There comes a pivotal time for each of us, where our life changes. No one is immune to change, especially by unforeseen circumstances. Sometimes it may feel the change is for the better; other times, it may feel like we have lost total control.

I have been through several impactful changes in my life. I lost the ability to walk for four months before I even turned 20. I dealt with a fire within my family home and lost everything I owned. I suffered abuse in different forms, as well as family separation, divorce, job loss, losing a home, immigrating to another country without my family and friends and the list goes on.

Throughout all these transitions, it was interesting to observe my internal dialogue. I became aware of my governing thoughts – the fear of moving forward, the fear of not having the support, the fear of losing control, the fear of being misunderstood and criticized. I see this coming full circle again amidst this current pandemic.

With high anxiety, fear and radicalism in the air, many people are worried about the future of our nation, and the world. We have come to this place of uncertainty within our collective society; it impacts all generations, all ethnic groups, all ages and all people. The best thing we can do is take a good look at ourselves and ask, ‘how can I make a difference? No matter the opinions of others, am I willing to respect others the way I desire to be respected?’ If we don’t start there, where else can we look to gain some sanity?

Whatever the immediate future holds, let’s choose to look at ourselves and promise to be kinder and to show gratitude and support to others as we all have our own struggles.

Overcoming fear takes a village. It requires each of us to see that peace is in our own hands, kindness in our actions. Acceptance is our response; we cannot control others. With this basic understanding, we will have less fear, more connection, support, and constructive action.

Top five ways to overcome the fear of uncertainty:

Don’t wait for the (*&^#) to hit the fan. Be aware, be conscious and be at peace about future outcomes. Some things are in our hands while others are not, and that is ok.
Stop watching the news and social media. Give yourself a break. You do not have to watch every single second of the news or scroll of your news feed.
Practice gratitude. Be grateful even for the things you are not happy about, for they can teach you. Without gratitude, there is no future.
Be proactive. Start working on yourself and do what you can to make your life better. Have faith that whatever happens is for the highest good.
Don’t be alone during these times. Connect with loved ones, be a part of your community, support others and put aside your differences.

Like Aristotle once said, “He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.” Free yourself and free the world around you; it starts with you.

Dipika Patel is a certified holistic health coach and lifestyle practitioner who empowers her professional clients to activate an overall balanced lifestyle of mind, body and soul. Her inaugural book, Own Your Inner Bitch So She Can’t Own You, is coming soon. Dipika can be reached at (760) 821.3119 or
www.LoveYourLifeHealthy.com.