Lately, I’ve been noticing how easy it is NOT to focus on what really matters. When you are experiencing numerous challenges and changes—such as job loss, life transitions, financial strain, new roles, global crises, and personal uncertainties—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or distracted. It is easy to feel like you’re just existing or living in survival mode.

The truth is, when life feels fragile or uncertain, if we are not careful, we can spiral downward. We can unconsciously minimize our needs, rationalize unhealthy behaviors, or catastrophize events. Unfortunately, when we do that, we usually make matters worse, add fuel to the proverbial fire, or simply check out of life. And, none of those behaviors are helpful or soul-nourishing. Unfortunately, I have tried all of them.

So this week, I’ve been reminding myself that ONLY 4 things really MATTER:

1. How I feel matters. My emotions and intuition carry wisdom and guidance. They signal me to pay attention, to pivot, or to pause. So, I listen to those inner messages and signals because they can sense what I can’t see, yet.

2. My values matter. In uncertain times, my values are my compass. They guide me. When life gets frustrating, they ensure that I don’t compromise my integrity or succumb to peer pressure. They also ensure that I don’t elevate public acceptance over my soul’s alignment. My values keep me grounded, empowered, and emboldened to do my life’s work.

3,. What I know matters. I have learned a lot in 60 years. And, the lessons I’ve learned and the miracles I have experienced carry power. They remind me that God is in control and is orchestrating everything for my highest good. So even when I feel drained or demoralized, I remind myself that my long-term purpose is greater than the temporary pain.

Note: I don’t bypass the pain. I honor and look for the wisdom in the wound because I believe that God created me to WIN. And I will WIN when I am being ME. Not the public me. Not the socially curated me. Not the ME people want me to be. The ME that God created me to be because the ME that God created is a WINNER. Being a winner is my identity. That’s what I know to be true, and I hope you know that to be true for you as well. YOU ARE A WINNER! It’s who you are, and circumstances won’t change your God-given identity.

4. What people think about me doesn’t matter.  Everybody has an opinion about who you are and who they think you should be. But nobody’s opinions about me matter to me more than my own opinion of myself. Nobody! Nobody defines my worth, determines my goals, decides how much money I can make, who I can love, what I can wear, or how I live my life. Nobody! And because I don’t let external validation and approval usurp what I know about myself, my purpose, or my humanity, I have peace in my soul even when there is conflict in the world. Note: Some people may perceive me as arrogant. I know its soul and God-designed alignment.

These four reminders—feelings, values, self-knowledge, and release from others’ opinions—are not just concepts. They are anchors. They help us hold on when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control. They keep us grounded and rooted in ourselves so we don’t drift away from our own hearts, minds, and souls. This week, I invite you to think about these truths and anchor yourself or strengthen your anchor by asking yourself:

• How am I really feeling today?
• Where am I letting someone else’s opinion dictate my choices?
• Which values do I need to honor right now?
• What beliefs do I need to embody to stand boldly in the storm?
• What patterns do I need to rethink to bring peace, synergy, and harmony to my life?
• What life transition am I struggling with, and how can my values ground me?
• What life lesson do I need to remember to stay motivated?
• Where am I too invested in making others understand me, accept me, or co-sign my decisions?

Remember: The world is a bit chaotic right now, so find support.  Also, remember that when you connect with people who see and encourage you, you can hold these truths about yourself more deeply and more easily. And when you can hold them for yourself, you can become a mirror for others to hold their truths.

And together, we can strengthen each other as we all experience and endure the waves—and sometimes storms—of change.

I would love to hear from you. What are your thoughts about these 4 truths?

If this message resonates with you, please share this email. Sometimes, a small reminder is all a person needs to know that they’re not alone.

Affirmations

• I can live in chaos, but chaos doesn’t have to live in me.
• I am safe with myself.
• I can still pray for change and celebrate my current progress.
• I can be well in an unwell world.

Listen to the podcast on this topic.