I find that people become a reflection of their environment. If you surround yourself with positive and positively energetic people then it is much easier for you to become that yourself. The opposite is also true.  Some people and situations are energy boosters. Some are energy busters – or vampires. Fortunately, you have the option to decide.

It is very easy to fall into the trap of anxiety and negativity in today’s world. Virtually all of the information coming from the media (social and otherwise) is negative. Sure they’ll put a feel-good story at the end but it hardly cures the message. And the pandemic is top of mind for everyone – as it should be. These are not great times for our society and people are suffering in so many ways.

We all must accept the situation we are in. We do not have to surrender. Acceptance isn’t agreement with the status quo. It is an acknowledgment of what is – of facts – even when we don’t like them and we’re frustrated and angry about them. Denying the facts because we don’t like them, or we’d like a different set of facts is not only ineffective, it is dangerous. Facts are facts. Now what?

Accepting or acknowledging the situation – the facts – provide the foundation for action. It allows us to take some sort of control and begin changing things. Adopting this “Yes, and” approach allows you to mindfully (intentionally) respond to overcome the mindless (instinctual) reaction. It allows you to decide what kind of energy you are going to accept, and what you are going to project. Being positive is not a rejection of facts or reality. It is simply an intentional response about how you choose to move forward.

If you look carefully you’ll see it more and more. There are still ways to do good and to feel good – things that boost your energy. Which allows you to do the same for others. You just have to be that much more intentional to find these opportunities. If you look and listen carefully you’ll see these stories coming up all around you. People are stepping up. Making masks, lending shelter, organizing virtual and distance gatherings. Others are making other choices that may not be as productive.

Our three grown 20-something kids have come back to the family home as a result of the pandemic. This presents some special challenges us, who have been empty nesters for a while. It also is challenging for them who’ve been doing their own thing for a while. Luckily we all get along. We give each other our own spaces to do our thing. And we find opportunities – moments – to be together in ways that won’t be possible in the future. Maybe it’s as simple as a family dinner or watching Jeopardy! Together. Or dust off the old board games. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be valuable and important. Because in the not too distant future they will leave the nest again and life will go back to a new normal – whatever that is. And the opportunity for these moments will be much fewer and farther between.

You can choose to live for the moment we are freed from social distancing. Or you can choose to live in the moments you have now, while you have them – knowing that it will all change soon enough.

You must accept the situation you are in. You don’t have to surrender.

You get to decide the kind of energy you want to accept, and what you want to create. You get to decide what you make of these moments. You get to decide the difference you want to make for yourself and for those in your world.

Choose wisely.