Keeping perspective

It’s been a tough year in the world, hasn’t it? It’s easy to feel unsettled and on edge, even if you’re fortunate enough to be safe and healthy. I understand why. I often get asked how I navigate that kind of tumultuous weather - how I manage my mood and find a sense of perspective when life is swirling in all directions - and I always go back to a mantra from my career in professional tennis: control the controllables. 

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It helps me feel like I can make a meaningful difference though. The problems of the world are too big and broad for most of us to grapple with, but you can control the decisions you make each day, to make your little patch as happy and healthy and kind as possible - by showing up with no animosity, only curiosity and kindness. By putting other people first.

Imagine if everyone made the choice to show up this way, every day?

So what do I do when times are tough? There’s no magic solution - I just try to live by my values. I turn to the people around me, focus on those relationships, and, importantly, make good choices for myself. I lean on love, and build it into my daily routine.

I start each and every morning the same way, up early to take the dogs for a walk around the neighbourhood with my baby boy Hayden. Next, I make myself a coffee - a 6 ounce double shot latte - short and strong. And finally, I carve out time for a proper conversation with my husband Garry, no matter where we are in the world.

With all that done, my foundation for the day is set in stone, and I can show up in the universe knowing I won’t be driven by distraction, but anchored in the moment. That’s what perspective means to me right now. It’s listening and learning, and making the right decisions, for the right reasons, at the right time, with the right people. 

I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday with their loved ones.