A Positive Pandemic

‘Can we switch our mindset from ‘the Pandemic stopped me…’ to ‘the Pandemic allowed me…’? And if we do this, can we actual be grateful for what the Pandemic has given us?’

With the start of a new month upon us, I have been taking the time to reflect on the last month; a regular habit of mine. I sit down with my gratitude diary and look over the month I have had. I learn what I have achieved, I learn what I am grateful for, I see if I have reached my goals and I look to the month ahead. What do I want to learn? What do I want to achieve? What am I going to promise myself?

However this month, I decided to look back over the past few months and I was astounded by the things I have been able to achieve. I have started a business, grown an online community, improved my mental wellbeing, improved my fitness and I couldn’t help but try to figure out why it was that I have been able to achieve so much in such a short space of time. The answer – time.

Yes the pandemic has been awful. It has plunged some of us into the deepest depths of darkness and it has caused major destruction worldwide to our lives; however, can we start to see it as a positive pandemic? Can we switch our mindset from ‘the Pandemic stopped me…’ to ‘the Pandemic allowed me…’? And if we do this, can we actual be grateful for what the Pandemic has given us?

It seems more important now more than ever for us to be appreciative and to take care of what we have. Take care of our bodies, take care of our minds, take care of your communities. If the pandemic has taught us to care for ourselves and others, then I think we have a lot to thank it for.

So what has the Pandemic given me?

• The time to create a business and bring a vision I have had for 10 years to life
• The confidence to believe in myself and all that I can achieve
• The time to create a clearer, healthier mind
• The time to work on my recovery from injury and to become stronger and fitter
• The ability to run a sporadic half-marathon one Saturday morning
• The time to educate myself and expand my qualifications – I have been studying to become a fully certified Strength and Conditioning Coach
• The oppotunity to create an online community of athletes and coaches
• Belief that I can do hard things

So as you start to unwind from your day and sit down for the evening, I urge you to reach for the nearest pen and paper and to write down what you have achieved since the start of this Pandemic. No thought is too small. No idea is too insignificant. Let’s start to empower ourselves and realise what we have achieved rather than focusing on the things that have been taken away from us.

Here are some things the Pandemic has given some of our NET Family:

‘The opportunity to focus on the things I am not as good at and to reflect on my game’ @molliehegartyx

‘How to think on the brighter side’ @x_scarly_warly_x

‘To take time to look after myself and relax. Yoga and meditation has helped me’ @hanasdeebank

‘It has helped me to better my shooting skills’ @_maddy.503

‘A new way of looking at netball training, helping me be more creative and to try new challenges’ @em_temps

‘It has allowed me time to focus on my fitness as I’m not ravelling to and from work. I’ve set up a new routine and made it a habit. I’m now fitter and stronger with a new mindset to diet and training’ @lizimitchell

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