The 2020 it is a different year with a variety of feelings, experiences, thoughts and behaviors. The pandemic brought to the surface new needs and the adoption of a new way of life became imperative. Emotions such as insecurity, fear, suspicion and uncertainty surfaced. Equally, the mood for introspection, searching for sources of calm, inspiration, peace, creativity and positivity became more intense. Quarantine led to a shift towards 'inside' you make me aware of ourselves, others and life itself. Consequently, confusion, obsessions and contradictory actions, such as selective adherence to protective measures and selective fear, have resulted.

In a review of the literature on psychological effects of quarantine in the general population, publication of the scientific journal Lancet, involving 10 countries that had been affected by SARS, Ebola, H1N1, showed the serious effects of quarantine on mental health with PTSD symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, emotional exhaustion, confusion, anger and stress. These symptoms are normal in crisis situations, as long as they are suppressed in a period of 6 months after the event (APA, 2013).

People adapt to new situations by developing Mental Resilience. Resilience is the process of handling disruptive, stressful, or challenging life events in a way that provides the individual with additional protective and coping skills (Richardson, 1990).

The Dmanagement of the new reality can happen through:

• the choice of Optics that will lead to progress and peace of mind

• the development of Creativity

• Positivity and Optimism

• Mindfulness

• the gratitude

• the start of New activities

• the contact with the deepest Self and others

• Self-love and self-care

• defining a daily routine that will provide us with safety and health (diet, sleep, hydration, constructive habits)

• the sport

• seeking help from experts when this becomes necessary

Let's dig a little deeper...

THE Mindfulness it's about present moment awareness and full presence of mind in the 'here and now'. Focusing can be done by focusing attention on Breath, Body Parts, Mind, Emotions or Actions.

According to Thethical psychology, it is crucial to focus on the positive dimensions of human existence. These are the Happiness, the Meaning of life, the Virtues and the positive elements of the character. That is, the focus shifts from the problem, to the positives, solutions and success.

Positivity is the tendency to have a positive or optimistic attitude and the more frequent experience of positive rather than negative emotions. Positivity builds: Optimism, Positive Self-Image, Sense of Adequacy, Maximizing Potential and Mental Resilience. We can increase it through acts of gratitude, forgiveness and kindness.

THE Optimism refers to a consistent tendency of the individual to believe that good things are more likely to happen to him than bad things. A person may be positively inclined for many reasons, either because of personal ability, because he feels lucky, or because he is favored by other people. Optimism is one of the predictors known to be associated with not experiencing depression.

THE Gratitude it is related to the appreciation of what we already have, that is, the recognition of the value of our acquisitions, but also of our existence. No one came into this world by accident. Every person is unique, they have their reason for being and this is a gift in itself!

All of the above are essential elements of Life Coaching.

The Life Coaching is a new field based on the principles of positive psychology. The Coaching process is a partnership in a challenging and creative process Thinking that inspires associates to maximize their personal and professional potential Features (ICF). The goal of the process is to promote, sustainable and desirable, emotional, behavioral and cognitive Changes by choosing actions that transform them (Backhirova te al., 2010; Grant & Stober, 2006).

The Coaching process consists of Life Coach (life coach) and the Coachee (customer). The Coach is responsible for the process. The Coachee determines his agenda/goals, the criteria for achieving his goals and is aware of the commitment to the actions he will decide. Life Coaching sessions can lead to the improvement of: Self-Esteem, Confidence, Relationships, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Work Performance, Work-Life Balance and Well-Being.

In closing, I want to point out the need to change the focus to the positive, as this is what will evolve us and give us the strength and courage to carry on despite adversity.

If you don't look where you want to go, you will go where you look! 

So let's all look in the right direction!

 Published in Periscope newspaper, July-September 2020