It's OK to say "I'm not OK."

Many of us are struggling, yes me too!

My coaching business is just starting out and is more of an expense then then a financial support for my family. I, like millions of others, lost my job in the tech industry, my husband was also temporarily laid off and our son is attending school online.

That's a lot of shock to handle in an instant. Not only do we have to now deal with the struggle of meeting bills, isolation and fear of the future we are left with our thoughts! You know the ones that tell us: "We got this!", "We are going to be OK" , "I'll just get another job!", "Great things are going to happen".

Then time passes and our thoughts start trending down....

"My debts are rising", "I'm running out of money", "I've interviewed for 3 jobs and didn't get it, I'm not good enough", "I am failing!", "I am broken."

.......spiralling slowly down to a lethargic state of depression. Worst yet we yoyo back and forth with a lot of highs and lows and we start to feel like we are on a roller coaster to nowhere.

On top of that, many people have lost loved ones and never had the opportunity to say good bye. Others that seemingly look as though they were not impacted are feeling a deep sense of guilt for being OK while others suffer.

Let me tell you, it is OK to be not OK! You are not broken! It's just a lot to process and deal with all at once. As much as "We are all in this together", we all have our own demons to deal with. The key is to try and find some sense of balance between the highs and the lows.

I know it may not be the same for everyone but I will share a few of the strategies of have taken to try and get balance and stability in my life and maybe it will resonate with some of you.

I try to practice meditation everyday.

In fact I have taken it a bit further and am training to become a meditation teacher that will compliment my coaching practice.

I go for long walks outside.

I try to go out everyday and do a 4K walk. Admittedly it's getting a bit boring doing the same route but right now my other normal routes are too busy and being an asthmatic it's a bit too risky for me so I will be content with just getting out.

I talk to someone

When I am feeling down or angry I reach out and talk to my family, friends, neighbours. Sometimes it's to get it out of my system but other times it's just to have a chat about anything..it picks up my spirts and makes me feel better.

I am grateful every single day!

There is SO much to be grateful for: Family, friends, health care workers, truck drivers, essential services, the weather (OK sometimes :-) ). The list goes on. I always feel blessed and lucky everyday. I personally don't have a gratitude journal but I hear it is a great thing to do especially if you are having a down day and can look back in your journal and remember some grateful moments.

May you find some balance in chaos!

Take Care.