We are transitioning again. For some of us, we are experiencing the somewhat predictable seasonal transformation from summer to fall. For others, add on the startup of a very different school year that is challenging every ounce of our hope, patience, and understanding. Local, state, and federal decisions are being made by the hour that redirect our attention. Stop. Go. Stop again. It is an election year. Maybe a job change, marriage, or the birth of a baby. News feeds are constantly bombarding us with angles and direct hits of the fires ravaging our land and racial discourse ravaging our souls. Everything is calling for action. If you are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, you are not alone. Life ramped up.
Okay got it. Now what? Emotional intelligence tactics can be helpful to navigate these unpredictable times.
Five simple suggestions for managing personal transitions:
1. Try keeping it simple. Break the complexity up into smaller pieces. Facts are important to have. Think about what is most important to you. Prioritize your time and energy. Take a day by day approach.
2. Look for reasons to be gracious. Gratitude is infectious. Say it out loud.
3. Adjust your expectations and your expectations of others. Maybe sustaining is enough right now. Give yourself some grace aka cut yourself some slack and be ready to change your plans.
4. Establish healthy boundaries. Regulate the external messages hitting your inbox. Surround yourself with supportive and caring people.
5. Stay on balance with an optimistic mindset. Take a nap if you need one to recharge and refuel your ability to be optimistic.
You got this!
“When a great ship is in harbor and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt.
But that is not what great ships are built for.”
Clarissa Pinkola Estes, American poet
