I have been thinking for days what can I write to help. What can I share from my own story that could help others in this time of crisis because I have gone through many in my life. Something that I can assure you is that there’s always something positive at the end of every crisis, but now I’m going to share some of the things I have done that have helped me to go through some personal crises. These are not in any particular order.
1. Make a list of pros and cons.
I’ve gone through different crises throughout my life that put me in a position to make very difficult decisions. Life decisions. Very hard to make especially because I knew it was going to affect my daughter and our lives. What I did in these circumstances was to make a list with the pros and cons of each scenario to see which choice would be the best based on our circumstances. Looking at the list with everything written down in different columns helps you see everything more clearly. You will see the answer. Soon.
Repeat this affirmation: “I trust that the answer will come to me from within. I feel peace.”
2. I asked for help.
I never liked to ask for help at all. It made me feel that I was a burden or guilty, but I learned to get out of that place. I have always helped others from a place of infinite love, I love doing it, and it’s one of my favorites things to do. There are people that are willing to do that for you when you’re going through so much too. This is the time to ask your friends or family members for help. Ask without expectations and if somebody can’t help you, don’t take it personally. Somebody will be there for you. Sometimes it’s the person that you imagine the least, it could be even a stranger. The moment you’re open for help, the Universe will provide.
Repeat this affirmation: “I have the right to ask for help. I’m brave when I ask for help.”
3. Focus on the things that could Go Right.
In a time of crisis we’re already anxious trying to solve difficult challenges that might look impossible to fix, so we have the tendency to imagine all the things that can go wrong. I understand that. I have been there dozens of times, but with experience I finally learned I should focus on the things that could go right. This helps you to switch into a positive energy, reduce anxiety and bring more hope to the situation because it’s true that many things can Go Right. I write down all the things that could Go Right, so I can see them every time I start feeling nervous.
Repeat this affirmation: “Infinite things go right in my life. I receive them with love and gratitude.”
4. Trust your instincts.
If you really listen to your gut feeling or instincts it’s very hard that you’ll make a mistake. Listening to your instincts is something you can’t usually explain, it’s not logic, you just know. There’re things that can get in the way like overthinking, going back and forth with your thoughts while the soft voice of your instincts is there behind all the noise telling you what to do. We also tend to listen to others that we respect or admire, which could block our inner voice that’s telling us the truth. When we begin thinking “I should do this or that because...” or trying to convince yourself with things like “I’m going to hurt my family if...”, “is this the right thing to do,” “I already invited everyone,” etc., is something that can distance you from your gut feelings. Maybe your deep desire of something could get also in the way and sabotage your instincts, but deep down you always know. Remember, in these times, trust your instincts, trust yourself.
Repeat this affirmation: “With every breath I connect with my intuition. My inner light guides me. I trust my inner wisdom.”
5. Trust the process.
Not knowing what’s going to happen or when, can be scary. Sometimes not doing anything is the answer, trust the process and be present in every step. That awareness of the now will help you with more clarity, less anxiety for the future and you’ll be open to learn and evolve. Just show up for what you can do, take action, but don’t try to control the outcome. You can’t and by trying to do it you’ll just increase your anxiety and waste your energy. When I trust the process and let it go, life always surprises me in infinite possibilities and mysterious, good, ways.
Repeat this affirmation: “I am guided.”
6. Do one thing at a time.
In times of crisis you might have to take care of many important things at the same time. Make a list in order of priority and do one thing at a time. Don’t look at all of them, at the whole list. Just focus on one thing and you’ll get everything done.
Repeat this affirmation: “I do one thing at a time. I can do this. The Universe has my back.”
7. Practice acceptance.
This is also a way of letting control go. To accept something or a situation doesn’t mean we necessarily like it or support it. We’re just giving ourselves permission to feel any emotions we have. When you accept you can’t control or change the situation it’s like a huge weight lifting off of your shoulders. You might still be sad, but the suffering will dissipate. You have to practice acceptance, it’s intentional. Sometimes you’ll struggle with it, but with practice you’ll get there. Acceptance doesn’t mean you can’t change something, or a particular situation. It could mean that right in that moment you can’t change, but maybe with time or practice or by taking some steps, you’ll be able to change your circumstances.
Repeat this affirmation: “I let go what I can’t control right now. I accept what I can’t change this very moment. I am guided.”
8. Practice gratitude.
It’s easy to be grateful for the things that make us feel good, for how fortunate in our lives we are because we have health, water, food, a roof over our shoulders, but being grateful when we’re going through a lot? I’ll share with you this story. I was at the lowest point of my life, sleeping on an airbed with my daughter after showing up everyday and working my ass off. That night I cried so much that I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror. Everything was dark and I laid down by my daughter on the rubber mattress. I had lost everything. I closed my eyes and I said, “thank you for this breath, every second is a miracle.” I repeated this over and over and it gave enough energy to get up the next day and keep fighting. I repeated it every day and little by little I got my life back.
Repeat this affirmation: “I am grateful for this second. Thank you for this breath.”
9. Choose joy.
Try to do things that bring you joy to help rise your energy and keep your immune system strong. It doesn’t have to be something complicated, it could be simple things that make you feel happy, relieved, content, relaxed, anything that brings you a smile. Many of those sad nights I went though with my daughter we watched bloopers in YouTube and laughter helped us to create the best energy during hard times.
Repeat this affirmation: “I choose joy. I am a magnet of joy.”
10. Do what you can.
Be compassionate with yourself and don’t judge yourself. Do what you can. You have enough on your plate. Don’t expect to be the perfect mother, woman, problem solver, professional, friend, wife, and human being. You’re doing all you can. It’s ok to let some things go now.
Repeat this affirmation: “I do what I can. I am amazing.”
11. Take care of yourself.
The most important thing you can do in times of crisis is to take care of yourself as much as you can. Make a list of little healthy things you can do to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.
Repeat this affirmation: “I choose to take care of myself with love and compassion.”
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