Two days back when I was watering the January flowers which were blooming beautifully, the doorbell rang. We were not expecting anyone so early in the morning. I went and opened the door. It was Alan. He looked sleep-deprived. “Hey, what’s the matter? Are you okay?” I asked.
He came inside and sat on the couch. “Not really! My new flat mate was supposed to come this month but due to some last-minute changes, he will not be able to. This means I will have to pay extra amidst the financial crunch that I am already facing. How do I keep up during such uncertain times?” He replied.
I gave him a glass of water and then paused for a while. The situation is not easy but I had to remind him that things will slowly get better. “You will get a new flat mate very soon. I will spread the word. Life comes with its uncertainty but by cultivating the right mindset we learn to overcome that and live better.” I said.
“What do you do in such times?” He asked. “I will share this over a cup of coffee!” I said with a wink and made us both coffee. Then I served and shared with him these three ways:
Embrace Uncertainty: Understand that life is unpredictable, and not everything can be controlled or predicted. Embracing uncertainty allows you to be more flexible and adaptable to change.
Focus on the Present Moment: Practice mindfulness to stay grounded in the present. Worrying about the future or dwelling on the past can contribute to anxiety. By focusing on the current moment, you can better appreciate the journey.
Cultivate Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Everyone faces challenges, and being compassionate toward yourself during difficult times can help you bounce back more resiliently.
Adopt a Growth and Positive Mindset: Train your mind to focus on the positive aspects of a situation. This doesn’t mean ignoring challenges but rather approaching them with an optimistic attitude and a belief that you can overcome obstacles. Embrace the idea that challenges are opportunities for learning and growth. “What am I learning?” Ask yourself this question. A growth mindset allows you to see setbacks as temporary and motivates you to persist in the face of difficulties.
“Hmm…This was insightful! Feels like following these will make it easier to face and overcome!” He replied. “Yes, I follow them and I have had fewer reasons to complain!” I replied and then the rest of the morning we finished coffee and posted on various social media pages to get a new flat mate.
