As the world remembers Martin Luther King one of his quotes seems particularly relevant for our difficult times: “Life's most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others?” Many essential workers are currently feeling overwhelmed with the huge demands of helping others and have a persistent feeling of not having enough resources to help everyone. Conversely there are many who are currently limited to a restricted life at home that feels devoid of purpose and helping others can feel impossible. The “Starfish Story” is one that has a message that can help us all. One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy gently picking things up and throwing them into them into the ocean. Approaching the boy he asked, “What are you doing?” The boy replied “I’m throwing these starfish back into the ocean. They got washed up on the beach and now the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back they will die.” The old man looked around at the miles of beach. “There are more starfish than you can ever save. What difference can you possibly make?” The boy listened politely, paused and then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves saying, “I can make a difference to this one.” For those feeling overwhelmed by current demands, the message is, that you may not be able to solve all the problems. It’s important to shift your focus to the difference you are making and continue to make. Those that are feeling a lack of purpose at home at the moment and feel helpless that they are not doing enough, the message is about starting with that one starfish. It’s about looking at the difference you are able to make. Perhaps reaching out to others by making a phone call; collecting litter during your daily exercise or making a favourite meal for someone you live with. Whatever small steps you take to making a difference in someone else’s life can never be underestimated. If you would like greater help and support in making change in your life please get in touch. My 6 week programme “Overcoming Stress and Anxiety” is delivered on a 1:1 basis. Together we could look at techniques for coping with feelings of overwhelm and find ways of creating greater calm in your daily life. I am offering a 10% discount in January 2021 for anyone who books quoting “New start 21”. Make 2021 the year when you become the person you want to be. www.balancedhorizons.co.uk
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