By Linda Commito
We can choose to get rid of what no longer serves us and to make this a better, more compassionate, unified and equitable world.
How many of us are feeling as though we are living inside a box, looking through our windows at the world out there—one that we can’t be a part of? For most of us nothing feels “normal” and it’s hard to find our place in this new, uncharted territory. Overwhelming statistics of disease and death can’t be ignored. Touch, which was once our way of showing affection, is not acceptable when we are “social distancing.” To wear a mask or not—why is that even a question?
Change isn’t often comfortable nor welcomed, but we don’t have a choice. We’re already in the midst of it. What we can choose is how we use this time and our experience to re-evaluate what gives meaning to our lives, to shake our complacency, and to find new purpose and a fresh way of looking at ourselves and others as we decide how best to adapt to our new reality. More importantly, we can choose to step outside of our boxes, to get rid of what no longer serves us and to make this a better, more compassionate, unified and equitable world to live in. It’s up to us.
With this abundance of time, we are clearing our spaces—our closets, drawers and cupboards—letting go of the stuff that we no longer need for our well-being. How can we take this opportunity a step further and clear out our minds, our negative thoughts and our limiting beliefs? How have we been closing ourselves in, just as we do others, through our judgments and prejudices? How can we change the way that we have been boxing people in based on who they vote for or what news station they watch?
THIS or THAT? US or THEM? YOU or ME? What if we were to expand our world to be more accepting and inclusive? What about “You AND Me”? How can we create a world that works better for all of us? It may seem monumental at a time when most are just trying to survive and stay healthy, but aren’t we much more than that?
We know that whenever we go through a loss or crisis, what really helps us to get through is the love and support of people who care, who offer a helping hand, a positive word. No matter how isolated we feel right now, we are all in this together, and it is TOGETHER that we can get through this with more balance, gratitude and grace. Each day, we can only be and do the best we can. It can be something big or small, but it is our loving intentions, patience and kindness that can make a difference and help to connect us.
How can we be there for each other in ways that say, “You matter?” What is a loving thing we can do today? Just one phone call, one prayer, one open conversation, one judgment withheld, one smile, one positive post, one act of kindness or forgiveness . . . can have a positive effect and change someone’s (and our) experience for the better.
If we can’t physically live outside our limiting spaces, let’s choose to live BIG outside the boxes of our thoughts, attitudes and minds. Let’s choose to create a new “normal”, one that we can all be grateful to be a part of. And together we can turn these ripples of kindness into transformative waves.
******
Please share one way in which you think we could be more connected OR how you are finding joy in your life and sharing it with those around you?
Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Linda’s award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love Is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Her latest project, the card game Just Ask 1 2 3, was inspired by a desire to connect people of all different ages, beliefs and lifestyles to share our individuality and find commonality. Linda also created “Kindness Starts with Me,” a program, book and website for children. For more information visit http://www.LoveistheNewCurrency.com or visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Justask123game.