GRATEFUL : PART ONE

Grateful

Part 1

            Just over a week ago our world was completely turned upside down.  Life as we know it is now different.  Our jobs, relationships, interactions, day to day… it all has changed.  It’s easy to lose focus and let anxiety and panic take over.  But your mindset is absolutely everything. 

You have all the power in how you handle this.  What has been helping me so far is to make sure I remind myself every single day of all the great things not only in my life but in this world.  So here you go everyone, in no particular order, here are some things that I am extremely grateful for right now.

TIME

How many times have we asked ourselves for more time in a day?  Well now ya got it!  We’re such a fast-paced society constantly moving from one thing to the next without really having a second to breath.  All of those reasons why you live that way have probably now drastically changed, so what do you do with all that time in the day?  I’ll tell you what I’ve been doing: living in the moment.  I reflect and think.  I notice small things more, take time to just sit in silence and breath, and talk to people I love even more.  This may sound crazy, but what an absolute opportunity to be given so much time for ourselves right now.

FRIENDS/FAMILY/LOVED ONES

Your true character shows in time of adversity.  Not only have the people in my corner have been amazing through all this but seeing all of the love others are spreading is inspiring.  The check-ins through texts, phone calls, and social media have been pouring in.  People showing their rawness and vulnerabilities right now to be picked right up by someone who cares.  If there’s ever a time to have faith in humanity, I think it’s showing right now.  Go tell someone you love them!

MY EDUCATION/CAREER

What’s that?  You’re social distancing and have zero equipment to get a workout in with?  I got you!  What seems like a complete catastrophe to some is actually just another day in the life as a strength coach.  The number of workouts over the years I’ve put together for people on vacation, people going overseas, or are at home and don’t have anything have been endless.  Traveling with teams and going places where you don’t have any idea what you’ll have are challenges I look for to.  Jump on the gain train, it’s still moving.

ABBY

Anyone who knows me knows I live the dog mom life.  I take my yellow lab Abby with me everywhere I go.  Want to go out to eat?  If there isn’t a dog friendly patio, chances are I’m going to throw out an option that is.  It’s like we were meant to be together with her unwavering loyalty, joy for the outdoors, early bedtime, and constant quest to find something to eat.  She is 100% my spirit animal.  Abby doesn’t understand what’s going on in the world right now and I have never been so grateful for that.  She brings me back to the present, to live for right now, and is also a constant reminder to get outside.

Be on the lookout for part 2 of what I’m grateful for during this pandemic.  In the meantime, make a list for yourself and go over it every day.  Stay positive, be grateful, and love each other.

LANIE DEPPE

Chris Virtue