Holden Pattern

Anyone else feeling like these last five days have been one h*#% of a year? All joking aside, the fact that we are just inundated with news, opinions, and recommendations has everyone ready for flight or fight right now. It’s the uncertainty that has us reeling most of all. But, if there’s anything I’m clear on & wish to pass along it’s that we are in a holding pattern of purpose.

Last Sunday I waved to my family as they pulled out of our driveway to head to the shoreline of North Carolina. With no school in the foreseeable future they jumped on the opportunity for sunshine and sea air. The GPS led them to Holden Beach. I remained at home because I had many clients booked for the upcoming week and wanted to be there for them. Then came the two week shutdown that brought everything work related to an immediate stand still. Decision time? To stay solo or join my family some 8 hours away? Well, you should know I’m writing this while the sun inches its way up and over the horizon of the ocean painting a picture perfect sunrise. Sounds amazing, right? Yet all I can think about is getting home. The reality is being home doesn’t necessarily change our situation, but it provides comfort and control.

In times like these, as unprecedented as they are, personalities emerge that reveal our truest selves. I feel called to be a part of the solution. I want to help. I want to lead. I want to give hope. I want to lead the charge. But how?

This is done by example. Leaders lead through their actions. So, what actions have I taken?

I’ve made my bed everyday.

I’ve started each morning with a run.

I’ve said my prayers.

I’ve played with my children.

I’ve done laundry.

I’ve read.

I’ve wrote.

I’ve texted friends and family.

I’ve used Zoom and FaceTime.

I’ve eaten healthy.

I’ve drank water.

I’ve gone for walks.

I’ve written in my gratitude journal.

Doesn’t seem like a very impressive list does it? What it does show is that I’m doing my part. I AM helping. I’m controlling what I CAN control.

You know what I haven’t done?

I haven’t speculated, worried about, and questioned every scenario.

I haven’t taken to social media to voice my opinion of recommendations.

I haven’t been to a store in over a week.

I haven’t visited friends.

I haven’t been negative.

I haven’t bought into the fake news.

I haven’t stayed glued to the news.

I haven’t tried to shoulder this massive pandemic as if it’s my own.

I am doing what I CAN do in the most responsible way. And if there’s anything I can pass along as a helper, it’s to remain intentional with what you can control. You have goals? Chase them! You know they don’t change just because the gym is closed. Want more right now? Get creative with what you have. Above all continue to live in faith not fear. If you are showing up everyday in those small ways as you distance yourself from others, you might just find what an amazing person you really are.

Use this time for self discovery.

Family connection.

Growth.

Spiritual awakening.

I once was interviewed on the Rambling Runner podcast about running. In it I was asked about staying focused and positive through injury. My response to that inquiry was “There’s power and purpose in patience.”

This time in no different. We must remain calm and show patience. Seek the purpose in this “Holden Pattern.”