What can you see? Is there a scent to the air?

    When eating a meal, what can you taste? Is it hot? Is it cold? Is it soft or crunchy? 

    What do you want to remember from this crisis? What is your ideal day? What lifts you up? What drains your energy? 

    Be.

    Instead of feeling frustrated that you cannot plan for the future, why not embrace now?

    Live in the moment. Live in the minute to minute, live day to day.

    Feel your mind, body and soul surrendering.  

    Surrendering to the present moment.

    Surrendering to inner peace.

    Enjoy the present moment. 

    Affirmations for being in the moment

    ♥ I am.

    ♥ I am here now.

    I am present.

    See the silver linings

    As humans we are wired to be bias to the negative unconsciously. 

    A study, Not all emotions are created equal: The negativity bias in social-emotional development by Vaish et. al states

    “…Adults display a negativity bias, or the propensity to attend to, learn from, and use negative information far more than positive information.”

    Vaish et. al

    Whilst it’s in our nature to easily see and feel the losses due to this crisis, there are silver linings.

    You know when you go through a heartbreak and you wish the world around you would stop? Well right now, the whole world is on some sort of strange pause of what you are used to. The whole world is essentially with you. We are all feeling the pain, however we all also have the opportunity to see the positivity in all of this.

    Examples of silver linings:

    Working from home enables a flexible way of living. There’s no commute to work, I can even wear my pyjama pants if I want to! I can easily do little tidbits around the house as a break from work. I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to work from home on a consistent basis and this is an opportunity to see what it is like.

    I have more time in my day as I no longer need to commute or because my work hours have been cut. I have been given more time! I can use this time to rest, to focus on my passions, to work on my projects, to spend time with my loved ones in my household.

    Clarity on what is important to me. This virus has stripped back my daily life. I have time to reflect. The absence of certain activities, products and people in my life makes it clear what I feel is important to my life. 

    Silver lining affirmations

    I can find the positivity amongst the chaos.
    ♥ There is always a positive to every experience in my life.
    ♥ This is an opportunity to have clarity on what is important to me.

    Maintain connection

    We are forced to connect in ways that we may not be used to. The absence of physical presence and touch makes you grateful for all the times you were able to.

    Connect with old friends.

    Connect with people who uplift our spirits.

    Connect with our community.

    You can connect in various ways such as online through Zoom or Skype. Using applications such as Houseparty, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, iMessage. Email. Over the phone. Find a Facebook group or forum to speak to like minded and different people.

    In saying that, you can also connect with yourself.

    You can do this by pausing. By breathing. By reflecting. Being in the present moment. 

    You are here now.

    The power of now in times of Coronavirus.

    Connection affirmations

    There are always ways to connect.
    ♥ I am well connected.
    ♥ I have the opportunity to deeply connect with myself.

    Self care

    Self care can take various forms. With daily life at a pause in this very moment, it is an amazing opportunity to take care of yourself. 

    “Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook.” 

    PsychCentral

    Examples of self care

    + Resting. Doing nothing at all.

    + Doing what nourishes your soul. That could be for example yoga, making a tea, having a bath, calling a friend, reading a book, journalling.

    + Speaking kindly to ourselves and melt away the negativity. Challenge your mind to see the positivity of a situation. For example instead of “I’m bored”, “How lucky am I to have an opportunity to find something to do. My options are a, b, c etc.”

    Self care affirmations

    I am important.
    ♥ I love myself

    ♥ I take care of myself.

    Pursue pleasure, set fire to your soul, to your life

    With the gift of time, give yourself permission to explore and focus on your self.

    Pleasure is defined as “a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment.”

    Pleasure comes in different forms.

    During a time like this, I’ve definitely felt guilty when I’m doing nothing… the below passage by Ella Jane in her article, “Can we stop trying to optimise our isolation?” really spoke to me.

    “The idea that we are supposed to continually self-optimise, even in the face of a life-threatening pandemic, is surely the dark underbelly of the hustle-culture we find ourselves in in 2020. We’re living in an age where each hour has been broken down for us in order to commodify our waking seconds.”

    ELLA JANE, RUSSH

    I think we can collectively agree that the age of COVID-19 is simply a terrifying time to be alive, and that tending to your basic needs while coping with so much is more than many people can handle, let alone the pressure of using each spare second to optimise our existence.

    LLA JANE, RUSSH

    We are all uniquely experiencing this moment.

    I’ve accepted and surrendered to the fact, at times I will feel like resting and doing nothing. At other times I will feel like being productive.

    No matter which it is, I hope the following questions will help you in pursuit of what you find pleasurable.

    + What is something you’ve always wanted to do or do more of? 

    + What makes you feel more alive? 

    + What makes you tingle with happiness?

    + What makes you excited to wake up in the morning? 

    + What makes you radiate positivity? 

    + What makes you smile?

    + What energises you?

    Pursuing your passion affirmations:

    ♥ I pursue my passion with zest and fire.
    ♥ I am radiantly alive.

    ♥ I feel so alive. I am full of energy. I am magnetic.

    In conclusion on the power of now, embracing uncertainty and thriving during a health crisis

    That concludes 5 tips on how to thrive during a health crisis such as COVID-19/Corona Virus.

    + Be present. Be here. Be now.
    + See the silver linings
    + Maintain connection
    + Self care
    + Pursue pleasure, set fire to your soul, to your life

    More affirmations to help you get through this uncertain time of COVID-19

    The power of affirmations to live a soul fulfilling life

    27 Calming affirmations and mantras for acceptance

    Struggling with anxious thoughts? Here are 22 powerful affirmations to reframe your thoughts for a positive mindset

    46 Affirmations to radiate self love

    Additional resources to help cope during this unprecedented time of COVID-19

    Coronavirus Anxiety: Coping with Stress, Fear, and WorryHelpGuide

    Coronavirus: Resources for anxiety, stress & wellbeing – Black Dog Institute

    Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service – BeyondBlue

    Decoding The Power of NowEckhart Tolle

    Click here to read more

  • Perspective, another point of view

    On perspective

    Perspective is way of seeing something. It is shaped by our upbringing, values and life experiences.

    It is another point of view.

    Our thoughts can change our perspective and how we see the world.

    It will be your prison or your passport.

    It is important to consider how everyone’s perspective is different, they are unique to us as is a fingerprint.

    When we consume media, we are experiencing and feeling actions and events unfold from the perspective of a character.

    When we consider another person’s perspective, we broaden and expand our horizons.

    We become aware and conscious of how we feel and perceive something to be.

    We become aware of the fact that a truth may not exist because everything is perspective.

    We become aware of our reality.

    Quotes to evoke thought on perspective

    When things don’t happen the way we want them to, it may be a blessing in disguise

    Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a remarkable stroke of luck

    Dalai Lama

    It’s how we choose to see something

    “The optimist sees the donut, the pessimist sees the hole.”

    Oscar Wilde

    Our perspective gives meaning to the world around us

    “Songs are as sad as the listener.”

    Jonathan Safran Foer

    Perspective shapes the world we live in

    “Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. Same world.”

    Wayne W. Dyer

    Our mindset plays a powerful role in our perspective

    “What is behind your eyes holds more power than what is in front of them.”

    Gary Zukav

    We can choose to see what happens to us as for our higher good, our growth, our personal development.

    “Nothing happens to you, it happens for you. See the positive in negative events.”

    Joel Osteen

    Sometimes the only control we have is in our perspective.

    “The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don’t have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it.

    CHRIS PINE

    It is easy to see a negative perspective and harder to have a positive perspective

    “It’s so easy to look around and notice what’s wrong. It takes practice to see what’s right.”

    Melody Beattie

    Perspective shapes our direction

    “Perspective is to painting what the bridle is to the horse, the rudder to a ship.”

    Leonardo Da Vinci

    Be open to other perspectives

    “If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.”

    ABRAHAM MASLOW

    How others perceive you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them

    “Your perception of me is a reflection of you.”

    LOUIS ARMSTRONG

    “We can’t choose the filters that others choose when they look at us.”

    anon

    Thinking of other peoples perspectives can provide clarity

    “Most misunderstandings in the world could be avoided if people would simply take the time to ask, ‘What else could this mean?'”

    Shannon L. Alder

    Perspective can help us with empathy

    “Empathy begins with understanding life from another person’s perspective. Nobody has an objective experience of reality. It’s all through our own individual prisms.”

    Sterling K. Brown

    Perspective helps us differentiate and to form a point of view

    “Perspective gives us the ability to accurately contrast the large with the small, and the important with the less important. Without it we are lost in a world where all ideas, news, and information look the same. We cannot differentiate, we cannot prioritize, and we cannot make good choices.”

    John Sununu

    Additional resources on perspective, other points of view

    3 counter intuitive ways to take on another person’s point of view – PsychologyCompass

    Perspectives in Modern Psychology – Kendra Cherry, Verywellmind

    Learning to see things from another’s perspective – David Chan, The Strait Times

    Click here to read more

  • What is beauty, on being beautiful

    On being beautiful? Beauty is an ever evolving, dynamic concept. It is viewed from the lens of each individuals perspective.

    On first thought, the external appearance will be what many people think of.

    There is no one definition of beauty.

    Girls of all kinds can be beautiful – from the thin, plus-sized, short, very tall, ebony to porcelain-skinned; the quirky, clumsy, shy, outgoing and all in between. It’s not easy though because many people still put beauty into a confining, narrow box…Think outside of the box…Pledge that you will look in the mirror and find the unique beauty in you. 

    TYRA BANKS

    Beauty does not have to be superficial.

    “Some of us teach ourselves and our children to love the superficial outer; our looks, hair, skin, clothes rather than the greater beauty that resides within whereas it is that inner beauty that really defines you and who you truly are.”

    Rassool Jibraeel Snyman

    Although the concept of beauty can definitely take into account your appearance if you so choose to see so.

    “Outer beauty pleases the EYE. Inner beauty captivates the HEART.”

    MANDY HALE

    To me, beauty is beyond the external.

    Beauty is a state of mind, it is a feeling.

    Being beautiful.

    When you glow on the inside, you inevitably radiate beauty on the outside.

    Beauty is being comfortable in your own skin.

    Beauty is knowing you are worthy.

    Beauty is being confident in yourself.

    Beauty is to radiate love.

    Inspirational quotes on beauty and on being beautiful

    Beauty is. Beauty is inherent in all beings. You are beautiful.

    “There is nothing ugly; I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may, — light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful.”    

    John Constable

    Inner beauty is beauty in its truest form.

    “I believe inner beauty is beauty in its truest form. When we nurture ourselves, it brings an inevitable, positive transformation.” 

    PAULA ABDUL

    You determine whether you are beautiful, no body else does.

    “People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing you are the beholder.”    

    Salma Hayek

    You are beautiful, even if you can’t see yourself.

    “Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well.” Anonymous

    Naya Rivera

    The best part of beauty is beyond your physical external appearance.

    “The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express.”

    FRANCIS BACON

    What you see in the media isn’t necessarily true or beautiful.

    “Even the models we see in magazines wish they could look like their own images.”

    Cheri K. Erdman

    On beauty, it is how you feel about yourself.

    “How I feel about myself is more important than how I look. Feeling confident, being comfortable in your skin that’s what really makes you beautiful.”     

    Bobbi Brown

    Being beautiful is to be at peace with yourself.

    “I feel beautiful when I’m at peace with myself. When I’m serene, when I’m a good person, when I’ve been considerate of others.”     

    Elle Macpherson

    Being beautiful is to love yourself.

    “Beauty is when you can appreciate yourself. When you love yourself, that’s when you’re most beautiful.”

    ZOE KRAVITZ

    Affirmations on beauty and on being beautiful

    ♥ I am beautiful.

    ♥ I love who I am.

    ♥ I am comfortable in my own skin.

    ♥ Beauty radiates from within me.

    ♥ My beauty shines inside and out.

    ♥ I see all the beauty within me,

    ♥ My self confidence makes me beautiful.

    ♥ My big heart makes me beautiful.

    ♥ Being kind makes me beautiful.

    ♥ I feel beautiful today!

    ♥ I appreciate who I am inside and out.

    ♥ I love my smile.

    ♥ I love how I take care of myself.

    In conclusion on what is beauty and being beautiful

    Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.     

    Kahlil Gibran

    More on being beautiful

    11 Ways to Feel Beautiful – Jenny Bailley, Oprah

    Read this today if you don’t feel beautiful todayElla Cajayon, Literally, Darling

    Is Beauty A Feeling? Science Says Yes, So Here’s How You Can Capture It YourselfJulia Guerra, Elite Daily

    Click here to read more

  • Today is your day

    What does ‘today is your day’ mean?

    Today is your day is to seize the moment.

    To make the most of your day.

    Every day is a gift. We have the most precious gift of all, life.

    We do not know what tomorrow will hold, we do not even know if there will be a tomorrow, there are no guarantees.

    Do not procrastinate. Do not waste this gift.

    Give it your all.

    Live with vitality.

    Grab today in your hands.

    Take the leap of faith.

    Take all that you can.

    Bask in love and potential without any fear.

    Lean in to all your desire, make your dreams a reality.

    Life is not a checklist, it is a collection of moments. Have a collection with no regrets. A collection you are proud of.

    Today is your day …

    The reality is everyday is your day.

    Everyday is a gift and everyday holds potential.

    Today is your day inspiration

    Everyday holds new potential and reinvention.

    “You have a clean slate every day you wake up. You have a chance every single morning to make that change and be the person you want to be. You just have to decide to do it. Decide today’s the day. Say it: this is going to be my day.”

    Brendon Burchard

    If you are not present today, you’ll look back and miss what was today.

    “Enjoy today. It’s one of the “good old days” you will miss in the future!”

    Etta Sawyerr

    We are in control of our today and the direction we choose to go.

    “Congratulations!
    Today is your day
    You’re off to great places
    You’re off and away

    You’ve got brains in your head
    You’ve got feet in your shoes
    You can steer yourself any
    Direction you choose

    You’re on your own
    And you know what you know
    And you are the guy
    Who’ll decide where you go

    Out there things can happen
    And frequently do
    To people as brainy
    And footsy as you

    And will you succeed?
    Yes you will indeed!
    (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed)

    You’re off to great places
    Today is your day
    Your mountain is waiting
    Go, get on your way!”

    DR. SEUSS

    Additional reading on today is your day

    Making the Most of Each Day – Beliefnet

    How to Make The Most of Every Day – 8 Tips!Retro Flame

    25 Ways to Make a Difference in the World Every DayLori Deschene, Tiny Buddha

    Click here to read more

  • 48 Powerful affirmations to build self confidence

    Confidence is a powerful attitude to have.

    It’s owning and knowing who you are.

    It’s not caring about what others think, it’s about what you think of yourself.

    It’s believing in yourself.

    It is to be a voice, not an echo.

    Confidence is having a magnetic presence.

    Confidence is trusting in yourself and your abilities.

    Confidence is being secure in who you are.

    Self confident people tend to tackle their problems head on, knowing they can handle anything.

    Self confident people own their power.

    Self confident people know what they bring to the table – they value themselves.

    Quotes on building self confidence

    Self confidence is accepting yourself and not needing anyone else’s approval.

    “Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.”

    Lao Tzu

    Self Confidence is built in actions.

    “Have confidence that if you have done a little thing well, you can do a bigger thing well too.”

    David Storey

    Self confidence is knowing whatever happens, you will be okay.

    “I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.”

    Louisa May Alcott

    Self confidence is having your mind on your side.

    “With confidence, you have won before you have started.”

    Marcus Garvey

    Self confidence is being brave.

    “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.”

    Brené Brown

    48 Powerful affirmations to build self confidence

    ♥ I believe in myself.

    ♥ I become more and more confident each day.

    ♥ I exude confidence.

    ♥ I have complete confidence in myself.

    ♥ I have every right to be confident.

    ♥ I love seeing my confidence grow every day.

    ♥ I am free as to how I choose to live my life and I choose confidence.

    ♥ I always make the best decisions at that moment in time.

    ♥ I have the knowledge to succeed.

    ♥ I trust in my abilities.

    ♥ I trust in my experiences.

    ♥ I am confident. I am courageous.

    ♥ I radiate confidence.

    ♥ Incredible things are always happening in my life.

    ♥ Confidence is in my nature.

    ♥ I stand by my decisions and choices. I make the right decisions and choices for myself.

    ♥ Confidence is something I create in myself everyday.

    ♥ I am amazing at what I do.

    ♥ I have the power to do amazing things.

    ♥ I am bold and brave enough to follow my dreams.

    ♥ I enjoy being confident in who I am.

    ♥ I am a magnet for success.

    ♥ I love who I am.

    ♥ Everyday I am growing and evolving.

    ♥ So much opportunity surrounds me.

    I am a voice, not an echo.

    ♥ I offer so much to this world.

    ♥ I have unlimited potential.

    ♥ I thrive in life.

    ♥ I am worthy.

    ♥ I have great success.

    ♥ I am brave.

    ♥ I know who I am.

    ♥ I have the power to change myself and the world.

    ♥ I am strong. I can do hard things.

    ♥ I have overcome many challenges and I will continue to do so.

    ♥ I am fearless in the pursuit of my desires.

    ♥ I work with an abundance of confidence.

    ♥ Confidence flows through me.

    ♥ I am resilient and can get through everything.

    ♥ Life can throw any challenge my way and I have confidence I will overcome them.

    ♥ I accept myself unconditionally.

    ♥ I can handle anything.

    ♥ The universe would not give me anything I can’t handle.

    ♥ I am ever evolving.

    ♥ I have so much trust. Trust in myself, trust in the universe, trust in timing.

    ♥ I feel confidence deep within my heart and soul.

    ♥ I know what I am doing.

    Additional resources on building self confidence

    What is Self-Confidence? + 9 Ways to Increase It PositivePsychology

    25 Killer Actions to Boost Your Self ConfidenceZen Habits

    Building Confidence – Skills You Need

    Click here to read more