The Challenge of Adversity
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller
We are living in challenging times. Many businesses are temporarily closed. Schools are shut down for the remainder of the school year. Churches have switched to only online services. Perhaps you’re an extrovert who is now working at home, or worse – you’ve been laid off for the time being.
As one of the approximate 160 million people that make up the labor force in America, your world has gone crazy in a short time.
So. What are you going to do about it?
You can’t control your circumstances, …but you can choose your response!
- Don’t Be a Victim
You did not choose this trial, nor did you start this pandemic, but you are not the only one going through it. Refusing to play the victim, now or at any time in life, breaks the grip of bitterness, which would only choke us if we let it. Choose instead to take responsibility for your actions and mindset and just keep going on!
- Focus on the Positive
Sigh. You’re stuck at home – social media was an enjoyable way of life until it was your only way of life. Maybe you have kids home from school, you are trying to work remotely, and your last container of Lysol is almost gone, but the local big box store is sold out.
WAIT! Dwell on the positive –
Get creative with your social media.
Enjoy the extra time with your children – wasn’t it just a couple of months ago that you were lamenting about not having enough time with them?
Working remotely is a struggle – but at least you’re working.
It’s the perfect time to get to know your neighbors – give them a call and see if you can pick something up for them when you make a run to the store – who knows, maybe they have an overflow of Lysol wipes.
- Count Your Blessings
Literally. Write them down. Challenge yourself to add to your list daily. An attitude of gratitude counteracts the tendency towards negative thinking. Countless studies showcase that positive health benefits follow. Counting your blessings, and truly being thankful for them, will help you not to play the victim. It gives you the eyes to see that “flip-side.”
After all, “Gratitude,” according to Cicero, “is not only the greatest of all virtues, but the parent of all others.”
- Keep Community
Even with social distancing, ‘community’ is possible. In our very digital world, you can still fellowship with your loved ones through a myriad of possibilities. Text. Face time. Have Zoom Dates. Goodness – there’s also the old-fashion telephone call. No matter what is happening, whether we need to practice social distancing or not, a sense of community is vital to humanity. It provides a sense of belonging. After all, we are not invincible on our own.
- Reach out to Others
Part of ‘community’ is reaching out to others. Check on your neighbors. Share your stockpiles. If you have an elderly friend, do their grocery shopping for them. Right now, in this nationwide moment of adversity, reaching out where you can, is part of being a good neighbor and friend. But in any situation, shifting your focus off yourself can put things into perspective! There is always someone who has it a little harder than you.
- Keep Routine
For some people, routine might be a dirty word. For others, it’s their absolute favorite. But either way, there are benefits to keeping a routine. Routine breeds efficiency, promotes good habits, saves time and anxiety, removes the need to over-plan, and promotes doing things well. Additionally, rather than hampering your freedom, keeping routine provides a structure that can help you feel safe. It’s particularly a big deal if you have kiddos. In times of complete upheaval, fear roars rather loudly, and it’s essential for children (and adults) to feel secure.
ERG Staffing understands. We’re all in this together. Our team is doing their best to keep everyone who wants to be working, working. Whether you’re looking for a position in light industrial work, the skilled trades, or in a technical, clerical or professional position, if you are ready to work, ERG Staffing is ready to help you find opportunities that match your experience, interests, and skills. Contact us today.