The Corona Concepts by Jim Stovall
Whenever I am confronted with a crisis, I always try to invoke The Serenity Prayer. This particular prayer has a great balance in that it calls for strength for those things we can change, acceptance for those things we can’t change, and wisdom to know the difference.
For over 20 years, I have written these weekly columns that are read by countless people around the world in newspapers, magazines, and online publications. Rarely do I have the opportunity to give specific advice as most challenges are regional in nature and dependent upon various government entities and local conditions. However, the corona pandemic seems to find us all in the same boat.
I believe there are three concepts we can all embrace and apply relating to the coronavirus that will serve us well.
Follow the rules. One of my favorite definitions of maturity states that maturity is the point in time when we realize that the universal rules apply to us. Medical and governmental officials around the world have offered a number of directives relating to this virus. I believe everyone can agree, we should all wash our hands regularly, apply hand sanitizer often, eat healthily, get some exercise, and be sure to get adequate sleep. Additionally, we should avoid crowds whenever possible and stay calm. The advice to stay calm is not meant to minimize the crisis or its potential impact. It is instead, arguably, the single best thing you can do to boost your immune system. Worry and stress suppress your body’s ability to fight off all sorts of infectious diseases. Once you have done all that you can do, remaining calm and stress-free is a great prescription.
It’s not all about you. During this crisis, there will be people isolated in hospitals, nursing homes, and quarantined at their residence. A quick phone call, email, or encouraging greeting card can make a lot of difference. You have friends, neighbors and associates who may need groceries, water, prescriptions, or a variety of other necessities. You can either help them get the things they need or help them get where they need to go. Many businesses and workers are suffering. Find ways that you and your company can help them. Remember, a crisis gives us all the opportunity to serve and succeed.
Take advantage of the situation. Many of us will be isolated or out of our normal routine for a number of weeks or months. You can either tread water during this time or you can make quantum leaps ahead in your personal or professional life. Think of those New Year’s resolutions you have abandoned or things you always wanted to do but never quite had the time. This is a great opportunity to eat healthy, start a new exercise regimen, read books, watch documentaries, begin journaling, complete an online course, or a myriad of other activities that can allow you to go from victim to victor.
Please understand I realize this is a life and death health crisis for many people, and in many cases there’s nothing we can do to change that. However, while we don’t always have a choice in what happens to us, we can always choose what we are going to do about it.
As you go through your day today, make the best of a bad situation.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network as well as a published author of many books, including the Wisdom for Winners series, which is available to listen to on Audible. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. Follow him on Twitter (@stovallauthor) or Facebook (@jimstovallauthor).