BY: Roderick Cunningham, Emotional Wellness Expert
Just a few weeks ago, life around the globe came to a grinding halt. Although we did not choose the circumstances of this sudden change, we are empowered with the choice of how we respond to it.
If one chooses to view this as the end of the world, then creativity stops and depression sets in. If one views this as an opportunity, then ideas flow, creativity happens, and excitement kicks in. It all boils down to how we choose to respond to our present circumstances. Remember, one good choice can change one’s life, especially when facing turbulent times. When faced with depression and isolation, choose to follow the 5 Steps to Emotional Wellness. Choose these steps, not because you are weak, but because you want to remain strong.
Choose to take ACTION with these steps:
1. SPIRITUALITY: Pray Without Ceasing. Don’t let anyone tell you that prayer doesn’t work. It not only works, but when we humble ourselves and go into a relaxing, serine setting it puts our entire body and spirit in a state of calmness where we can hear from God on the ACTION that he is guiding us to take. If he tells us to be still, then be still. If he says move, then move. We can’t hear from Him if we are in a state of hysteria. This leads to making good and right choices for our lives and the lives of our family members.
2. GET COUNSELING: Four plus weeks in isolation can cause anyone to start feeling stressed or depressed. We normally don’t make the best choices under these conditions. We can receive spiritual counseling from a minister or therapy from a psychologist through telemedicine. If you have access to your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) it will pay up to six sessions with a counselor. It’s a confidential and worthwhile benefit through your employer.
3. FIND PURPOSE: Purpose has nothing to do with you and everything to do with why is someone else’s life better because you lived.
a. Deliver groceries to an elderly neighbor
b. Call your children, nieces, and/or nephews to check on them and encourage them
c. Spread your gifting to others by doing a free video training to teach others a skill
d. Mentor a neighborhood kid with an absent mother/father (face-to-face or video call)
4. JOURNAL/ART: You have been saying for years that you want to write a book, poem, movie, or a song that depicts your life. This is the perfect time to write. Writing is therapeutic. Someone needs to hear your story. You may have a desire to create through creative drawings or art that depicts your life. Create it!
5. FORGIVENESS: These times have taught us that life is precious and life is short. See this as an opportunity to let go of any unforgiveness and let God work in your life. EXPRESS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE TO EVERYONE. It’s life’s greatest gift. Remember, every human being is doing the best they can with what life has given them.
We should come out of this period of isolation as a better people than we went into it. But we have to choose it. Take a moment to write down the 10 things that you are “Grateful For” and recite these things every morning upon awaking and every night before you rest. Your life will never be the same, I guarantee it.
RODERICK C. CUNNINGHAM
Author and President/CEO
Chief Empowerment Network, LLC