Today, we are experiencing uncertainty in all aspects of our life: in our jobs and livelihoods, our careers and companies, our present and future. On a fundamental level, we are questioning all that we are doing, as well as how we are doing it. We are asking ourselves: Beyond this pandemic and this tumultuous moment in our collective history, how will our lives change? Will we have financial security in the short and long term? How will our families get through this together? When will we be able to see each other again? Will we get together for the holidays? Weddings? Birthdays?

Understandably, many people are anxious and scared about their prospects. But now is an opportunity to shift our mindsets, to hold the torch, to provide light and a way forward for those who need it

Understandably, many people are anxious and scared about their prospects. I have great compassion for all that we are experiencing, but I also sense that now is an opportunity to shift our mindsets, to hold the torch, to provide light and a way forward for those who need it. I have always defined my purpose as spreading love every day to everyone I meet. And now more than ever, strong and loving leadership is needed.

I know that we face unique and sometimes-daunting obstacles, but moments like these have the power to sharpen our visionary qualities and catalyze our sense of purpose. So I urge you to hold the torch. Light the way…even if only for yourself or just one other person—perhaps a spouse, a child, a friend, or a co-worker.

You might be asking yourself, “How can I possibly hold the torch when I’m surrounded by the darkness of the unknown?” This is where I think it’s useful to act “as if.”

You might be asking yourself, “How can I possibly hold the torch when I’m surrounded by the darkness of the unknown?” This is where I think it’s useful to act “as if.” What if you acted as if this were the biggest task you could take on? What if you acted as if it were your primary purpose? How would you go about accomplishing it?

It starts with feeling the light, love, and strength within you so you can stand straight, sturdy, and strong, grounded in the knowing, faith, or belief that no matter what happens, you are a resilient human being. You’ve already been through so much, and by virtue of being alive, you have the inherent scrappiness to accept, adapt, change, and create in every new moment of every day.

No matter what happens, you are a resilient human being.

Whatever the situation appears to be right now, you will be OK in the long term. And more importantly, your life at the other end of the long tunnel may turn out to be even better, or downright magnificent! The unprecedented problems we are experiencing now are giving rise to unprecedented solutions, as well as the invitation to see our “old” world through new eyes—to figure out new ways of moving forward and stepping into ingenuity and innovation.

And why not? It is just as plausible as the opposite story of doom and gloom that we can too often default into!

So, how do you go about holding the torch?

1. Whether you’re standing, sitting, running, or Zooming, do it with calm, peaceful presence and strength.
2. Listen deeply without judgment to understand other people’s points of view, feelings, fears, and whatever else they may be experiencing.
3. Provide historical education and context (e.g., regarding the natural cycle of economic downturns every ten years, historic epidemics, social and political discord, and injustice—as well as the great leaders and role models who have risen during those times, and the goodness and positive changes that have resulted).
4. Whether you are connecting with your spouse or your team member, navigate the murkiness of this time by brainstorming new ideas and options, and looking for opportunities together.

If you’ve found yourself succumbing to hopelessness or if you’ve felt overwhelmed in the last few months, you’re not alone. Give yourself the utmost compassion. At the same time, remember that you have a light within that never goes out. It can never be dimmed, no matter the challenges you come up against or the turmoil that exists in the world. Your light is available to tap into at any time; all you need do is remember it’s there and actively move toward it. For as soon as you change your mindset, everything will fall into place. It may not always be easy, but you will naturally attract support along the way and expand your sense of what is possible.

If you’ve found yourself succumbing to hopelessness or if you’ve felt overwhelmed in the last few months, you’re not alone. Give yourself the utmost compassion. At the same time, remember that you have a light within that never goes out. It can never be dimmed, no matter the challenges you come up against or the turmoil that exists in the world. Your light is available to tap into at aEven when obstacles arise (such as dramatic change and circumstances that seem outside your immediate control), remember that your strength runs deep, like roots of a tree that ground you and connect you to a stable and enduring source. Try feeling into this source right now. Close your eyes, feel your feet on the floor, ground into your “roots,” take a few deep breaths, release the tension in your body with each exhale, and sense the energy within your body as you connect with your inner light.