We are living with uncertainty in massive proportions. The current world crisis is something I would never have imagined I would ever live to see; I turn 60 this year.

I remember how scared we were as a nation when 9/11 went down, but the current state of affairs is beyond fighting back with military force. We are only a short time into the global crisis, and I've witnessed fear, uncertainty, panic, and terror in voices, faces, body postures, and social media posts. Fear has struck as our economy is failing, people are losing jobs, we are afraid to go out, to be near other people, to touch a doorknob, to see our grandkids, and so much more.

Fear is normal; it's an age-old instinct. We are hard-wired to fight, run, or freeze when threatened. However, if we continue to live fearfully, we will undoubtedly face many forms of health issues.

Every day we face challenges or fears. Yet, we also live with faith or a belief that all will be okay. How many millions of people step on to a plane every day and believe that they'll arrive at their destination knowing that planes can crash. We drive our cars, knowing people die in auto accidents every minute of every day. Yet, we still do these things. I hop on a horse regularly, trusting, and having faith that I'll step off when the ride is complete.

Uncertainty is especially difficult for persons who struggle with anxiety, depression or have a higher sensitivity. And, yet, our beliefs or faith fuel us through uncertain times. It's in our DNA; it is more powerful than fear, and if we allow ourselves to move away from fear, we will surely make it through this uncertain and challenging time.

Five tools to increase your faith or beliefs – 

Intention – If we set our intention towards staying in the present moment and looking at what we can control, we'll be better able to cope with uncertainty and stop the flow of fear. We also can set the intention of moving our lives forward. Sure, some things have changed. You can't go to the gym; it's closed. Yet, you can walk, run, ride a bike, dance in your home, do Yoga, Pilates, or a variety of other exercises while housebound. Set the intention to move. If it's a small business you own, keep working on the back end of it so that when things turn around, you are ready.

Psychologist Elisha Goldstein, author of The Now Effect: "Our intention is at the root of why we do anything and plays a fundamental role in helping us cultivate a life of happiness or unhappiness. If we set an intention for well-being and place it at the center of our life, we are more likely to be guided toward it."

Fear of the past – Fear, a disabling emotion, has the same bodily sensations as excitement. Controlling it is a matter of mindset. Remember a time when you felt fear that if you did "XYZ," that you would be making a big mistake or looking like a fool. You showed up anyway, and all turned out better than you'd hoped.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face … You must do the thing you think you cannot do." ~ Elanor Roosevelt

Confronting fear isn't always easy, yet, if we confront it and hear what fear is telling us, we can gain clarity and find comfort knowing we can do anything we set our minds to and develop a mindset of knowing okay despite the odds.

Change the language – The language of your thoughts will become the language of your feelings. Reframe the words. Using a different context, a frame of reference or setting will help change your perspective. "If I lose my job, I will be destroyed." Will you indeed be destroyed? Instead, try on; I am feeling anxious about the current situation." And see if that doesn't help alleviate some of the fear and anxiety.

Focus on flying – The power of faith will provide unwavering certainty to your world and others you connect with if you remain focused on flying versus dying. In his book The Art of Uncertainty, Dennis Merritt Jones writes: "Between a shaky world economy, increasing unemployment, and related issues, many today are being forced to come to the edge of uncertainty. Just like the baby sparrows, they find themselves leaning into the mystery that change brings because they have no choice: It's fly or die."

Seasons of change – Even though spring has sprung, the current state of affairs feels a lot like winter. The good news is, spring always follows winter. Flowers bloom, the grass grows, animals shed their winter coats, people get out more, life feels like it has meaning, and opportunities are abundant.

"In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger – something better, pushing right back." ~ Albert Camus.

In the meantime, what do you do to prepare for spring?

The Global Pandemic won't last forever. Opportunities will be abundant as we move into a NEW NORMAL. How will you prepare?

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." ~ Seneca

As a nation, many of us have found we have lots of time on our hands. How will you spend that time? Perhaps it's time to get in shape, plan better meals, or help your kids find ways to stay active. If you are a small business owner like me, this is a great time to work on your business. Plan, strategize, complete a vision board for your company, work on social media campaigns or any number of things that will move your business forward. Now is the time to shine, rise, trust that you can deal with that which is currently our reality. Help yourselves, help your neighbor, volunteer, and show up in a big way. 

These difficult times will reshape our nation; they will reshape our thinking, our way of living, and our priorities. However, we are resourceful, resilient, adaptable. We Will Bounce Back!

Please know that I am here, ready, and willing to chat with you. Reach out and let me know how I can help. Perhaps it's helping to develop a game plan for your social media. Best workout options while staying at home and mapping future business goals. Whatever it is, let's get creative together. I want to help.

With Love,

Vonie