I've had more ups and downs than a kangaroo on drugs

To tell you the truth, these past two months have not been easy, and I’m sure it’s been similar for you. Everybody has dealt with the virus in their own ways – some people lockdown in their homes, while others have gone to the Hamptons or other more remote locations to escape the craziness (especially here in the Metropolitan area). I thought I would share with you how I have dealt with the past 6 weeks - the decisions I’ve made and how I am handling life.

I have said it once, and I will say it again, “Life is difficult. The faster you realize this and accept it, the faster you will be able to deal with the roller coaster called ‘life.’”

In a time like this, it is easy to make excuses, to lack motivation and to get glued to the “doom and gloom” the media daily shoves in our faces. If there is one thing you can’t have happen, it is to go to the grave knowing that you did NOTHING during a difficult time like this.

You can’t lose your sense of the importance of the common good. It is EVERYTHING! During times like this, and really every day, do something good to help someone else. Helping others is not a burden, but an opportunity that will lead you to sheer joy! Acts of kindness and compassion will always turn your day around.

Next, there is the “shoulda” concept. “I should do this, I should do that.” Turn your “shoulda’s” into “musts!” “Yes, I must do this, I must do that! Yes, I must eat right. Yes I must exercise daily. I must catch up with friends, family and clients.”

You must take the time we have been given to better those around you. Bettering others’ betters yourself.

Be sure you’re not “should-ing” all over yourself each day. (My friend used to tell players on his basketball team this every day.)

I have realized that when you’re fighting for your life and your back is against the wall, in both your personal life and business endeavors, you must keep fighting and pushing forward – with NO REGRETS!

Life becomes dull when you sit back and let the negatives in life take over. TAKE CONTROL and BEAT ADVERSITY. Adversity brings out the best of you and best of all of us.

Overall, I find we have 3 main choices to make each day in times like this:

• It’s not me sick or in trouble. I am going to ignore this or am I going to do something about it?
• Should I just roll over and give up? Will this pass and will all be okay? Will the government fix this? Will my boss or company fix this?
• Am I going to make something happen? How should I deal with it? Will I be a leader and help others? How can I make others feel better?

Again, life is difficult. Accept it, deal with it and be a part of the solution. Find an individual or a family, a food bank or a hospital, and provide them with any help you can give. Form a group and talk through solutions to help your neighborhood or company. Turn up the volume on compassion and servility.

Quote of the Day: "Action over anxiety"

Song of the Day: "Whatever it Takes" - Imagine Dragons