Do Everything You Can and Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Difficult Times

Imagine yourself a month ago – did you have the stresses and worries you have now? I doubt it. The last few weeks have been a maelstrom of change. The coronavirus has put a stop to our everyday lives, confining us to our own homes except for exercise and the occasional trip to the store to stick up on groceries. So how do we make sense of this sudden change?

I’ve talked a lot about changing circumstances on my blog. I highly recommend checking out my review of Pema Chödrön's "When Things Fall Apart" for a more in-depth look at how you can deal with change. However, for now, I just want to put one thought into your head:

Do Everything You Can and Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

This thought is reminiscent of the classic serenity prayer - God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. There is great wisdom in this mindset.

What Can’t We Change?

You can’t control the spread of the virus entirely by yourself. You can’t help it if your company makes mass layoffs. You can’t help it if you are confined to your home on public advice.

Have the serenity to accept the things that you cannot change. Everyone I know falls victim to the endless scrolling. We fill our headspace with a constant onslaught of information and opinions, through social media, news sites, and more.

I’m not making an argument for being uninformed – far from it. Keep abreast of the situation by all means – but do you really need the minute-by-minute updates? You can’t affect the news cycle and what other people post. Allow yourself the serenity of accepting it.

An Active Force in an Inactive Time

The restrictions that have (rightly) been placed on society can seem like a prison. Instead of focusing on all the things you are no longer allowed to do, such as going to the gym, seeing friends, or stopping by a bar on the way home – remember the things you like and are able to do.

This is a time for active peace and meditation. You can allow yourself to be creative – or allow yourself to not be creative. You are still allowed to exist and be present. You are allowed to wash hands and isolate away from people to help stop the spread.

Unless you are ill, the government is still allowing you to take a walk outside of your home and experience fresh air – as long as you are staying 6ft from others. There are a number of apps available that will allow you to work out from home. In this day and age, with the amazing technology we have available at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to work remotely or connect with people far away. Social distancing doesn’t stop us from talking, connecting, and even socializing online.

In Summary

I’m going to be making a couple of blog posts about the world’s current situation. As I mentioned, there is a tidal wave of information out there right now – so I understand if you don’t check in as often. But I will be updating the blog with articles amount mindfulness, peace, and the active things we can do to be present at this time.

You may be worried about your future. Perhaps you lack job security, or have immediate family members in jeopardy. This blog post isn’t about ignoring those things – it is about knowing what you are able to change. For now, control the things you are able to. Eat healthily. Stay present. Reach out to people. Exercise and be actively mindful. Do everything you can and don’t sweat the small stuff.