So, here we are again.

For those of us in Melbourne, lock down seems harder this time than first time round.

Restrictions, lock down, home schooling. How will we cope knowing what’s ahead of us?

But it’s precisely because we know what’s ahead of us that works to our advantage.

We are no longer sailing in uncharted waters. We’ve done it before and this time we can do it better.

Uncertainty and fear, which, during the first lock down felt so alien from the freedom we were accustomed to, are now familiar.  This familiarity can give us the courage and confidence to better manage the crisis. We can learn from what we did right and wrong and look to the future with optimism.

The current setback is as much philosophical and intellectual as it is physical and emotional.

This is an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient self. On a broader scale, this is a chance to build a sustainable future in which everyone can thrive.

First, we must acknowledge and recognise the setbacks of this pandemic with a clear mind. But we mustn’t dwell on our mistakes or lay blame for the mistakes of others.

Then, look for the positives. For some who have lost their jobs, their health, or even their loved ones, this is a truly challenging task. The positives are there.

Perhaps it’s the chance to spend more time with family, learning techniques to build better mental and physical health, or an awakening to the fragility and preciousness of life.

The more you look, the more you’ll find.

And if the challenges seem too much to bear, remember this quote from Persian folklore:

“This too shall pass.”

Isolation doesn’t mean you’re isolated. Reach out to the people who love you, the support groups who can guide you and reach deep for your own inner strength.

Yes, we’re back in isolation. But let’s come out the other side better than ever.

David Buttifant is a high-performance coach, founder and facilitator of Resilience Builders.

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