Outright Changes In An Outrageous World

On January 9th, 2020, panic and fear spread across the globe. The announcement came from the World Health Organization (WHO) that a mysterious coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, China. This flu-like virus spread rapidly, and by January 21st, 2020, it made its way to North America. The rapid transmission and, at the time, what appeared to be a high-rate infectious disease, placed the entire world, including our family, into a state of ultimate chaos, full of fear. By March 11th, the WHO declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic, as it met these three requirements: sustained person-to-person transmission, a disease resulting in death, and lastly, worldwide infection. Shortly after declaring a pandemic status, the world began to shut down. On March 12th, Canada announced the closure of schools, sports leagues, non-essential services, and the government. Closure of the Canadian border followed this; only Canadian residents were permitted into the country. Businesses closed their doors, people lost their jobs, and ultimately, families were torn apart. The globe experienced this tragic outcome, not just here in North America. The chain of events happened so fast that no one knew what to expect next. There was limited data available as to what COVID-19 was capable of, leading to the worst possible outcomes embedded into the minds of all. Fear took over our communities, leaving people feeling lost, afraid, and alone. Anxiety, stress, and depression spiked to all-time highs, leaving most of us feeling like we were losing control of our lives. We lost loved ones to mental health issues, and thousands died from the Coronavirus. Division and separation began to creep into our society as individuals had unique values and made different choices. Numerous people feared the COVID-19 virus and chose to take the experimental vaccines, while some feared the vaccines and chose not to get vaccinated. Others developed fears of losing the ability to make decisions for themselves as the mandates and restrictions intensified. What was the outcome of all of this? Our basic, psychological and self-fulfilling needs became threatened, leaving our globe in a state of judgment, hate, criticism, blame, and all of this ego-driven environment's hostile actions and attitudes. Individuals slipped from their thriving and prosperous states into survival and scarcity mode. Observing the pain and suffering many individuals endured throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, it is important to recognize moments of anguish have always existed, even before the shutdown of our world. We can view the COVID-19 experience as a magnifier to the darkness that already existed; now, many more individuals have been impacted, resulting in a collective state of distress. This broad impact and shared experience can bring a deeper understanding of the anguish that has always penetrated society. This extensive impact is why I have chosen the Coronavirus pandemic as the case study throughout this book. As we consider the questions many individuals ask because of their hurt during COVID-19, we can recognize the validity of these inquiries at any moment. These thoughts and queries include: is it possible to continue to advance towards abundance as the chains of fear take over? Is there a way to rebuild ourselves to inspire boldness, courage, and peace within? Can we get to a place where we can accept the outcomes that have transpired and begin to move forward? I wholeheartedly believe we can. My belief is strong because my family experienced painful infringements on our needs throughout COVID-19, leading to anxiety, depression, fears, and judgments. We came out on the other end more enlightened and unified than ever before, making significant strides towards our greatest hopes and desires. Did we all share the same journey and fears? No! Some individuals developed substantial concerns about the COVID-19 virus, others developed fears of the vaccines, and some of us feared losing our freedom of choice. We all experienced different fears, preferences, and outcomes. This personalized approach to the hardships experienced shaped the unique paths we each walked upon. Individuality within my family has always existed, even before the pandemic outbreak. The same can be said about the uniqueness embedded within society. Whether someone's darkest days are during the COVID-19 pandemic or occur outside of this time, individuals will always make different choices supported by unique values. These differences will always exist, leading to the question of how do we get through the judgments, criticisms, and anger with one another? How do we become unified while being rooted in our differences? The rest of this book will share six fundamental principles that anyone can apply to elevate and grow towards their highest potential, including during chaotic times like the Coronavirus pandemic. You will learn about the importance of establishing your purpose, fueled by a burning desire to transform your life. A part of this transformation journey will require you to take an inventory of your past to gain clarity of your present. While you build this transparency and understanding of your current moments in time, you will acquire the courage to take complete ownership of your life. Through this crucial step of accepting accountability, your courage will propel you to take action, moving towards your goals and ultimate self-fulfillment. As you begin to take these steps forward, you will face obstacles and roadblocks, potentially hindering your progression. You will learn about some of the common hindrances individuals experience and how to overcome those present in your life. To ensure you are advancing in the direction of your aspirations, you will discover the value of completing regular assessments of your life and your actions. Through this journey, your personal growth will eradicate the negative thoughts, emotions, fears, actions, and ultimately adverse outcomes you are experiencing. You will unlock the hidden potential that already exists within you while creating lasting and positive changes in your life. As each individual chooses to live at their best, elevating to their higher selves, they will positively impact their surroundings and people within these environments. You will become a profound influencer as your transformations will also elevate your family, friends, acquaintances, communities, and nations. As you lead your growth journey in life, you too can influence others to lead their own. Your commitment to choosing unity over ego will contribute to the unification our world desperately needs. Only then can you begin to live a life of ultimate and holistic fulfillment.