Project Passport

View Original

A Positive Lesson From COVID-19

By Hannah Whitesides, Retreat Leader & Fear Management Specialist for our Company Virtual Retreats

The year 2020 was defined by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have endured job loss, depression and death. But if Covid has taught us anything, it’s that we are fully capable of pushing past our fears when we really have to. Everyone’s world has been turned upside down and fear has invaded the forefront of our society. But what did we do? We kept moving forward because we had to. We had to keep fighting to keep food on the table and our spirits lifted despite our constant fear of the unknown. In times like these, we tend to forget how strong and capable we actually are. Think about how your life would change if you took the person you are today into your post-pandemic life. I don’t mean the person who is depressed, anxious, and fearful. I mean the person who is pushing past that fear and exhibiting bravery in the face of obstacles. 

Think about it. 

As humans, we tend to avoid negative feelings. We do everything we can to make ourselves happy so we don’t feel sad, excited so we don’t feel dull, and secure so we don’t feel fear. Because of this, we like to avoid going after the things we really want in life because we know that they’re going to generate those negative feelings, at least at first.

For example, let’s say your passion is photography. You’re extremely talented and it’s how you spend your free time. Your dream is to be a full time photographer. On the other hand, you have a corporate job that you hate but it gives you job security, benefits, and a decent income. Would you quit your job to go after your dream? Most people would stay at their corporate job because it’s the easier route. It’s not going to cause fear, worry, rejection or sadness. That decision proves that your negative emotions have control over you. 

Now think about your life during the pandemic. 

Covid has caused all of those negative emotions and more. But even in the face of those fears and feelings, you kept going. This should prove to you that you have the ability to take control of those fears and you are capable of thriving and succeeding even when you think you can’t. You know that because you had to do it. But what if you chose to go through rough times for the benefit of your own life, goals, and dreams? Where would you be in a year? Two years? Ten years? What would your life look like? You have what it takes to do it, so do it. 


****
Project Passport is a proactive mental wellness company that aims to bring mental wellness retreats, workshops and other services to company teams. We also help women create joy in their lives every step of the way. To learn more about our company retreats and services, click here. To learn more about our tribe community for women, click here. Our travel retreats will resume in the future as the world reopens.