In addition to doing our work, keeping our immune systems strong, and spending time together as a family…we have focused on a holistic strategy to deal with the challenges and uncertainties related to this pandemic. Without any kind of structured frameworks or positive strategies, it’s easy to stay in a rut and spin in circles. Without a tool for pattern interruption, our days can begin to feel a lot like treading water. There is lots of movement, but it is stationary in nature. These 3 C’s will give you some ideas on how to meet the challenges of ambiguity and uncertainty during the pandemic. 

1

Consumption

We live in a consumer driven society where the collective focus is often placed on materialism and the accumulation of possessions. There is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying things that bring us pleasure, but it’s important to build self-awareness around our consumer habits. It’s not only essential to construct awareness around what we have or long for, but also the content we consume. Too much of any one thing can produce negative consequences in our lives. The pandemic gives us all an opportunity to change how we consume, conserve resources, and the chance to realign our habits so we can more fully embrace what truly matters. Enjoy great content on tv, Netflix, listen to podcasts, read books, watch YouTube, read the posts of friends/family and amazing influencers on Facebook and Instagram, etc… Take walks with your family, enjoy a nap, play board games, eat a Thanksgiving meal with your family, learn a new language on Duolingo, etc…

2

Create

Everybody is creative in their own way. Are you tapping into your creative side on a daily basis? Studies reflect that expressing our creativity helps us become more effective problem solvers and very capable of living with uncertainty. Take a look around in the world now and it’s hard to find great uncertainty as well as an abundance of problems that need solving. When we engage our creative juices, we activate parts of our brains and beings that allow us to view things in a different light. Creative individuals can also more readily adapt to shifting circumstances and adversity that life throws their way. You don’t need permission to create. BUT, just in case you think you do… I’m giving you full permission. The world is waiting on your masterpieces!! Keep a journal, write poetry, start that YouTube channel you’ve been meaning to do, create order in that pantry or closet you’ve been putting off, write that song, start that book, finish that quilt, create a prayer life, build that exercise plan, start a health plan that limits sugar and gets you moving, make the art & engage in projects that give meaning to your life.

3

Contribution

The opportunity to give of ourselves may be the greatest capacity that we have as human beings. We all have wounds and uncertainties, but the magic that happens when we put our own burdens on the shelf and choose to serve others is deeply profound. I’m not dismissing the idea or importance of self-care. I’m simply saying that making a commitment to serve others and help someone else get what they want is extremely rewarding. Your contribution will change the trajectory of someone’s life and at the same time cast air into your own sails. Compose a letter or email to a friend, acquaintance, or family member to check in on them and encourage them, donate blood, order a takeout meal from a local restaurant and leave a 50% tip, pray for your government and the world, thank the person stocking your grocery shelves and the cashier who checks out your groceries, the trucker who transports your goods, talk to your children about the realities of the situation and be a leader in your household, practice conservation with items like TP, cleaning items, paper towels, food waste, etc…Practice strict social distancing & stay at home!!

It’s time to follow President Kennedy’s advice and ask “not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”. The WWII generation gave us a great example to follow. Men, women, and children of that generation exhibited their selflessness by selling war bonds, working in the factories, and serving on the battlefields. They gave thier time, talents, and ultimately their lives to contribute to the war effort. We are capable of getting all hands on deck and sacrificing for one another. To whom much is given, much will be required.