Choose not to suffer

In these times, we are all challenged by the pandemic which exacerbates emotional well-being. Although I resist using the word 'suffering" when I reflect upon my own personal challenges, perhaps it is alright to say that it feels like I am suffering right now. My personal issues seem more difficult than usual to handle.  My insides are in turmoil as time seems to drag out while I watch things unfold and I fight the urge to fall into hopelessness and impatience.  I sometimes get caught up in my emotions and I seek to be grounded and return to a place of peace which allows me to be my best and highest self.  

I reflect upon days where I have been so happy and in giving to others, I was noticing new gifts the universe was giving me. In keeping with my past practices, my focus on gratitudes and cultivating my inner peace and happiness shifts my suffering to an active motivation and intent to do things which bring me peace now. During this time when we are all alone, as counter-intuitive as it sounds, I look inward to myself and cultivating an abundance of happiness and comfort which then, allows me to give comfort and joy to others. I am writing letters of gratitude to friends who have been there for me in the past and letting them know how they had a positive impact on me. I am calling and FaceTiming friends to connect with them and making sure they are doing alright. The pandemic is hard on all of us. We all have that in common. 

The one thing that is certain is that this pandemic will not last forever. It will eventually end. So why hold my breath and day dream about happiness when this is over. I choose to be happy now. I am doing things that make me happy now which will lead to a happy near future so when this pandemic is over, I am already in a happy and peaceful place. I will have had many happy days and instead of bolting out into freedom when this is over, I will have already experienced joy all along.

Please share your experience in overcoming anxieties during the pandemic by writing a comment below.