As a textbook optimist, I get through life by looking for the silver lining in everything, especially when it’s not apparent or obvious. 

Needless to say Governor Gavin Newsom’s social distancing order to “shelter in place,” 

just like several other states, has really shaken up our society’s way of life. 

We are learning every day as we adapt. Things we thought were necessary have been either taken away, or proved that they can be done online. Even within our own households we can learn a lot about our family, routines and even ourselves as we are forced into changing our way of life. 

Some of us are laid off, some of us are telecommuting, some telecommuting while simultaneously expected to home school themselves and/or littles. 

Whether we have extra responsibility or suddenly freed up from all responsibilities, what we do have is more time.  Time is the most valuable of commodities because it cannot be given back, only sacrificed further. 

My time is divided into distance learning to finish my college semester, keeping my third grader’s education on track and cultivating my business in my spare time while trying to uplift everyone I come in contact with.  

Being forced out of our comfort zone, whatever the underlying factors are, can be just as well viewed as an opportunity.

By  learning from everything we are going through and comparing it to the lifestyle we thought was the only way, we can come back from this stronger and smarter than ever before. 

“Human beings are creatures of routine. Even the most spontaneous among us stick to a lot of routines and habits in life,” according to an article written by Trent Hamm, founder of the Silver Dollar finance website. “For us, it is challenging to try different approaches to the problems in our life.”

While not Merriam-Webster’s definition, the dictionary does recognize the quote “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results,” as being attributed to the great Albert Einstein. 

“If you think the same thoughts every single day, and for most people 80% to 90% of their thoughts are the same as the day before,” said Dr. Joe Dispenza, host of the docu-series Rewired. “In your biology, your neural circuitry, your neurochemistry, your hormones, and even your gene expression is equal to how you think, how you act and how you feel.” 

This basically equates to, your personality being a result of your life choices, experiences, environment and day-to-day activities. 

Dispenza continues by saying, “When people begin to learn new things and have new experiences, not only will they begin to cultivate new synaptic connections in their brain, but they will actually flourish the growth of new neurons as a result of those novel experiences and learning.”

 So, let’s not look at this like a burden or vacation for that matter, let’s think of it as an opportunity to restart, upgrade and potentially become a whole new person by fully harnessing our ability to adapt and overcome.

Just think of all we have learned so far, how much do we physically need to be at school or work, it IS possible to not be stuck in traffic every weekday and as human beings we can really work together for the success of the greater good. How will you level up?