Summer is just about over and many of us are feeling hot, tired, and wondering what’s next? Where did summer go? Fun in the sun, traveling, and enjoying a nice vacation with family and loved ones didn’t happen the way many of us are used to and we are frustrated. We usually look at this time of year as a time to relax and refresh ourselves to prepare for Fall and finishing out the year strong. The school year will begin soon, and students and parents alike have no idea what that will even look like. Businesses are still contemplating if employees should work remotely from home, and most of us have no idea what this “new normal” is really supposed to look like. But no matter what, I want to encourage all of us to not give up or give in, but let us remain steady and stay the course.
Someone recently said, “Success does not come in a straight line.” I know this to be true. Just when I thought I had finally succeeded at something, a dart was thrown at me and tried to knock me down. It is not so much what happens to us, but rather what we do with what happens to us. We cannot let the fallout of COVID-19 hold us back from reaching our goals and destiny. I know some of us have faced some real tragedies during this time. We have lost loved ones, some have lost jobs, and some may not even know how long they will have a roof over their heads. No matter what we have experienced this year, we must figure out how to stay positive and stay the course. If you need help, do not be afraid to let someone know you need a little guidance or encouragement in what direction to take next.
When we get weary, it is particularly important for us to take good care of ourselves and push our reset buttons. We need to make sure we get plenty of rest, eat healthy and nutritious foods, and spend some time re-examining our priorities, and if necessary be prepared to set new goals. We are in ever-revolving new times. If we feel like we have lost control, now is the time for us to take back control of our life. We also must be patient and kind to ourselves during this process. Gift Gugu Mona said, “A phenomenal woman is never limited by a phenomenon. She goes out there and stays the course until she prospers.”
Situations that have become commonplace because of COVID-19, such as having to stay at home, limited connection with the outside world and the lack of meaningful human connection can be daunting. When we put these factors together with some of the other things going on during this time, it is not surprising that some people are experiencing different levels of depression. This is normal. Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, recently shared that she has experienced low-grade depression during the quarantine. And we all know this lady has it going on. I am sure she is hot and tired, but we know she will not give up. None of us are immune to the side effects of this pandemic.
As we close out these last few weeks of summer, the days will eventually become shorter and they will cool off, so stay encouraged and remember this, too, shall pass. Pause if you must and then get back up, get the help you need, and stay the course. We are all in this together.
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Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is an international coach, consultant, trainer, author, and speaker. She can also be found live on Instagram @Wendygladney on Wednesdays at 12 noon PST.