There’s a lot happening in the world right now.
And if you’re like me, you’re feeling anxious and uncertain amidst all of the chaos of the crisis, and all of the quiet of the self-isolation—particularly if you're self-isolating solo.
It feels uncomfortable, and it’s so easy to want to numb these feelings with Netflix and a nice, healthy glass of Cab Sauv—and sometimes that’s okay! I get it, and I was right there with you a couple of days ago!
But here’s the thing:
We are being given the opportunity to stay home and take a deep breath. To pause. To reflect. And to reconnect with what is truly important to us, whatever that may look like to you.
Ask yourself this (and be honest): before all of the coronavirus chaos, how often would you think: “if only I had a bit more time, then I would be able to ________". Fill in the blank with whatever passion project, favourite activity, or loved one you used to wish you had more time for.
Now ask yourself: how would it feel if you chose to use this time of self-isolation to do the things that you never seem to have time for? Why wouldn’t you choose to use this time productively?
I’m not suggesting that you have to be living every minute to the fullest or that you should never watch Netflix (I recommend Workin' Moms if you're looking for a new show). I’m simply suggesting that you be aware of how you choose to spend your time.
How amazing and satisfying would it feel if you choose to use this time to reconnect with your core values and your passions, to do something for yourself, something that feels expansive and uplifting!
Maybe you want to learn a new language or reconnect with your artistic side. Maybe you want to start meditating or take some time to plan the next chapter of your life.
At a time when so much seems like it is out of our control, it is comforting to know that we always have the ability to choose where we direct our focus.
How would it feel if you choose to focus on opportunity amidst the uncertainty? If you choose to focus on reconnecting with yourself amidst the self-isolation?
So if you’re finding yourself with a little extra alone time, I challenge you to think about where you want to place your focus. Do you want to spend all of your time watching Tiger King and eating your quarantine snacks or do you want to use this opportunity to do something that will feel rewarding and fulfilling? There is no right or wrong answer, it’s simply a choice that you have to make for yourself!
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PS: If you’re interested in using this time to focus on what you want for the next chapter of your life, here are my top 5 favourite journal prompts to get you started:
1. Who is your ideal self? How does she act? How does she show up? What does she believe about herself and her world? What does she believe is possible for her?
2. What are you most passionate about? What lights you up? What makes you feel most rewarded?
3. What does your ideal day look like? What are you doing? Who are you with? How do you feel?
4. How do your ideal self and your ideal day differ from your current reality (maybe think pre-quarantine)?
5. What needs to change so that you can start being your ideal self and living your ideal life? Be honest with yourself. What 3 things can you do today to start embodying your ideal self and start acting as if you are already her?
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Author: Elizabeth Mountford
Elizabeth Mountford is a certified Mindset Coach & Accountability Expert. She specializes in helping young lawyers beat burnout and build unshakeable confidence so that they can grow their dream careers with intention and ease. Prior to coaching, Elizabeth obtained her B.C.L./LL.B. from McGill University and practiced family law at one of Toronto’s top family law firms. Now she uses her experience of landing and leaving what she thought was her dream job as a family lawyer, along with her passion for subconscious reprogramming, to help ambitious young lawyers get clear on their career goals and start taking real action to turn their day-dreams into their reality.
