The pandemic put stress on many parts of our lives, and if we are unaware of the purpose and significance of these dynamics, we can feel overwhelmed and uncertain in many parts of life.  But when we realize that ultimately, through our choices, we will find the power to manage everything.  With this in mind, there are 10 specific areas that will help us take charge of this phase of our lives:

• Recognition – if we acknowledge and accept our current situations, we’ll discover that we have lots of choices.  Regardless of any pandemic, our happinessU is in our hands.  It is our responsibility to define our role in life, to learn as much as possible, and to move forward with that knowledge. We are unique in those areas.

• Power – if we can recognize that as we continue to evolve, in some small way, the world will be different, and we will grow beyond where we’ve been.

• Comprehension – we can learn something from every situation, because God is constantly trying to teach us about life.  His principles are Eternal.  So are we.  

• Imagination – we can look at our current reality and create the vision we need,    Others are being prepared to be brought into our lives to assist us in our development.  

• Collaboration – as we work with others, we’ll learn lessons that could be taught in no other way.  And when we discover our own needs, we’ll find that others are not so different.  

• Accomplishment – we can begin this process by choosing options that are within our ability to create.  And as we continue to grow, we’ll find that our capacities will also grow.     

• Self-esteem – we can choose to like and accept ourselves as we are, or not. Life is purposeful.  Our learning is not yet complete.  So, trust God and trust yourself.

• Communication – we can be truthful with ourselves and others.  But part of our education is an acceptance that we can’t please all the people all the time.

• Interpersonal skills – as we become more complete in our relationships, we’ll discover that we have more to offer.  Others may be drawn to us.  Our journey is unique.    

• Self-definition – when we know who we are and what we want from life, we’ll find  greater freedom and personal insight which will make it possible to face our future.  

So, what are we to do with this change in perception?  Maybe we’ll find opportunities and possibilities that were not recognized before.  If we accept our current reality as part of a plan to create a new understanding, then regardless of the pandemic, we’ll be able to take action to accomplish what was previously thought to have been beyond our reach.  We can learn to make new choices that will alter our course.  Our awareness will expand, and hopefully, we’ll discover all that Heavenly Father wants us to have.  

John Waterbury is a retired Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has lived in Utah since 1984 when he moved to Bountiful with his wife and four children. λ