Let’s interrupt your regularly scheduled job search and career strategy programming, shall we?

If I’m honest, I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed by current events and the big changes happening in our world. Maybe you are, too?

My wise friend, Kim McKeehan, says: “We are being given a guidance that is fierce and rare but holy, if only we can remain open to receive it and then do what we are guided to do by our own gentle wisdoms.”

I know some of you are facing extreme shifts in your work and lives, at least in the short term. I’m feeling you, and I’m here to serve and support. And I don’t want to add to overwhelm or anxiety. But I do want to help us all to connect to and feel guided by our own gentle wisdoms, as Kim suggests.

So I created the simplest Scary Times Survival Kit I could:

Can you see your next step? Just take that.

Stop right here, if it feels good to you. Sometimes the shortest survival guide is the best one. And just taking the next step is the best survival advice I’ve got.

But if you’d like me to elaborate a bit, here’s a still simple Scary Times Survival Kit ?that uses a few more words:

Scary Times Survival Kit

1. Slow down. Sometimes, constraint is the best guide. Your activities are likely restricted, anyway. So why not take the opportunity to slow your breathing, your thoughts, your efforts, too?

2. Allow your emotions. You might be grieving your cancelled event. Or frustrated about your restricted freedoms. I know you’re well aware of the hardships elsewhere (and likely coming our way), and you’ve probably got some big feelings about those, too. Allow them. Let yourself feel what you feel. Since what we resist persists, trying not to feel our feelings usually makes things harder, no matter how much you tell yourself somebody has it worse. And emotions can deliver great guidance, too.

3. Curate your information. Of course you should be informed. But also, gather and cultivate signs of humanity and global healing. It’s a balm to my soul to learn that China’s pollution is way down, that dolphins are exploring Venice’s canals, and the myriad ways we’re coming together on our planet (google “COVID acts of kindness“), even as we’re socially distancing. Cultivate your hope.

4. Spread love. Call your people. Tell them you love them. Thank healthcare providers, grocers, and all the helpers. And, of course, be one where you’re able.

5. Listen. Sometimes the noise of the busy world and our thoughts drowns out the wisdom and guidance within and around. Your inner wisdom is always guiding you. Notice what truths it’s telling you. What guidance can you hear in these current events and all around you?

Thank you, dear ones. I’m grateful for you. These are extraordinary and challenging times. We’ll get through them together.

Sending love your way.

p.s. I want to know how you’re holding up. Please let me know what struggles you’re facing, whether it’s losing your job, working from home, or navigating your thoughts and fears. I’m here for you. And please share your best scary times survival tips, too? I’d love to hear them.