Sometimes, in the face of challenging situations that lack an obvious silver lining, it’s tough to be a sensitive, deeply feeling human being. Yet, our emotions matter. How we choose to respond matters. Reacting impulsively can worsen an already difficult situation, while responding with hope for a better future can help us make things better. Most of us prefer to choose “better”—but what do we do when the path to improvement seems blocked? How do we embody Martin Luther’s sentiment, “If I knew that tomorrow was the end of the world, I would plant an apple tree today!”
On November 6, 2024, the day after the U.S. presidential election—an event that impacts not just the U.S. but the world—I attended a Zoom event hosted by Dr. Shirzad Chamine, author of Positive Intelligence. Alongside a few hundred other coaches trained in Positive Intelligence mental fitness, I joined to hear Dr. Chamine’s wisdom for navigating such times.
Five Gifts to Face Difficult Situations
That day, he offered five powerful perspectives, based on his work and personal experiences, to help us process current events that deeply matter to us, yet over which we have limited control. These insights resonated profoundly, and I hope they offer you the same solace and direction they provided me.
Here’s a summary of the guidance he shared:
- Prolonged outrage, guilt, despair, and resignation only contribute to the problem
- Hating the hater only empowers the hater.
- Be proactive, not reactive.
- “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
- Love the “Universe”. Trust the mystery unfolding.
These ideas sparked something within me. I understood that my automatic reactions weren’t helpful, yet I needed something more tangible to guide my actions. Inspired by Dr. Chamine’s insights, I blended in lessons from my Reiki practice and created daily affirmations that have since become my compass. I hope they can serve you as well:
- Just for today, I release outrage, guilt, despair, resignation and hatred.
- Just for today, I embrace love, compassion, and respect for all living things.
- Just for today, I will be proactive, not reactive.
- Just for today, I will be the change I wish to see in the world.
- Just for today, I will love the Universe and trust, with curiosity, the mystery unfolding.
I’ve learned that two forces drive our actions with urgency: inspiration and outrage. While rage can propel us forward, actions born from hate or anger often contribute to the very problems we hope to solve. The key is to transform outrage into hopeful, inspired action. We must recognize injustice, feel the pain, and experience the outrage—but channel these feelings into a positive vision for the future.
Every day now, I wake up with these affirmations and ask myself, “What is mine to do today?” This question grounds and motivates me to take action, aligning with the evolution of human consciousness toward love and connection, so I can leave the world better than I found it.
If you, like me, feel deeply and want to make a positive impact but are struggling or feeling stuck, I invite you to schedule some time with me. I’d love to hear your dreams and support you in overcoming obstacles. Together, we can create positive change, one empowered action at a time.
– Dr. Cindy Sholes
