These are unprecedented times. As we all adjust to social distancing and taking precautionary measures while out in public, everyone responds in a different way. There are those who welcome the time at home, to be closer to immediate family, to have a slower pace, and to prioritize their lives during this pandemic. There are those who are pushing back, eager to meet up with friends (because FOBA and FOMO rule*), eager to eat out in a restaurant and eager for life to ‘get back to normal’. And then there are all manner of those who fall in between and spill over the edges.
But did you know that some of the strongest personal growth, deep transformation and bold creativity come out of experiences where one suffers, struggles or feels defeat?
It is through overcoming such struggles that we discover just how strong and beautiful we are as individuals. As we each live through the day by day news reports, statistic updates, and social media messaging, we have a choice how to respond. It is in such moments of adversity when we turn inward and look to what we actually believe. Often we find that the old belief structures no longer hold true and we begin to create new meaning for ourselves.
Creativity is giving yourself permission to see things differently. - David Robert
When roadblocks are plopped in front of us, it is our human nature to find another pathway around them. How many of you have attempted to cut your own hair (or someone in your family), tried a new recipe or redecorated a room in your house during this pandemic? You are exercising your creativity.
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis
Somehow we find a way through hard times. Often we get creative doing it. The brain is an amazing problem solving machine and when it sees a roadblock it sets about to smooth things over. When things are going as normal, the brain gets a bit bored and actually tunes out the typical. But when things get stirred up, the brain is awakened and revitalized by the novelty and challenge of the situation.
Do you feel it?
*FOBA - fear of being alone & FOMO - fear of missing out =)