Hope In Uncertain Times
Written by: Erin Ekman, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Our world and our lives are changing at a rate that we have never seen before. Many of you are experiencing unease, anxiety, and overwhelm during these times of change, uncertainty, and challenging events.
The thing is, life is inherently uncertain and it’s when we attach our sense of security and our happiness to our ability to control and predict life that we suffer.
As you have heard before,
“THE ONLY CONSTANT IN LIFE IS CHANGE. "
As a coach, I work with clients on how to navigate this truth each day to live in the unknown and ambiguous while remaining centered, calm and fulfilled.
We have one of two options as I see it; Try to control every detail of our lives to create security or See change and uncertainty for its potential to create something new and beautiful.
It is in the second option that Hope lives.
“Fear and Hope cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.” ‒ Maya Angelou
It is those who have a strong sense of self, a belief in their ability to adapt to change and who choose to “invite hope to stay” that navigate change and uncertainty with grace and strength.
You can move from feeling overwhelmed to steady by embracing hope. Hope is your source of power and strength. When paired with action, hope has the power to transform you and those around you. It will give you control over how each day unfolds.
Being to cultivate hope by following these prompts:
1. Find Proof of Resiliency
Ask yourself, “What challenging and uncertain events have I navigated before?”. Write down these examples ‒ big and small to remind yourself that you have the ability to navigate this too. Remember who you were in those difficult times and the strength you found to carry you through.
2. Create a Vision for the Future
Reflect on, “What was I hopeful for in those moments?”. Vision is a powerful tool – focusing on what you want to create and surrounding yourself with people who also have an optimistic mindset will strengthen your sense of hope.
3. Lastly, reflect on, “What do I know for sure in THIS moment?”
Bring yourself back to the NOW because this is the only moment you have control over.
My family loves me
My home is safe
I have enough to eat
My children are safe and well
There are good people working hard to make a difference
If you are navigating change and feeling uncertain about what the future holds, I encourage you to take 10 minutes today to reflect on these questions. Capture your thoughts so you can reference them again and find your sense of hope.
Life will continue to change, and so will you.
If you have any questions, contact me here, send us an email at info@centrivity.ca or connect with me on LinkedIn.
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Erin Ekman, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Erin is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF), and the principal facilitator and leadership consultant with Centrivity Inc. She has worked in coaching and leadership development since 2009 and holds a Professional Co-Active Coach Certification (CPCC) from the Coaches Training Institute. Erin is passionate about developing people and teams as they actively move towards their personal and professional goals, and partnering with organizations that recognize that their people are their greatest asset and pathway to long-term success.
