What should we focus on when things are chaotic?
I have become increasingly aware of how worried, stressed, and frustrated people are. The loadshedding frustration, concerns about what we are hearing on the news, interest rate hikes and generally just how scary the world seems at the moment.
It is super easy to get caught up in all of this and take a solid trip on the emotional rollercoaster. As a mom of two tiny kids, I really understand how focusing on these issues can make one feel overwhelmed and helpless. A study by the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has found that loadshedding has a big impact on mental health.
To me, seeing how resilient and resourceful some people in our country are, has really helped me settle the angst and shift my focus to one of hope.
Recently, I went to a restaurant in a small coastal town. As we got there the waiter stepped up to the table and handed us a menu: “The Loadshedding Menu”. I laughed when I read the heading, and then had a conversation about how amazing this was. One of the reasons I thought this was super was because small town restaurants don’t necessarily have the financial resources to install alternative sources of power, so they need to make do with what they have. And quitting just isn’t an option😊
Another reason was that they obviously put themselves in the customers shoes: realised that having to change your order until you find something you can order when the power is down is super frustrating. So, they limited the options and in so doing allowed their clients to have a better experience. This little restaurant was bursting at the seams.
They chose not to focus on the limitations but instead on what they can offer. The people working there were so friendly and chatty – regardless of the challenges – because they were focused on something other than the limitations that loadshedding imposed.
The more I started looking for examples of where people are making the best of the situation the more these examples popped up. Some companies use the loadshedding traffic dilemma as a marketing opportunity and as an opportunity to do good. Heads up to the points man – you really make my day!
Artists painting next to the road and displaying their beautiful artwork so people in traffic have something nice to look at. Companies who have adjusted their policies to enable people to avoid the frustration of loadshedding traffic. An obvious one for South Africans – more time for braai’s – no power- no problem.
The ads that advertising companies are doing – a humorous twist on a very real problem. It all shows how resourceful we can be when a situation necessitates it.
I am by no means saying we need to just accept the dire state of things (we should do everything legal within our power to make a positive change!). But I am saying let’s choose to focus on those things we can do something about.
Make the necessary changes to adapt to the situation. And look for opportunities to “do” life differently. Look for opportunities to connect and laugh. When the power is out – play boardgames by candlelight, spend more time outdoors, get creative. Filling these gaps with good connection will make us more resilient. Focus on what we have and not on what we don’t have. Start a gratitude ritual in your home. Talk about the stuff you can be grateful for.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend. With the seasons that are changing – look after your health – rest well, eat good food and laugh!
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