In a time like this (what with COVID-19 and all), I feel that rather than focusing on the negatives, it is important to think and talk about our strengths as a person. Since this can become a difficult time for many, I want to share some of my strengths in this article to get ‘the ball rolling’ but I am desperate to hear yours too in the comments section!
Perseverance
This is an interesting one because I don’t usually like to take on a challenge that I am unlikely to be able to complete. But, when I do something I stick it at until I am satisfied with what I have done. For instance the Skiing I have mentioned previously (https://lifeistoo.sport.blog/2020/03/24/my-week-of-skiing-in-tanndalen-sweden/) that took a lot out of me… I had to set realistic goals for myself and avoid comparing myself to others: this was so that I could focus on challenges unique to me that I could achieve and be proud of. I also feel that this is a great way to persevere and in the face of adversity, as the goal is SMART. It also means that most of the time I can surpass my expectations which provides me with a good feeling.
Self-motivation, determination, hard-working
These are closely linked with perseverance as I have used this strength for a while now, and needed it more than ever to get my study abroad opportunity. I was faced with alternative assignments and more work than I could ever manage. While I was doing it I did worry that it would be too much for me and whether it would be worth it. I even thought that if I knew it was going to be like this originally then I wouldn’t have taken the opportunity. But I am so glad ‘I didn’t know’ because I would not trade my experiences for anything. I had to work what felt like all day, every for a month. There was so much to do there was no time to let motivation slip, I had to be determined 24/7 which was tough… But by building on what was already a strength for me and thinking of what life was to be had in the future gave me an end goal to work towards.
Self-esteem
This may not be where I fully would like it to be, but one I have worked extremely hard towards. I think being around the right crowd and surrounding yourself with supportive people is pivotal to improving self-esteem. I cannot speak for everyone but this is how it has happened for me at least. I feel that is when it possible to understand the extent of the old saying ‘you attract the energy that you give off’. It is so easy to get tangled up in a web where you think you can do no better, but sometimes you have to make bold decisions and cut ties to grow effectively. Taking risks is key and knowing your self worth, so that you can respect yourself more to allow and maintain good people in your life.
This is just a short snapshot of a few of what I feel are my strengths right now. I would love for you to use the comment section to share yours too.
lifeistoo.sport.blog 
I really like that you’re trying to focus on the positive in this time where negative thoughts can easily cloud the mind. Optimism is a great tool in a crisis, and just a good outlook to have in general- as long as you don’t lose your grip on reality through it like some do. I don’t think you are, though!
My strengths, besides my physical specialties of hearing ten times louder than normal and not smelling a thing including skunks, are probably my creativity, curiosity, and my optimism. I work in the writing/editing field, so creativity is both a must and also a fun thing to have- and my curiosity may have killed the cat, but it’s gotten me friends, a different understanding of the world, and some cool simple facts that make great ice breakers. For example, did you know that part of the reason Ben and Jerry’s ice cream is so textured and flavorful is because Ben has no sense of smell at all? :3
As for optimism… Well, you’ve already got an idea of why that’s good- but as someone from a family strewn with anxiety and depression, it’s a great asset to fight those emotions when I’m not overpowered by them. 🙂
LikeLike
I really like that you’re trying to focus on the positive in this time where negative thoughts can easily cloud the mind. Optimism is a great tool in a crisis, and just a good outlook to have in general- as long as you don’t lose your grip on reality through it like some do. I don’t think you are, though!
My strengths, besides my physical specialties of hearing ten times louder than normal and not smelling a thing including skunks, are probably my creativity, curiosity, and my optimism. I work in the writing/editing field, so creativity is both a must and also a fun thing to have- and my curiosity may have killed the cat, but it’s gotten me friends, a different understanding of the world, and some cool simple facts that make great ice breakers. For example, did you know that part of the reason Ben and Jerry’s ice cream is so textured and flavorful is because Ben has no sense of smell at all? :3
As for optimism… Well, you’ve already got an idea of why that’s good- but as someone from a family strewn with anxiety and depression, it’s a great asset to fight those emotions when I’m not overpowered by them. 🙂
LikeLike
Those are some good strengths and an interesting way of looking at them! I can imagine you being a very creative writer which makes for perfect reading – especially when you have fabulous facts like that to throw into the mix!
LikeLike
A lot of people don’t have self-esteem or confidence but they really should. If your confident in yourself you will do much better in life then you would normally think. I tend to find judging your own self and trying to get a read on what other people would think about you is a great way to build your confidence. If you can just picture what someone else perceives about you then you can know your limitations as well as your flaws and realize what your best at doing and what you might not be as good at.
LikeLike
I seriously think a lot of this will blow over. However, though, is there more on the way? Is there going to be a rebound?
Anyway, many are banking on it blowing over – and I’m sure once it does – the western economies will boom from all this pent-up energy being stored up.
O.K., so the key is to stay sane another month until things are normal again. Well, with the internet as an escape, it shouldn’t be tough.
LikeLike
I hope that we have seen the worst of it. We must be careful to provide the onset of a second wave though.
It is crazy though, because people essentially live on the internet with how long they spend on it. But now people are struggling with it. Personally I love being outdoors more so it frustrating not being able to do what you want to do.
LikeLike
As a health worker, positivity and hope is something I need in copious amounts. What we have done in our hospital is to have really good positive quotes plastered all over the place. Things like ‘Every skill and worth was once a quest’ and all those.
Here are two things I find hard to keep up with.
Consistency: Performance is the key everywhere. It takes a lot of self motivation to keep going, especially when it comes to exercise, eating healthy, maintaining outlook, being well dressed and all. What I do to keep up with all these is to make it as a part of me rather than a part of my work. I see it as a part of making my own mark in my life than steps I take to become visible in someone elses life.
Keep loving: I recollect telling people that all these days things have been good and today if it turn back at you, it isnt fair to cry. But now I regret telling it because I understand that as much as smiling and loving is important,crying too is because it is a conduit to spill the hatred and through ignorance away. After realizing this, I now have a renewed ability to love tremendously. Whenever I feel wrong, I make it a point to find something in a person to love so that I can embrace them again.
Both of these steps have helped me. All the best to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your stories, all the best to you.
Consistency is an important one right? It is very easy to get depressed or down and fall into a bad spell for a few days. I think it is important to understand this can happen naturally. But also, you want to do whatever you can to look after yourself, for yourself – whether that is being well dressed or exercising, since it can put you in a better mood, especially when going into a tough job like yours.
LikeLike
Thinking positive is definitely the way to go in times like these. Your strengths will help not only you but those around you to cope and get through all this. My strengths are organization, keeping calm and just overall being a happy person. In my organizing I can plan projects and carry them through and this is something I enjoy doing (mostly planning). I’m normally a calm and happy person and I used to be a substitute teacher and the students would always tell me they loved having me be their sub because I kept them calm at a time when they were stressed…they were high schoolers. I had never thought about it until they brought it up.
LikeLike
Those are excellent strengths to have as a teacher. That is very admirable and I hope they are helping you during this time. It is difficult to keep ourselves sane let alone others, so it’s good to do what you can do for others, when you can do it.
LikeLike
I also like that in this time when negative thoughts can quickly cloud the mind due to COVID-19, you tend to concentrate on the positive. One of my most strongest strengths, is over the years, I have learned how to turn a negative situation into a positive one.
My second? Writing. To date, I’ve done pretty much everything related to writing: email marketing, blog and forum comments, I’ve even written a couple of articles myself and not only do I enjoy freelancing online, I know it’s something I’m good at.
LikeLike
Those are excellent strengths to have. It is important more than ever right now to remain optimistic and see the positive side when faced with a far from ideal situation. I hope this continues to work out for you! Keep writing and doing what you are good at. Writing especially can be a healthy outlet for your feelings and thoughts!
LikeLike
I’m not a very self-motivating person (mainly because I’m lazy) but it is very important to have a good self esteem in regards to mental health. I’ve had points in my life where my self esteem has been at the rock bottom, but honestly it’s just not worth thinking negatively. Once you truly accept that, positivity flows freely.
LikeLike
I agree. Self-esteem is incredibly important and you should look to build on that, so you can keep your mental health strong and happy whilst thinking positively.
LikeLike
Staying positive and thinking positively are definitely helpful–especially in the state our world is in today. It can be difficult, but it’s something that is going to help to keep you out of the darkness. When you’re at your worst and feel like everything is going wrong, if you can focus in on one thing that’s positive, that will help to get you out of the darkness. In the moment, for sure, it’s difficult, but it’s worth it if it will help. It’s easier said than done to think positively vs negatively because it seems like it’s easier to talk and think about the negative. But if you can push through and find that positive, you’ll know everything is going to be alright.
Personally, taking time to myself has been huge in keeping my head on straight and keeping myself in the positive space. Taking care of me and doing things that I enjoy is so refreshing and uplifting.
LikeLike
That is excellent. Taking time to yourself is incredibly important and a great way to recharge one’s batteries! What have you been doing with your own time by yourself to keep healthy?
LikeLike
I do have habit of being optimistic but life gets the best of us. And we have to continue to test our own assumptions. We have to think in the direction of the growth and tht way we don’t end up being succumbed to the negative emotions and also this habit turns more good things as our strength.
LikeLike