You are strong enough to do this
I’ve been sitting here debating on what to write about this week. Do I choose something that has nothing to do with the coronavirus and social distancing, because we are overwhelmed with information on that topic…or do I write about the one thing that is on everyone’s mind: the coronavirus and social distancing.
One thing keeps coming up: when things become overwhelming, it’s important to remember we can do difficult things. We know that, because we have done it before. We haven’t faced this particular challenge, but we’ve each overcome our own seemingly insurmountable challenges. Something that took you to your knees…that you truly didn’t believe you could survive…at first…but you’re still here.
This is different, you may say. This is crisis on a global scale. But crisis mode cannot last forever. Eventually life returns to normal…a new normal certainly…but a crisis is by nature temporary.
It won’t be easy, but we can do this…you can do this.
In the meantime, one important survival tip is to focus your attention and energy on the things that are within your direct control.
Can I ensure that my 93-year-old mother-in-law stays well? No. Can I wash my hands and sanitize before we deliver her groceries? Yes. Can I follow CDC guidelines to eliminate virus spread? Yes.
Can I keep the economy going or prevent a recession? No. Can I spend and save wisely? Yes. Can I be generous to those who have served me in better times and have been hardest hit financially (manicurist, hairstylist, barista)? Yes.
Can I insulate my grandchildren from fear or disappointment? No. Can I check in on them, share my love, offer encouragement? Yes. Can I set an example of calm? Yes.
When I feel anxious or overwhelmed, I consciously release fear and quiet my mind with a few deep breaths…then refocus on what is within my control: my own thoughts, emotions, actions.
I don’t know if any of this has been helpful, but it’s what was on my mind today, so I have shared it.
May you be safe. May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be at ease.
Namu amida butsu.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin.
Shared on the GRAND Social and #MLSTL and Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Image by Ichigo121212 from Pixabay
I love this! What a positive (and true!) post. Thank you, I know I needed it, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Besides social distancing I’m on temporary isolation. I’m so grateful that I have a backyard and the weather has been mild enough I can leave the house a little each day. Even when things are hard you can find silver linings. (Like this blog to look forward too!)❤️
Thank you for your kinds words Cindy. I’m glad you have been able to get outside, and I look forward to a time when we can see each other in person again. In the meantime, I am so grateful for technology, so we can keep in touch. I love you. Be safe!
I love this! Thank you, Christie.
You’re welcome Liz. I love you! Be safe!
Good post. I think we’re all struggling with how to deal with this – a few joke sites have actually asked should they stop (the answer was no). We can do this, and we can do it better if we look after each other. #MLSTL
I also say “no” to stopping COVID-19 jokes. If I can’t laugh about it, I will cry. I’ve actually been communicating with my siblings even more since social distancing started–through text.
This is a lovely post Christie. I agree with you that the best thing we can do at the moment is control what is in our control. I’ve been a bit torn about continuing blogging about topics that, compared to what’s happening in the world, are trivial. Then again we do need a little relief from all the drama now and then. #MLSTL Sharing
I agree, Jennifer, we need a break from the COVID-19 talk on occasion. There are other things still happening, even if all those things are currently filtered through COVID-19 in one way or another. 🙂
Yes, yes, and yes. There’s so much that we can’t control at the moment, but still much that we can. We can also choose to look for moments of cheer and gratitude.
There really is much to be grateful for, Joanne. Right now I am so grateful that my job continues, even if I’m working from home. I am extremely grateful that in this moment, all of my family members are well. I am beyond grateful to have internet and technology that allows us to keep in touch with loved ones, even while we are physically separated. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here. Take care! Be safe!
Hi Christie, coming to you from #MLSTL today! It’s hard not to talk about this but you gave us a positive spin and a way to tackle what we can control. Glad you are staying well and positive in these crazy time!
Seems the only time I stopped thinking about it was when the earth started shaking. 🙂
Great to remember what we CAN do during this time. Rather then feel helpless, we can gain strength from doing the things that make a difference. What my husband and I are going through pales in comparison to many who have had their lives – and livelihoods – turned upside down.
I agree with you, Janis. If I do start getting frustrated about something, I remind myself how lucky I am. I still have my job. My family is healthy. I even got my vacation in before the world turned upside down. If there are things I can do to lighten the load for others who are truly burdened, I want to do that.
Hi, Christie – This is very, very helpful. It is so true — there is so much that we cannot control, but there is also much that we can!
I agree, Donna, and our power (and peace of mind) lies is doing what we can and releasing the rest. I hope you and your family are well and at peace with all of this.
Yes from me Christie, it’s been very helpful. We all need to know what we can and can’t do and really we have no control over some things! Thank you for your calm and positive approach to a difficult time in our lives. #mlstl
Thank you Debbie for your kind words. I hope you and yours are doing well and that those grandbabies continue to thrive.
HI Christie – this was a great reminder about the fact that we may not be able to control what’s happening around us, but we can definitely control our response and our attitude. I think as the situation keeps changing and restrictions get more severe, our first reaction is to stress, but if we instead look at what we can control, and how we want to look at it, then things change and become more positive. I miss the social interactions, but am finding that slowing down and being home can be nice too. I hope you’re all well and safe xx
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM ?
I feel the same, Leanne. There is always something positive in every situation, or at very least, a lesson to learn. My husband and I have been watching a lot of stand-up comedians or funny television shows in the evenings, just to remind us to laugh, and of course, now I am especially grateful for internet and smart phones and computers! Take care and stay safe!
A lot of this is out of control so we have to do the best we can to help with the part that is under our control. Thanks for your words.
That is so true Christine. If only we can remember this in the heat of the moment. Best wishes to you and your family.
Love this. Wish me luck, today starts my first day of working from home. Good thing our bank had plans in place to aleady send C/S home because our county just issued a two week (or more) quarentine. This too shall pass. I text and talk to loved ones as my husband and I hunker down. Love the phrase ‘stronger together but 6 feet apart.’
I’ve been working at home for a week and a half now, and there are things I love, and some things not so much. I am just grateful to have a steady job right now. So many people don’t. Still, it is an adjustment. Good luck to you! Thank goodness for technology, huh?
Hi Christie, Hard times. The only way to take maximum care.
Stay safe. Take care.
Same to you Paradeep! Take care of yourself.
Hi Christie, I love your message of doing what we can. If everyone does their part, we will get through this! I am encouraged by all of the positive reactions I have seen and read. I hope you and your family stay well!
Thank you Michele. I also have been impressed with people committed to doing their part and lifting each other up. Take care of yourself. Be safe!
I love your yes and no examples – very real! Thanks. And I hope you and our family stay healthy…. and strong.
Hello Pat! I hope you are yours are happy and safe.
Hi Christie thank you for a positive post and practical ways we can reduce our anxiety during the Coronavirus chaos. I am fortunate that I am happy to be at home, my 93 year old MIL is in lock down in her aged care home and is feeling safe and happy, my family are all ok and I can still have contact with them through technology. I particularly like your point about helping those who have served us like hairdressers and other small businesses. We need to be supportive of them during and after this crisis. Life will go on but we will survive and it would be good to do it with a positive attitude rather than drowning in negativity. Thanks for sharing at #MLSTL and take care. xx
Hello Sue. I am so pleased to hear that you and your family and well and even happy in the midst of all this turmoil. We tend to think of these types of things as interrupting our lives, when they actually are part of our lives. This is life, and as you say life goes on. We may as well find joy and be kind. Take care and stay safe!
Well, Christie, it is pretty unavoidable as a topi! But we can choose HOW we respond to all that is going on, as you have said. It’s not easy, but there are positives, of course. Family time together and here, we can go out a bit and walk. Especially as the weather has been good. I also did a bit of littler collecting yesterday, so i couldn’t help feeling a little virtuous! #MLSTL
Hello Enda! You are so right. It isn’t always easy, but there are some unique pleasures. Working from home, there is no dress code, so I can wear those yoga pants and forget about makeup. Throw in no need to pack a lunch or commute, and I can sleep in an extra hour! Good for you picking up litter on your walk, a perfect combination of physical activity, time outdoors, and doing a kind deed. I wish you health and happiness!
What a beautiful and positive reminder for us all. Thank you so much Christie.
Denyse #mlstl
You’re welcome Denyse. Stay safe!
Hi Christie, I always appreciate your wisdom and positivity. Love your phrase, “crisis is by nature temporary.” I also like your word, “control.” The children and grandchildren one is something I am always working on…….”set an example of calm.” Yes, very helpful, Christie. Thank you! #MLSTL and sharing SM
Thank you for the kind words, Erica. I’m glad you found my post helpful. At this time, I worry about just adding to the noise. I’m looking forward to putting together next week’s Thank You Notes post for a change of pace.
You have such a calming presence. Even over the Internet!! Thank you for this reassurance. We can do this. Are we having fun? Not necessarily but this too shall pass.
I am hoping to do some of the enjoyable things I never find time to do when I am running errands and making all manner of excuses to do other busyness kinds of things. Tried a new recipe for dinner, did some Bible journaling, organized my scrapbooking and started a new page today. Those are the kinds of things I want to do before life returns to its hectic normal.
Thank you for your calming message.
Thank you Leanne. It sounds like you are doing some enjoyable things. This is the perfect opportunity for all of us to reevaluate. What of our old routines do we want to return to, and which are we happy to let go? If I’m perfectly honest, I don’t feel like I’ve had a lot of extra time so far. Of course, I am still working full time–just from home. I’m keeping up my exercise afterward. Then come evening, I’m so tired, I just watch television, blog a little, read, or text my family. I suspect I’ll notice it more as time goes on. Take care of yourself and stay safe!
I love the focus on what we can do – keeps it in a positive perspective! Thanks for sharing with us at The Blogger’s Pit Stop!
Thank you Roseann. I hope all is well with you and yours. Stay safe!