I have been thinking a lot about what’s currently going on in the world – the path we’re currently on. Along with finding distractions to escape it – hoping my perspective will change. Distractions that, for the most part, take me out of the present moment.

Distractions like endlessly scrolling through my Facebook and Instagram feeds and watching movies on television. Although these activities have led to some valuable information, the feeling of connection and sometimes comfort in a challenging time. These activities have often added to my stress level and feelings of sadness from not being able to easily connect to family and friends. I have definitely struggled to find balance with these activities, especially over the past month. During a world-wide pandemic, quarantines, stay-at-home orders, social distancing and required face masks, it’s been very challenging!

Over the past month I’ve felt anxious, stressed, frustrated, sad, mentally scattered, physically exhausted and emotionally out of sorts – like I’m on a roller coaster, and I do not like roller coasters! I’ve also felt loss. The loss of not having plans and feeling on hold to make plans. Sometimes I’ve felt like I should be somewhere else, doing something different, doing more or doing less.

I have also experienced feelings of optimism, peace, relaxation and happiness. These feelings have not been automatic. They have been a result of intentional thought or focused positive energy in the present moment.

Many times I’ve thought why am I feeling so stressed about what’s going on? I would usually consider myself to be a fairly calm and relaxed person. An obvious answer, and the one I keep coming back to is, we are dealing with a challenge that has never happened before. Then, I think of the numerous challenges I’ve faced in my life, and how I had never encountered them before. So, maybe what I am really feeling is a collective feeling of stress in the world?

In the past, I’ve been successful at solving problems, finding solutions to obstacles and persevering through challenges. Usually learning and growing from the experience.

I have no doubt that we will get through our current challenge together. One day and one step at a time. As a family, community, city and country. Each doing our part, taking personal responsibility for ourselves and realizing how we can affect others. We are all very powerful human beings with the ability to influence and impact each other. What we choose will expand in our life and then collectively to those around us. Intentionally focusing on this way of thinking and being over the last few days has helped me a lot, and I am certain others too.

I encourage you to practice being present, choose to remain positive, trust in the process and focus on self care. Find activities that bring you joy and peace, and then regularly take action on them. These could even be activities like social media. As long as you can find a good balance. I’m still finding mine.

My goal in sharing is always to support and encourage others, so if you found this blog helpful, please share. Let’s focus on doing what we can to support and encourage each other during this challenging time.

Until next time, Laura Li Lifestyle