We are facing a new time.

And frankly, we needed a change. Though I do also have to say, I wish we did not have to learn this way. But this is what it is so... let's figure out how to cope with it. And let's do it together! We are in the same boat after all, maybe we can come to realize our oneness and work together to get to the same place in the future.

And what does it really mean to be in the same boat? Does it mean that the same has to happen to us or does it mean that we can have understanding for one another and support each other where we are at and what we are going through? I believe so.

Being in the same boat also means that we know we are not alone on this journey.

Fear, Stress and Anxiety.

The first thing that happens when faced with the adversity that is going on right now is fear, anxiety, and for some, desperate attempts for survival, for others a depression, despair, and the sense of overwhelm, confusion, and giving up. For some it becomes the challenge that sparks creativity. Let's try to go there shall we?

First - let's realize we are created for survival. That is our innate body and hormone response system and our brains are set up to figure out solutions to problems.

This means that we get a surge of the hormones that make us more stressed when we feel scared and anxious, but it also means that our way of thinking can make the difference between getting stuck or moving forward.

Survival of the Fittest.

No I don't mean in the old world perspective of competition, that is what got us here in the first place. I mean, survival is about how to survive better.

To take really good care of yourself is the best survival skill you will ever have.

Some will argue they don't have the time and money. Well, think of it this way: it is not about money it is about choices. And it is not about time it is about priorities. If you can shift your mind-set out of fear, where you only focus on what is missing, and induce some faith and hope, mix it up with intention, and sprinkle some commitment on top. Let it simmer in a lot of self-love - then you should be able to cook up a good action-plan for yourself.

Food Choices:

It is easy to fall into the, buy cheap food trap. The problem is that means mostly processed food and if you add that up it ends up more expensive than making the effort and take the step to buy real food and do some cooking. Not everyone can cook but everyone can learn. I did. I taught myself. My mother was right on that one. I was not allowed in the kitchen because I made too much of a mess. She therefore did not teach me a thing about kitchen work and cooking. She said I would learn when I needed to. She was right. My friends even tell me they love my food.

So get out a pot and put in some lentils, quinoa, water and a dash of sea-salt - mix in some chopped up carrots and onion and cook on a simmer for 25 min. You can do that. Get a rice cooker if you tend to forget to check the pot. Mix in some greens right before serving or put it on top of a salad, -and you have a meal. For less money that one of those "pick up delivery fast food I'm too tired to do anything for myself meals".

Basically - food that is whole is not that expensive - and if you shop on-line you can buy bulk and it is even less. The basics and essentials are wholegrain like brown rice, legumes like lentils, quinoa for the fancy, and beans for the hard-core committed cooks. For those who are not go with good quality low-sodium canned beans.

Carrots and onion are always in-expensive and easy to find, buy, store, and cook. And they are yummy and hold a lot of nutritional value.

Broccoli, string beans, kale are all choices that will last a bit in the fridge, easy and fast to cook, and super nutritious. All of the above is not a great expense so you can feel good and be healthy and it is a small investment of time to cook it as well.

Movement and Exercise:

So you cancelled your membership to the gym to save some money and the couch is now your social life? Think again, think outside the box - the gym box :)

Movement and exercise is exactly that. You are the one that is calling it going to the gym. Life is movement and exercise. Walk EVERYWHERE. Be outdoors and run, walk, bicycle if you have one. Use the park or jump on the train to go further into nature. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Carry your groceries home instead of taking a cab. Do sit-ups and push-ups at home or on a park bench. Believe that you can do some yoga on your own without someone guiding you every time Even just tipping on your toes helps. Stretching exercises beyond when you yawn.

And get together with your friends for a walk instead of meeting at the restaurant. All ways to keep your social life going and you too.

Being with Others:

Yes it is always hard to share when you are feeling vulnerable and fear can do that to you. But sharing can also help you get the experience of community with others and can spark new ideas, creative solutions, and help motivation. And I am not talking about complaining. I am talking about sharing. Get together with a friend. Both get some talk time. And you talk about what is going on for you. No need to fix anything. Just listen to each other for an allotted time. It warms your heart, makes you feel heard, and you will see that you can give back too.

Journal:

When you start that one-track mind thing where you just start talking down to yourself about everything. Pick up a journal and start writing. Write about anything that comes to mind. No one is checking so don't worry. Get it off your chest (heart) and out of your head (mind). Remember to add to your journaling some good experiences and memories, things you are grateful for, and most of all, what you are learning about yourself while going through what you are going through. Don't get caught in asking why - that is going nowhere, think of what and how you can learn and move forward.

Needing Community:

I think that is one of the most crucial things right now which is why I am starting a blogging site called www.pathforlifecommunity.com

On this site you can also buy my new book about Appetite Control, How to Feel More Satisfied from your Food.

Ways and places for you to learn, grow, share and feel connected. Come join and you can also join the Path for Life Facebook Group.

If you need to feel more connected to yourself and others.

If you need to learn more about taking better care of yourself through this time, and beyond and cannot afford private consultation.

If you need to feel supported and heard.

If you are willing to share with others and listen to them as their stories might help inspire you.

If you want to be part of a new revolution for health, for you and for more people.