Wholehearted

Growing up, I was one of those kids who always did the ‘right thing.’ Or rather, I did what my parents thought was the right thing. ‘Be a good girl,’ meant doing as I was told, rather than anything that would embarrass them.
As the years went by, various mentors and wise heads offered information and advice that I duly listened to and, often – but not always – followed. With their guidance, I learned to think for myself.  Lately, though, the clamour of voices has become so loud that it’s only in silence and solitude that I can step back and hear what I think.
Now, more than ever, it’s time to be super-selective about who we listen to. The airwaves and internet are thick with theories, many ill-informed and dangerous. Even daily conversations are infected with news of the virus that is both unsettling and unnecessary. There has to be more to lockdown than this. 
So I’ve called a halt. From here on, the only information I need is the daily update from official sources, and to know that the people I care about are safe and well.
I have better things to think about. And so have you.
To emerge better, stronger and happier, needs a shift in attention. Read, listen to and talk about ideas that uplift. One of my favourite quotes is from Eleanor Roosevelt. ‘Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.’ 
The most inspiring conversations I’ve had recently are with people eager to create a different future. Imagining new businesses, new ways of working, and new ways to serve. Delighting in sharing creative ideas to be together at home and to connect meaningfully beyond. Finding space in a less hurried world for deep conversation about what matters most. And they are feeling so much better for it all.
It’s time to shut out a bunch of unhelpful voices in your ear. And that’s definitely the right thing to do.
Stay well.
Jenny