Fortunately, Unfortunately

Do you save the fortunes from your fortune cookies?

Every so often a fortune seems handpicked for me and I tuck it in my wallet for safekeeping.

I recently stumbled across this one:

“Accept something that you cannot change, and you will feel better.”

How are you handling the current changes?

There are days when I feel like I’ve settled into lockdown, homeschool, and coworking as a family, and then there are days where I’m in resistance, in a state of denial and disbelief.

If you’re having trouble accepting changes in your life or accepting coworkers (or quarantine mates), I want to share this super simple mindset exercise my friend Gary Ware shared with me.

It’s called Fortunately, Unfortunately. Here’s how it works:

Anywhere you’re feeling stuck, pining about what could have been, who you want people to be or what you want them to do, use this exercise to reframe your thoughts.

For example:

Unfortunately, I’m trapped inside a NYC apartment with a hyper 6-year-old.

Fortunately, my kiddo loves the extra attention and entertains himself bouncing off the walls, the bed, and the door frames. (#truth)

Unfortunately, I’m long overdue for a haircut.

Fortunately, silver hair goes with everything and I've long wondered what my hair would look like if I grew out my pixi cut.

Unfortunately, events are canceled.

Fortunately, I’m able to work from home and teach workshops online.

Unfortunately, my kiddo woke me up an hour before the alarm.

Fortunately, I got lots of snuggle time before breakfast.

Now it’s your turn. Are you able to change your perspective?

Can you find the opportunity in circumstances you can’t change?

We can’t change the pandemic, but we can change our mindset.

  • We can change how we’re spending our time.

  • We can change how we’re showing up everyday.

  • We can change our skills.

Want to change how you communicate with other people?

Gary Ware and I will be going live on LinkedIn this Friday 5/29. We'll be sharing our favorite tools to listen better and respond smarter so you can uplevel your communication game (Gary is a play specialist so he knows a thing or two about games). 

Want to transform how you present your ideas and communicate with other people?

I work with people one on one to create clear messaging, build confidence communicating in any situation, and craft signature talks and presentations that inspire action. Let’s talk.

Madeline Schwarz