Riding the wave in uncharted waters.

We are in uncharted territory. No doubt about it.

It’s scary. It’s uncertain. It’s turbulent. The waters are rough and we are all seeking the beacon of light to guide us through this storm.

Covid-19 has hit the globe hard. There is no denying that. This virus has shown us how deeply connected we are. We are one community of global citizens. 7.7 billion strong.

The impact is real and is far-reaching and in many aspects unprecedented. Many of us are struggling with how to cope and remain positive and hopeful.

One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received – and it has served me well for the past two decades is – “Own what’s yours, and give the rest back.”

The burdens of the world are great. They are heavy. But we must not carry the collective weight of it by ourselves. It will break us. Instead, focus on what you can control – what’s in your sphere of control and/or influence – and gently place the rest in the hands of others. This is not an act of selfishness. It’s an act of selflessness and self-care. Simply put – do what you can, where you can, when you can. Focusing on things you can not control serves no purpose. Worrying about tomorrow, only robs you of today. It’s exhausting, mentally and physically.

Own what’s yours, and give the rest back.

Like many small businesses, I too am feeling the impact of this crisis. I’ve adapted where I can, but everything is moving and changing so quickly. Just last week, I was booked to do Business Booster Bootcamps. Fast-forward to today, and my boot camps are all cancelled. This was in response to the social distancing protocol, but the reality is, it’s no longer about boosting a business, it’s about business survival. All in the span of 5 days.

I can’t control that. It simply is.

Instead, I’m focusing on what I can control. What I can do. I’m choosing to own what is mine, and give the rest back. I simply couldn’t cope otherwise.

So, I will focus my energy, heart, and mind on:

• I will complete the Accounting and Bookkeeping Certification course I have started online and will focus on my quest for continuous learning. There are so many FREE or inexpensive learning and development opportunities out there. Take advantage of this time and invest in yourself. Interestingly, Groupon has a number of discounted learning and development promotions on right now.

• I will develop a top-notch curriculum for my Business Booster Bootcamps so that I am well aligned, poised, and ready to meet the needs of business owners when we reach the other side of this virus. It’s often said that Entrepreneurs must take time to ‘work on’ your business, instead of ‘working in’ your business. Now is the time.

• I will exercise my brain muscles daily with Soduko, jigsaw puzzles, games, etc.

• I will read, read, and read some more. I will leap enthusiastically into the literary world and devour as many books as I can. I’ll let the pages and stories take me to another place and time.

• I will write, write, and write some more – short stories, blogs, web copy, curriculum, etc. I’ll use this time to stretch my writing muscles and challenge myself as a writer.

• I will stay connected to customers, clients, friends, and family. We have the tools to do this – phone, Facetime, Zoom, i-message, etc. Let’s use these tools to our advantage. Social distancing does not apply.

• I will share messages and stories of kindness and compassion. We can all use a daily dose of feel-good news. Bonus points for layering it with a boost of humour as well.

• I will limit the amount and frequency of News consumption and only pay attention to trusted and reliable sources. Yes, I want to remain informed, but I don’t need to hear that the Canada-USA border will be closed, 75+ times in one day, over and over again. No one does. I will protect my mental health the best way I can.

• I will do the things I never have (or make) time for – try new recipes, play games, organize a closet(s), go through stuff and compile a ‘donate’ and ‘sell’ list, take afternoon naps, take an afternoon drive in the country, etc. etc. etc.

Yes, it’s a scary time and we are in uncharted waters. Times are uncertain, and people are hurting. We will see the best of each other, and we will see the worst of humanity as well. Choose where you focus your attention and your heart.

Choose wisely.

It’s up to each of us to decide how we ride this wave. I do believe that working together, we will persevere. And we will come out of this stronger than ever and more united in having weathered this unprecedented storm together.

Let us always remain vigilant, respectful, kind, and compassionate, and perhaps most importantly hopeful. Always, hopeful.

Own what’s yours, and give the rest back. The weight of it all is not yours’ alone to carry.

I’d love to hear from you and invite you to share. What are you doing to ride this wave as we enter uncharted waters?

With gratitude, always

Nicole Osmond

Customer Success Coach

As a Customer Success Coach and 3 X business owner, I am living my passion and helping companies succeed by cultivating a customer committed mindset.

A Writer with Heart – I weave words together to stimulate, elevate, and motivate. My blog is my canvas to share my ‘experience nuggets’ with you! Thanks for stopping by! With gratitude, always – Nicole