 No matter where you live you’re being asked to cope with a whole new set of circumstances right now. I’m in Northern California and have been in “lockdown” for nine days, with no end in sight.
My blog post today is about how to find and use your strengths to help yourself and others. Especially when you feel stressed or uncertain, remember what you have to offer. Try to replace complaints with gratitude. Think about what is still positive in your life. Artists have special gifts, often called “right-brain” strengths. These include your imagination, the ability to see the Big Picture while others are focused on small details. Artists are also intuitive, with the kind of insight that isn’t based on logic but is still powerful. You have the flexibility and imagination to navigate difficult times, and to help others to do so. Remember that under stress we all become more like our core selves, not less. If you are an introvert, you won’t mind time alone but will still need to connect in other ways. If you’re more social, you might be feeling a sense of loss that more screen time simply doesn’t replace. Also remember that people handle stress in different ways. Be patient with others, including friends and family as well as strangers. Try to identify your personal strengths. Think about your own past. Remember the difficult times you thought would never end. You may have suffered a personal or professional crisis, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a dream. Or perhaps you faced an exciting challenge that seemed beyond your ability. When you look back, what were the strengths that got you through? Whatever worked then, do it now. Find your strengths and share them with others. ~ Mary Mary Edwards, Ph.D Career & Life Coach for Artists “Left Brain Skills for Right Brained People” Instagram: coachingforartists.maryedwards |