We will get through this...
Stan Holden
Best Selling Author of Giving Candy To Strangers, Creative Director and Speaker. 5M+ content. Inducted into the museum of TV & Radio. HR morale facilitator. Creative Business Trainer. What box? There is no box.
Over the last two years I have experienced 8 deaths of people close to me, including my dad as well as a good friend by suicide. Those of you who know me or have read my book also know that those deaths pale in comparison to what I went through as a kid. But through all of that I have learned a few things that I’d like to share.
In the midst of these current uncharted waters you may be stressed, and yes grieving too. Someone does not have to necessarily pass in order for you to grieve. You can grieve over the loss of a job, a relationship, a stock portfolio or even, a way of life.
We all grieve and deal with stress differently. Some people deal with stress by internalizing things while others can, unfortunately, lash out at the people around them. This is why you need to cut others slack including yourself when you’re under stress… especially in these stressful times.
Humor can be a great way to deal with the stress and help someone else unleash their stress as well.
Today I was at the market and a lady came barreling around the corner of an isle holding two cantaloupes up to her chest. As she almost ran into me a look of complete overwhelmed perplexity painted her face. Of course, I couldn't resist. I said, “Nice melons.” She laughed so hard that she lost her grip on one of the cantaloupes and then caught it just before it fell. Her look of perplexity disappeared.
When you get outside of yourself and do something for others—whether it’s running an errand, calling someone on the phone to let them know you are thinking of them or making someone laugh—it not only helps them but it lowers your own stress! If we are to get through this crazy situation we find ourselves in it will be because WE thought of others first.