How to stop spiraling

Things are crazy right now and everything is changing so fast it is hard to keep up. Let’s take a deep breath and talk about how to stop spiraling.

It is strange how everything changed so much in a few short weeks. Three weeks ago, I was with my husband at the beach, and right now, I am wondering how long I will still be working and when the virus will reach my community.

Everyone is out of sorts, anxious, and confused. And that is ok. But when you are really spiraling. Going from the New York Times to CNN to Facebook on a constant loop and cannot manage to make it out of bed or the sofa, I want you to remember one thing.

Stop focusing on things you cannot control.

You cannot control the virus. You cannot control the folks that don’t think this is real. You can’t control that your favorite coffee shop and book store closed their doors for God knows how long.

Instead, focus on what you can control and what is most important to you.

You and your family can do your part and social distance the crap out of life. You can go to the store and buy just what you need. You can order books online from that fav book store, and get yourself a huge gift card from the coffee shop.

This is tough. I know.

I am a control freak, so dealing with all of these unknowns is hard for me too. I am a gal who likes to sit down each more and map out what she is going to accomplish. But the new normal that we are living in currently makes that impossible. So if you are having a hard time letting go and letting the universe take the wheel (this is the game that I am playing now) may I suggest taking Emily P Freeman’s advice and focus on the next right thing. And right now, the next right thing is the next 10 minutes.

We will all get through this together. But until the bans and lifted and we can approach our neighbors without trepidation, focus on what you can control.

PS – When Everything goes nuts

Photo by Fernando @cferdo on Unsplash