Finding Your Shield of Positivity
What do you do when the world you’ve known completely changes in a blink of an eye? How do we communicate with the people around us about how we’re feeling when words fail every time? How do we find the light when all there seems to be is darkness?
America has found itself in a twisted game of Jumanji where each level feels like another tsunami of turmoil and destruction in one way or another. 2020 will be a landmark year, and we have to decide how we react to it as servant leaders.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m incredibly overwhelmed. I feel crippled by the anxiety of “What if?” My heart breaks as I watch my peers, mentors, family, etc. dealing with such a tragic period in time. I am someone who uses positivity as her armor. I meet conflict with the confidence that whatever happens next is supposed to happen; I push myself to learn from every interaction and experience I find myself in. But week after week, seeing more deaths throughout our country, it’s incredibly difficult to say confidently “Yes, we’ll be okay.”
We’re experiencing a myriad of devastating events; so it’s natural to feel discouraged, alone, and heartbroken. Maintaining a shield of positivity can drastically help as we navigate through these unsettling times. As we all decipher how to manage, here are a few simple reminders that can help you maintain a positive mindset:
1. You’re not alone.
There isn’t a person on this Earth who isn’t affected by the events in our world today. Whether you are on the front lines as an essential worker, a protester fighting for equality, or quarantined at home; you’re a part of history. Author Mandy Hale said, “A season of loneliness and isolation is when the caterpillar gets its wings. Remember that the next time you feel alone.” It’s easy to feel isolated at a time like this, so don’t be afraid to step back when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Share your feelings with a friend, colleague, or neighbor you can confide in. Most likely, they’re feeling the same way you are.
2. Take a break!
Mental health is extremely important during times like these. Social media is flooded with posts, articles, interviews, data, and ‒you name it. It’s overpowering! Each notification opens a new can of worms. It’s imperative that you take a break from the screens and let what you’ve already learned sink in. Absorb the information as you receive it; don’t let it go in one ear and out the other. It’s better to know your limits on what you can handle than feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information that is out there. Especially when most of its tampered or fake.
3. Educate yourself.
Remember in grade school getting assigned a book report, but freaking out because you never actually read the book? It was impossible to know what to write about when you were missing key information, right? So, how can you form an opinion and share it with an audience without doing your part first? Take time to learn about the events that are transpiring. Educate yourself, so you can confidently share your point of view. This is a time to be vocal. Serve by using your voice for good. There is power in knowledge.
4. Fight for what you believe in.
The only person responsible for your actions and behaviors is you. We are all influenced by those around us; however, you are the only one who ultimately decides your direction. Rocky Balboa reminded us that “Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.” So fight for what you believe in, and fight HARD. If you believe in something, why wouldn’t you fight for it?
We can fight for what is right without violence; treating each person with dignity and respect. We can fight with our words. We can fight with our compassion, not with guns or tear gas. This is an unprecedented time for everyone, so remaining true to your personal values and beliefs is crucial. Stay committed to being the most authentic version of yourself, especially right now. Learn what you can do as an individual to help the masses.
Find your shield and stay strong. We’re all here to serve one another.
Olivia Pence
OLIVIA PENCE has been a part of the Datron World Communications & Servant Leadership Institute Teams for many years, and has loved every moment of the experience. Olivia has worked closely with the Datron Charitable Fund, and believes that servant leadership can inspire the world. Olivia graduated from Cal State University, Fullerton with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Her rich background in theatre has helped her specialize in social media coordination, digital marketing development and creative content production.