During a recent WhatsApp chat the idea of a ‘covid promise’ became the hot topic of conversation. One of the participants had heard it somewhere and it tied into the discussion around the reflections that some of us had been having during the period of lock-down.
For some, it seems that the sense of the world as we knew it changing so quickly, coupled with the awful loss felt by many has engendered a ‘life is not a dress rehearsal,’ thinking. The sort of ‘life is not a dress rehearsal’ mindset that comes from the reminder that life throws up events we cannot control, that make the gift of it both precious and impermanent. The sort of ‘this is not a dress rehearsal’ reminder that nudges you to get creating your own version of a happy, healthy fulfilled life sooner rather than later – whatever that looks like to you!
Often those brave souls who choose to start creating a life that they truly want rather than ‘should’ want come up against a fair few obstacles as they begin to move in different directions. Whilst some of the obstacles may require a more practical approach to getting past them, others come in the form of fear and doubt.
If we learn anything from living through this pandemic, perhaps we would be wise to consider what we can learn about facing our fears from those who have demonstrated the human capacity to draw on strength and courage to boldly carry on in the face of challenge.
For me, it brings to mind the many health and fitness professionals who took the plunge, overcame their fears and put themselves out there online, offering a much needed anchor for many during the darker moments of the crisis. Some of whom hadn’t felt ‘brave enough’ to show themselves online before, but still took the opportunity to overcome any fears to stretch and grow themselves both physically and mentally! An act of kindness to overcome their fears to be of service to those in need.
Photo by LittPro Inc on Unsplash
Of course, it was humbling to witness the courage and commitment of those key workers who showed up in so many ways; risking their own health to provide medical care, carry on delivering food and essentials to our homes, delivering mail, disposing of rubbish and those paid and unpaid workers supporting those in social crisis…. the list goes on.
While we haven’t all been out working on the front line, maybe we can take inspiration from those who have and start boldly showing up for our own individual purpose a little more, if they can do that then maybe we can begin to challenge some of our own fearful thoughts…….
Maybe you too felt a little stirring inside as you careered along the Coronacoaster………… maybe you felt that rumbling, that call to be a little braver, a little bolder.
How did those who stepped up and embraced the constant flux and fear inspire you to come back into the world with a greater sense of courage?
How will you open the door to different possibilities and the desire to overcome any obstacles that held you back previously?
If you’ve embraced this silver lining and fancy building on the momentum that you’ve found, read the next post for some actions to get you bringing out your bold!
The Midlife Mash Up 
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