The past month has been heavy! It was so heavy and overwhelming that I felt like I was almost having an out-of-body experience: watching myself from the outside, as if I were a spectator in my own existence!

I went about my regular routine, commuting to work, interacting with people, coaching, eating, and (barely) sleeping--all performed in a desperate attempt to mimic normalcy. But the truth is, nothing feels normal about the world right now. Helplessness, despair, and misery became my daily companions, and the feeling of being out of control rendered me on the verge of losing my sanity and equilibrium.

Amid this turbulent time, I remembered a valuable skill I had acquired from my mentor coach Bassem Terkawi (CPCC - MCC) – the concept of E+R=O. This formula stands for Event + Response = Outcome, and it became my guiding principle for regaining control and having some sense of agency in a world that seemed so chaotic.

Explaining E+R=O:

In the context of E+R=O, the "Event" represents the external circumstances or situations that arise and are often out of our locus of control. It could be a global crisis, a personal setback, or any unexpected turn of events that triggers feelings of helplessness and despair. These events are simply beyond our immediate influence. The "Response" in E+R=O refers to how we choose to react to these events. While we may not have control over the events themselves, we have complete control over how we choose to respond. This is where our power lies.

Here's how I consciously decided to respond:

1. Supplication and Prayer: I turned to prayer and meditation as a source of strength and solace. In those moments of quiet reflection, I found the inner peace and resilience I needed to confront each day.
2. Choosing Love: I made a conscious decision to choose love over fear. Love, in all its forms, became my guiding light. It meant showing love and kindness to myself, my family, and even strangers I encountered in my daily life.
3. Believing in Humanity: I reminded myself that we are all interconnected, and we share the same human experience. This realization fueled my compassion and empathy towards others who were also struggling.
4. Helping Others: I discovered that one of the most effective ways to combat helplessness is by helping others. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, create a positive ripple effect.
5. Mindfulness: It became evident to me that although I had no control over the external world or the attitudes of others, the power to choose my thoughts, actions, and attitudes was entirely in my hands. This awareness of mindfulness maintained my inner calm amid the chaos.

In critical times like these, it's crucial to understand that we can't control every occurrence around us. No more can we change the attitudes or behaviors of others. However, how we choose to show up in the world is something we can control.

From my practice of E+R=O, I've learned that even when confronted with the most daunting situations, the power to react with grace, love, and resilience remains with us. By doing so, we not only reclaim a sense of control but also morph into beacon lights of hope and positive change in a world that desperately needs it.

When choosing your response, it's essential to be very intentional about it. Recognize that people may criticize or judge you for your choices and ideas. However, this shouldn't deter you as long as you know who you are, understand your values, and align your response with those values. You cannot please everyone; that's a reality we all face. Instead, prioritize your peace of mind and maintain a clear conscience.

As I reflect on my latest journey, I want to encourage every one of you to reach out when you find yourself in a similar situation: Remember, you are never alone in your struggles. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional if needed. Sharing your feelings and seeking support is a courageous step towards regaining control and finding consolation.

When we navigate the uncertainties of life, supporting one another, and demonstrating that, even in the face of adversity, the power of our collective response can make a profound difference. Let us opt for love, compassion, and resilience as we face life's trials, knowing that our response could potentially birth positive outcomes, not just for us but for the entire world!