By: Jenna Brody, Certified Addiction Professional

For most of my life, I have chosen to see the blessing that can stem from challenges.  Often, it is in the challenge and questioning why you have to go through emotional pain so we are able to grow emotionally and spiritually.  

It is in a time of crisis that you see the best of humanity or the worst of humanity.  

Since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, people have been flocking to the store to stock up on toilet paper and paper products.  It’s during this crisis that people realize how much of the daily necessities we take for granted and how many people go without.  

The coronavirus has made people think more about the importance of caring for their neighbors.  It’s not about what others can do for you, but what can you do for others and for your community.  The Coronavirus helps shift your perspective of how the choices you make can have a positive or negative impact on others. 

For many, the outside distractions fills the emotional void within yourself, so when it is taken away, it forces you to go inward.  When the Coronavirus reaches its peak, and we are on the other side, you will walk out finding peace within yourself.  

COVID-19 has spiritually impacted the global community and each individual shares in the grief, panic and fear we are experiencing.  If each individual takes a moment to pause, you will see there is a unique opportunity for the global community to focus on the power of healing.

Shifting inward eliminates the thought pattern that we have tomorrow to change, to love, to forgive, to go after your dreams, and allows us to experience living in the day.  Being in the moment is embracing your authenticity and saying to the world, “Here I am.” 

Here are 3 are tips to help shift your focus inward:

#1 Set realistic expectations

I have worked with many people. When they set goals that are unrealistic, the end result is the feeling of shame. It’s fear and shame of not achieving what you had hoped would make you feel fulfilled.

Some people subconsciously set unrealistic goals because feeling shame is familiar. They believe they do not deserve a successful life.  When you learn the techniques to setting realistic expectations, you push through the familiarity of shame and step into your truth. 

One example of setting realistic expectations is to start a meditation practice. This can be done in the morning, during lunch, or in the evening.  You might start by meditating for 3 minutes each day and gradually building it to longer amounts of time.  It doesn’t matter if you meditate for 3 minutes or 20, or if it’s daily or weekly, meditation over time will enhance your mental health

#2 Gratitude List

Gratitude lists have the ability to shift us into a mindset of peace. There is power in writing a daily gratitude list because it keeps you in the moment.

Have you ever wondered why it is easy to focus on what is not working in your life? What does focusing on the negative aspects of your life do for you emotionally? When you stop and think about what this does to your life, you realize that it stems from fear. 

Many people do not give themselves permission to celebrate, or they feel that they don’t deserve goodness because disappointment is just around the corner. When you shift your focus inwards, you realize the only person you are robbing of joy is yourself. That’s why gratitude lists have the ability to increase your happiness, because you start learning how to allow even the smallest moments of goodness into your spirit. 

#3 Embracing your inner child

Whether you have children or do not, embracing your inner child gets you in touch with your playful side. It can bring out the care free side and, for the moment, it will help decrease depression, fear, anxiety, and worry.  

• Here are steps to embrace your inner child 
• • Use coloring books
  • Play games
  • Play with your children

During this difficult time, shifting inwards will bring you to a new sense of self and you will emerge with a new perspective on the world.  You will have a deeper sense of gratitude for going to the store to buy the basic necessities, hugging someone, being around the people you love and the freedom to do what makes you happy.  

If you or your child is struggling to cope during this crisis, reach out to Jenna Brody, at Life Counseling Solutions in Maitland, FL at 407-622-1770 to schedule an appointment. She is offering virtual sessions during this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jenna has been counseling for 8+ years with a focus on providing a compassionate, loving and caring approach to helping clients see their true potential. Through her own recovery she has seen how much trauma affects her life today, and would like to help people go on a different path. She specializes in those with substance abuse, love, or sex addiction issues.For more information about the author visit her full bio here.