By Jonesy "The Podfather"
2020 has been, in my opinion, the most stressful and challenging year in my lifetime. The past year is the end of our innocence as a nation; we now know we are not safeguarded from the world's problems. The trend of tragic events started with the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi. Fast forward to the civil unrest in cities all over the country. Last but not least a worldwide pandemic.
Record levels of job loss in a rapidly changing economy are also front and center in the mind space of many Americans. Our culture is becoming the living embodiment of a dystopian novel. It is increasingly difficult for many to cope with the “new normal.”
The powers that be on multiple levels have caused many of the problems we face and are on the cusp of mandating a solution. Sheesh, this is a lot to take in, folks, and the question we must all ask ourselves is, am I ok? Mentally physically, and emotionally.
We cannot afford to take a business as a usual stance to the warning signs that arise internally and externally. Greater detail and depth are needed to continue moving forward—all while avoiding the breadline, hospital, and the insane asylum simultaneously. I cannot begin to tell you how much I long for the simpler times of the past, but we must exist in the present and look toward fixing the future. So with that, I've decided to pass along a playbook of sorts to make sure you are the best version of yourself. Moving forward in these trying times.
Exercise
I've found that my mind is at its peak when I'm exercising, and it also helps your mood and boosts energy. But you have to do it often for it to pay off.
Relax your muscles, stretch often, take a hot shower, and get plenty of rest.
Spend as much time as possible with loved ones
Take advantage of the time you currently have in the land of the living, and be optimistic. Strive to create positive memories.
Diet
Eat healthier for your body and mind to function at its peak and help you feel in control of your moods.
Relax as much as possible
Take a break, read, pray, meditate, listen to music and do as many restful things as possible. To me, this is a mandatory part of your day. These activities create moments of peace and clarity. It is imperative to unloading stress.
Work thru your problems
Talk about your problems, talk to people you trust, unloading issues on a caring ear can be the difference between reaching your breaking point and coming to a solution.
Laugh as much as possible
Many have said ”laughter is the shortest distance between two people.“
Laughter gives us a way to step back from the issues in life, deal with it and move on.
Pay attention to your body
If you respect how your body feels when you're sick or in pain, you’ll find that you spend much less time sick or in pain! If we're young or old we must all listen to the message our body sends us to avoid worse from happening. Most of my life when my body wasn't feeling good I wouldn't respect it.
I mistreated it even more and that took me to places that I can't begin to describe. I was close to a stroke at the tender age of 35. Wasted talent wouldn't begin to describe me—try wasted life! I still feel there's so much more to accomplish and give to the world and my family. The more I get to know myself and body I’m able to live pain free.
I've come to a place where I can isolate the physical pain in my body and also conquer the emotional obstacles in my life which to me has been my greatest challenge .
These are just simple things that I feel can be useful in these challenging times for some. I am fully aware that many issues are catastrophic and cannot be remedied with rhetoric. But the small details are the ones that can help you come out on the other side in one piece. Being able to be the best individual possible can benefit society as a whole. We cannot continue to have a country full of sad, emotionally unstable, and out of shape people try and lead us into the future.
We as Americans have this idea that we are not all responsible for the content of the world in which we exist, but small acts of kindness and understanding can make a world of difference in someone's life. Energy cannot be created or destroyed. Make sure the energy you put into the world is positive. Bruce Lee once said, “do not speak negatively about yourself even as a joke. Your body doesn't know the difference”
Many of us speak of our demise. We must always make an honest and optimistic assessment. Be mindful of the things we are blessed with. I believe if you plant seeds of success,happiness, and love, they will all come back to you.
This is the law of nature. I know when times are tough alot of us can wipe our ass with flowery upbeat retroic but trust me the seeds you plant in your darkest times grow to be the trees you will get oxygen from when the air is in short supply.
