By Laurie Sweig

One definition of the word control is “to have power over.” Here’s a little secret for you … as living beings on this planet we have very little control over anything. That is one of the biggest lessons we can take from the pandemic we are all living through. Now that we’re heading into our ninth month of restrictions (using the beginning of March as a start date) this is really feeling like a hurry up and wait scenario. The first question is what are we waiting for? The second question is why are we waiting?

This is what I know:
1. There is a contagious virus that is affecting the entire world.
2. I don’t have the virus at the moment.
3. I have no control over how it will affect me if I do get it.
4. The only thing I really have control over are the choices I make.  

That’s it, that’s all I know at this moment. The last point is the most important of the four when it comes to my overall level of contentment during any challenging time that I may live through.
When there are challenges facing us some of us try to artificially control situations. What I mean by that is we will try telling someone else what to do. Or we might try making deals with ourselves. I do that. If I get this done then I will reward myself with this treat. Too many times I’ve just gone to the treat and felt horrible after. Talk about losing control.

The answer lies in establishing awareness of what is truly happening. As an example, let’s say there’s a bad internet connection. You’ve tried all the tricks that have worked before and it’s not helping the situation. There’s a choice at that moment. You either keep pounding away at the problem or decide to use the time for something else that is actually productive.

That’s where we are now as time marches on and the virus is staying put. Our choice is to fret about it or to adapt to it. The energy put into the thoughts around wanting it to go away are not making a difference. We don’t have any power over COVID-19. Energy invested in making ourselves healthier (physically, mentally, emotionally) won’t make the virus go away but we’ll be better because we’ll be stronger. That would be a positive, productive outcome.
Something to think about.

Laurie Sweig is a certified personal fitness trainer and spinning instructor. She owns and operates The Point for Fitness. She can be reached at laurie@thepointforfitness.com.