We are all living within this global crisis.

At the same time, we are blessed to be able to do what we do despite feeling we have been stripped of the ability of doing everything we’ve always done.

In my mind - and I mentioned this in previous blogs - living through this pandemic reminds me of the war times of my youth.The blessing, as I see it, is that there are no bombs falling, no tanks on the streets.

I acknowledge that I am taking the analogy to the extreme. I recognize that some might disagree and say this is not at all like war times. For me, it looks and feels like those days - having to stay home, having to wait in line for groceries, dealing with shortages and rising prices of some basic items, never knowing what will happen next.

While these things and times are hard, there are a few things we can do to overcome and keep our balance.

Hopefully, these few steps will allow you think through new ways of dealing with life during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. We already know that some of the information that flows to us - especially on social media - is just rumors, or simply fabricated. Verify the validity of every piece of information you receive. Who is saying it? When did they say it? How valid is the source from which they received this information? The validity of the claims are critically important in times of upheaval and change.

2. Worry only about what you can control. Let go of what you can’t control.

3. Acknowledge that you are going through an exceptional, abnormal time and it’s OK to freak out for a minute - you are human, after all! It’s ok to be upset or think that things are not going your way. Just don’t act on those thoughts. Control the panic that comes with it because panic won’t get you anywhere.

This will end, as we all know - we just need to ride it out and manage our reactions to it.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

Think about the three points in this message. Please share any insights you have had to help you overcome obstacles in dealing with your business or community as a leader.