How to Keep Moving Forward When the Future Is Uncertain

We recently passed the halfway point of 2020 and it feels like so much has happened

A global pandemic? Mandated quarantine? Business shutdowns?

One year ago today, there was no predicting all the challenges we’d have to overcome.

Now, businesses are reopening and people are going out again. That means finally leaving your home for social and recreational activities.

Sounds exciting, right?

But the thing is, there is so much we don’t know yet. Coronavirus stress is real and you might be feeling anxious about the changes and uncertainties to come. 

My intention is to help you move forward courageously, even when the future is uncertain.

Thoughts and Emotions You May Experience During These Changes

This global pandemic has completely overturned your daily life and perhaps even displaced you from your job. Your life has undergone so many drastic changes that you struggled to even catch your breath. And unfortunately, while coping with coronavirus in self-isolation, you may have developed:

  • Fear of public spaces and large crowds
  • Social withdrawal
  • Feelings of helplessness
  • Anger or panic when you see others not wearing masks or practicing physical distancing
  • Fear that the second wave of COVID-19 will hit

It’s easy to feel helpless when the entire world is shifting around you. We may not have all the answers right now. You may stumble and falter or feel scared and anxious. And that’s okay.

Even so, we will continue moving forward and these tips will help you keep putting one foot in front of the other.

How to Keep Moving Forward: 7 Tips to Help You Put One Foot in Front of the Other (Even If You’re Scared) 

#1 Stick to a Routine

Uncertainty can be scary because you don’t know what to expect. Following a routine of self-care and personal growth can help you feel empowered and grounded again.

The Cleveland Clinic says, “It’s important to try to maintain some sort of schedule. Routine makes most people, especially children, feel safe.” When your external world feels chaotic, seek stability in your daily activities and habits. 

Creating a morning ritual with calming activities, like journaling and meditation, can embolden you to tackle the day and keep yourself moving forward.

What is one must-do activity in your self-care routine? Share it in the comments below.

#2 Embrace Fresh Air and Sunshine

These past few months may have left you feeling cooped up in your home. If you feel like being stuck at home has stifled your creativity and inspiration, take this opportunity to get outside for fresh air and exercise.

Sometimes all you need is a quick trip into nature to help you feel motivated again. A simple walk while basking in the sunshine can do wonders for inspiring calm and tranquility. The Vitamin D your body absorbs will encourage overall well-being, lift your mood, and even lower your blood pressure.

#3 Get Plenty of Sleep

The benefits of sleep are widely known. It improves mood, brain function, and even your immune system. Try creating an evening ritual with activities that promote more sleep and quality sleep, such as:

  • Enjoying a slow and relaxing activity, like reading or a scented bubble bath
  • Journaling to unburden your thoughts and make it easier to slip into a deep slumber
  • Having an electronics cut-off time two hours before bedtime

You’re better equipped to face the challenges ahead when you’re well-rested and focused.

#4 Take a Break from Media

These past few months, you may have been addicted to following the latest headlines, from coronavirus updates to the horrific tragedy of George Floyd.

It’s helpful to stay informed, but staying plugged into the media might be adding fuel to the fear and uncertainty you might be feeling about the future. Instead of keeping tabs on the world around you, remember to check in with your body-mind. Activities, like meditation, prayer, and journaling can help you tune into your emotions and listen to what your body is telling you.

The outside world will always be there. So, take time now to cultivate daily habits that empower YOU.

#5 Practice Social Connection

I believe social distancing is somewhat of a misnomer. Instead, I say we practice physical distancing but remain socially connected. Because connection has been shown to boost well-being and even fortify your immune system. Your relationships also act as your support systems when you’re feeling overwhelmed with life.

In creating your routine, it may be helpful to reach out to close friends and family. If you’re still avoiding social gatherings, a simple video call can help you feel connected. For example, I meet with friends on Zoom for Happy Hour.

Practice physical distancing but remain socially connected. Share on X

#6 Focus On the Things Within Your Power

There’s a reason why routines can help you feel rooted when your external world is going crazy. A routine encourages you to focus on activities that are within YOUR realm of power.

Businesses are going to reopen whether you are prepared for it or not. Other people will choose not to wear a mask and attend large social gatherings whether you approve or not. We still can’t say for certain that the worst of COVID-19 has passed.

But you can control what YOU do.

Even if we have to undergo self-isolation again, you can stay flexible and optimistic. You can practice daily habits that encourage you to feel empowered, grounded, and calm. And you can continue putting one foot in front of the other each and every day.

#7 Practice Gratitude

With all that has happened recently — COVID-19, racial injustices, dramatic shifts in your daily life — it can feel tempting to dwell on everything that’s wrong. The hopes you originally had for 2020 might be dwindling with each passing day.

But, I want to remind you that there is still so much good in your life.

Even during this global pandemic, you still have loved ones who are in good health. You still have a roof over your head and food in your belly.

And that’s worth celebrating.

If you’re feeling fear and uncertainty about the future, just remember that each step forward is an act of gratitude and optimism. You haven’t given up. You still have so much to live for and you have power in creating the future you want to see for yourself.

Seek Support When You’re Overwhelmed by the Coronavirus Situation

While self-care is essential to well-being, sometimes you need more. In these unprecedented times, you may be feeling helpless amidst the latest news and changes.

If you’re overwhelmed, it may be time to seek extra support. Because tackling life’s countless challenges need not be a journey you travel alone.

If you need somebody to stand alongside you and help you feel empowered again, sign up for a Complimentary “Overcoming Overwhelm” Discovery session with me. In this 60-minute consultation, you’ll:

  • Reveal a clear and compelling vision of what else is possible for your life when you no longer have so much on your plate and are enjoying your life again
  • Get simple and practical tips for how to break free from your symptoms of overwhelm
  • Tap into greater energy and inspiration 
  • Explore how having a partner on your journey will provide a shortcut to all that you desire.

Click here now to sign up for a complimentary “Overcoming Overwhelm” Discovery session.

 

Read This If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed by COVID-19

We were unprepared for coronavirus and its sudden appearance. 

Now we’re coping as it spreads like wildfire.

You’re stocking up on supplies. You might be in quarantine. Your county might even be on lockdown.

And it can all just feel so…

Overwhelming.

When you feel like you’re waist-deep in your anxiety and overwhelm…

Pause.

Take a deep breath.

And read this prayer aloud:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

courage to change the things I can,

and wisdom to know the difference.

Life is already challenging — and coronavirus has only added more complications.

The serenity prayer reminds us that we’re not powerless.

Whatever the circumstances, you always have choice. You can still create positive change in your life.

And the serenity prayer isn’t reserved strictly for those who believe in God. Whether you pray to a Higher Power — or not — the wisdom in this prayer rings true across all spiritual backgrounds. 

In times of overwhelm, especially now, the serenity prayer can comfort and empower you to take action.

Finding the Serenity to Accept the Things You Cannot Change

Coronavirus has disrupted your daily life.

Non-essential businesses are closed down. Your vacation plans might be postponed. Finding basic supplies, like toilet paper and paper towels, feels like a scavenger hunt.

You want to curse at the world.  

Cry at the unfairness of it all. 

But ask yourself:

Is this behavior making me feel better?

Is any of this curing my frustrations or stopping coronavirus?

More often, it isn’t.

Because cursing at the sudden arrival of coronavirus is like being annoyed at the rain when you expected a sunny day.

Things just happen — whether you’re prepared for them or not.

And your first instinct is to resist. To fight against reality and dwell when things go wrong.

But sometimes the best thing you can do is accept reality and move on. 

With the evolving situation around coronavirus, what more can you do except to learn, adjust, and continue living life as best you can?

Because some events are beyond your influence.

No matter what you do, you can’t stop nature from unleashing a hurricane.

Honking your horn won’t make traffic go faster.

And even if you follow all the safety precautions, you may not be 100% protected against coronavirus.

These are the things you cannot change.

The quicker you accept things that you cannot change, the faster you’re able to take action on the things you can.

The quicker you accept things that you cannot change, the faster you’re able to take action on the things you can. Share on X

Summoning the Courage to Change the Things You Can 

Here’s the thing.

In the grand scheme of the universe, events are just events.

To your Higher Power — whoever created this universe — a wedding has the same significance as a breeze flowing.

They’re all just events.

It’s the humans — you and I — that assign meaning and judgments to these events.

You choose whether an event is…

Bad or good.

Lucky or unlucky.

Fair or unfair.

You assign judgments to what happens around you and react based on those judgments.

If you choose to see coronavirus as a pandemic racking up a body count as it sweeps the nation, then, of course, you’ll likely feel deep terror and anxiety.

Yes, coronavirus is a scary event for most, that’s true. People are suffering and some countries are on lockdown to contain it.

But there’s little you can do about that.

The serenity prayer asks God to help you change the things you can.

You choose how you perceive things and how you feel about them.

Which also means that you can change your perceptions. 

You can change what judgments you assign certain events.

Will you characterize coronavirus as a big scary monster that crushes your spirit? 

Or can you see it as an opportunity? An opportunity to…

  • Practice optimism over pessimism.
  • Work on projects you didn’t previously have time for.
  • Cultivate a hobby you’ve always wanted to.
  • Learn a new skill that will progress your personal or professional development.

It’s easy to surrender and fall victim to your circumstances — and eventually suffer signs of burnout.

Can you, instead, summon the courage to change the things within your power?

What’s one thing within your power that you can change? What will you do today to create that change in your life?

Seeking Wisdom to Know the Difference

Positive change only starts when you understand the difference between what you can change and what you cannot.

And that’s where you and so many women might get stuck.

Before coronavirus, you may have already been struggling with overwhelm. Perhaps it’s a neverending to-do list. Or maybe your life felt upended from a specific event, like a move or divorce.

And the sudden rise of coronavirus felt like the rug was pulled out from beneath you.

It’s tempting to wallow in your overwhelm. To hide and run away.

But that’s only postponing — and often worsening — the problem.

The best thing you can do is to take action. 

But sometimes you don’t know where to start.

Maybe you need a little help determining your next best step moving forward.

Let me help you take that next step with my complimentary “Overcoming Overwhelm” Discovery session. In this 60-minute consultation you’ll:

  • Reveal a clear and compelling vision of what else is possible for your life when you no longer have so much on your plate and are enjoying your life again
  • Get simple and practical tips for how to break free from your symptoms of overwhelm
  • Tap into greater energy and inspiration 
  • Explore how having a partner on your journey will provide a shortcut to all that you desire.

Click here now to sign up for a complimentary “Overcoming Overwhelm” Discovery session.

Whitney believed in me and saw what I couldn’t.

Whitney is a joy to work with. Her compassion, deep listening skills and coaching supported me to accomplish and move forward in areas of my business where I’ve previously felt like I was spinning my wheels. I’m now doing what I set out to do with love and compassion for myself!

Thank you Whitney for believing in me and seeing what I couldn’t. I highly recommend Whitney to anyone interested in upleveling their life and especially upleveling their self-care.

Jill Fischer

CEO, Jill Fischer International

Hi, I’m Dr. Whitney

About Me

As an International Speaker, Certified Master Trainer, Certified Accelerated Evolution Coach, Spiritual Counselor, and Ordained Minister, I’ve shown powerful professional women, entrepreneurs, and executives worldwide how to experience success without sacrificing their health, wellbeing, relationships or dreams. Having experienced first-hand the challenges of finding physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance, I believe that life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured!!!

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