How to be optimistic during a pandemic

How to be optimistic during a pandemic

 

We are certainly facing a difficult time right now with COVID-19, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel; you and the power of optimism. This will not last forever. This is not permanent. This shall pass.

  • Choose positivity/positive mindset

Choose to wake up each day looking on the bright side. If you truly, with every fiber of your being, believe today is going to be the absolute worst day ever; it will be. If you believe it will be a good day; it will be. Mindset is key. 

So, a few years ago I was all set to run my very half marathon. That was my goal, it was my dream! I completed weeks and weeks of training. All I wanted was to be a Half Marathoner! Fast forward to race day. I joined the field of runners and started my very first half marathon, little did I know I would not leave the race as a Half Marathoner. Fast forwarding again, at 3.5 miles in I felt a little discomfort, nothing crazy. I pushed through until I heard a loud popping; I snapped my femur. No, I didn’t fall or experience any trauma prior to or during the event. I was mid-stride and it snapped. Getting to the point... this was absolutely devastating to me. I worked so hard and wanted this so bad. All that time and work… for nothing? Nope! I only saw two ways to handle this situation; with positivity or with negativity. I chose to be positive about it. I chose to learn from it. I chose to reflect and grow. I chose to show my femur who’s boss. If I was negative about it, no one would’ve wanted to be around me. It wouldn’t help me. Plus, it would’ve been the absolute worst experience ever. It wasn’t! When people comment on my story, they usually say “that sucks” or something along those lines. I tell people I am glad and grateful that it happened and that it was a wonderful experience! I went into that experience seeing it has a hurdle in the road. I knew I would not be dependent on a walker forever. It was temporary. I learned SO much from that experience. I learned so much about myself; I am way tougher than I ever thought I was, I won’t give up, the list goes on. I realized I was very unhappy at work and made a huge career change. I learned there are gifts in obstacles. I could really go on for days, but we don’t have that kind of time. All of this because I chose to view this tragic thing that happened, on the bright    side. I was told I probably wouldn’t run for a few years, again. I am happy to report that after only 10 months from that “first” half I finally became a Half Marathoner. Since then, I have completed 12 half marathons, 5 marathons and countless 5ks and 10ks. Just think where I would be now if I went into that Emergency Room with a negative mindset… I probably would’ve quit running and look at all the lessons and accomplishments I would’ve missed out on. It’s all in how you look at it. Mindset is key. 

  • Focus on the positives
  • Look for something positive in each and every day. Anything positive. Anything at all. You woke up, you have breath in your lungs, you made it to see another day; positive. There are positive things happening all around us, we just have to choose to see and appreciate them. You have a place to call home; positive. You have a car that drives; positive. You have the ability to move one foot in front of the other; positive. See, there are many positive things, we just have to look for and appreciate them.

  • Positive mantras
  • Something I find helpful is finding a positive mantra to focus on. Something to repeat to yourself to help you through or remind you of your goals. For example, as I was going from a girl in her twenties using a walker to running a half marathon; my mantra was “never give up”. When it got tough, I told myself “never give up”, “don’t you give up!”. The great thing about positive mantras... there are tons of them! You can have as many as you want! I also love; “you got this”, “whatever it takes”, “nevertheless she persisted”, “you can do hard things”, “relentless”, “believe and you can achieve anything”... again, I could go on and on. You have to find the mantra that works best for you, that means something to you, that helps you. 

  • Focus on your success
  • Focus on your successes. Any success that you have/had. Any at all. There are little successes and big successes, but all are important! Maybe today, your success was you got out of bed. That’s awesome! It doesn’t matter how small or big a success is, it is still a success. When I was dependent on my walker, a huge success was walking down the hallway without stopping. Sure, it doesn’t seem like much, but to me, in that moment it was HUGE! Whatever you do, promise me you won’t compare your short term and long term success with someone else’s. We are all the authors of our own stories. We are all going through different things. We know nothing about their success, we only know the work, struggle, etc., it took for ours.

  • Take a break from social media/Facebook
  • I pride myself on being optimistic and finding positives in every situation. A few weeks ago, I noticed I was becoming kind of negative. Then, I realized it was Facebook. Sometimes, social media can be full of negativity. At that time, my feed was full of complaints, criticisms, negativity, and I needed a break. Don’t let people bring you down or kill your vibes. I decided I’d take some time away from all social media. I was unplugged for only 6 days, but it was just what I needed! I am not even kidding when I say it was incredible! I felt so recharged! I was back to my positive and optimistic self! Sometimes, you need to have a timeout so you can recharge.  

    Yes, this is a difficult time for us all. There’s so much uncertainty and change. BUT, this will not last forever. This is a hurdle in the road. Let me say it louder for those in the back: this will not last forever! We will get through this. You can take this time to think positive thoughts, learn and grow or you can take this time to dwell on the negatives. How you get through this pandemic, is your choice. Mindset is everything. Think positive thoughts, the situation will seem and feel so much better. See the good in each day. Any positive success is a positive success; no matter the size. Find your mantras and repeat them to yourself, often. If you need a break, take a break. 


    I want to leave you with this: YOU can do hard things. YOU will persist. YOU will get through this. This will pass. YOU are strong. YOU are capable. YOU are incredible. YOU got this!

    XOXO,

    Kimberly Kern FIP Brand Ambassador 

    @kkruns26.2

    1 comment

    • Femke de Vries: May 11, 2020

      keep up that positive mindset! I love your contagious spirit! Your posts always make me smile!

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