Focus on What You Can Control

The biggest source of anxiety to me during this pandemic is the utter lack of control we feel over our lives -- new pandemic rules are around the corner, we have to wear masks that, for those of us who are sensitive, emotional and intuitive types, disrupt our normal ability to read faces and, perhaps most importantly, smile at others :) We aren't sure when we'll be able to travel internationally to see family, and we aren't sure what a new election/political climate will bring.

It's completely normal to feel thrown off because of all this—remember that. This isn't about wanting to be different than who you are, because your brain reads that as fear, and that will trigger negative cycles of anxiety or anger. The point is, it's fine to feel that way. We're all going through it. The key is to accept it, and turn your focus to what you can control, and what you can add, because what you focus on, you get more of.

One thing that helps me is to make a list of all of your fears, anxieties, or stressors. Then separate them into two columns—what you can control, and what you can't. Then you can start to take action on the ones you can control, and let go of the ones you can't. Those are with God now.

For the things you can control, take action immediately! Even in small ways. Pay your credit card bill. Go for a run. Call a friend. Tell your partner how you feel about your relationship. Clear out your inbox. Take control of what you can, and you won't be spinning about the things you can't control.

There is joy in every situation, but you have to find it. As trite as that sounds, taking back control will help you find those joys, find those simple things that bring you moments of happiness and clarity.