How to use a crisis as an opportunity for positive change

Some suggestions from Bill O’Hanlon if the “brown smelly stuff” is hitting the fan.

When you are going through Hell, keep going.

Winston Churchill

In the spirit of the saying: It’s easier to ride the horse in the direction it’s going, here are some guidelines for mining the value of a life crisis if you are going through one.

Principle #1: Out with the old, in with the new Get rid of stuff, habits, beliefs, relationships, friends, etc. that no longer serve.

Of course, you don’t want to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Consider what you would like to retain or recreate from your recently disrupted life to bring to your post-crisis life.

Principle #2: Revisit old dreams, passions and plans Were there plans, dreams, hopes, wishes, goals etc. that you had put away due to lack of time, deciding you needed to be “realistic,” others’ disapproval, fears, and so on? If so, are there any of those old dreams that you could take out, dust off, renew, come to in a new way, now that your life has changed or now that you have some time on your hands?

Principle #3: Commit to healthy habits Since this is a major change time, why not commit to renewing or developing healthy habits, like exercise, meditation, healthy eating, regular spiritual or religious practices, and so on? First, these healthy habits will probably help you get through this challenging time. Second, since things are in flux, you might as well steer them in a positive direction.

Bill O’Hanlon, M.S., Possibilities, 223 N. Guadalupe #278, Santa Fe, NM 87501 USA 505.983.2843; Fax# 505.983.2761; PossiBill@aol.com; https://www.billohanlon.com