For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Let’s face it, life with COVID has been much more difficult than we thought possible.
When will it all end? Hopefully sooner than later! Last year was crazy for sure! Everyone experienced it in their own way but I think many people are fearful and anxious about what is happening. Asking themselves will I get the virus? Will I have a bad case? What if my elderly parents get it? Or grandparents? Or friends and family members?
Today, it can be stressful just go to the store. As we walk in the stores, you think do they have it, do I really need to wear this mask, is it really that bad – oh no, there’s an elderly person I need to stay away from them but they aren’t even wearing a mask…
What can we do to find some peace? Get connected to other families or friends, even if it is just one or two. We are not made to live isolated from people. And let’s face it, if we spend too much time with ourselves, we might become a little strange. Be careful the stories you tell yourself because they can become your reality or truth. I’m not saying lie to yourself just don’t only focus on the negative and put yourself down. Be your own encourager and be someone else’s, too.
When we are with others, we can learn and grow and be stretched beyond what we could do alone.
I believe it is important to be thankful and hopeful even with all that’s going on. Search out things that are positive and happy. Not to say you shouldn’t grieve or allow yourself to be sad on occasion. But always seek to find the joy in your circumstances.
Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to feel in your own way. Your feelings matter.
BE KIND TO OTHERS
Be kind to others especially those who may have something more traumatic going on in their life than you, you never know. But also remember to show kindness to those who may not appear to have it as hard as you, everyone’s hard looks different. Be extra kind to frontline workers out there doing the best they can, especially first responders. Be patient with them. You may have to wait a little longer these days. Try to put yourself in their shoes and don’t judge them. It is hard work! Plus they are going through all the other stuff along with us.
Everyone is in the same boat; but we are all experiencing COVID-19 but each in our own way.
BE GRATEFUL
I know there are many difficulties with health and finances, fear and anxiety out there but we can still be grateful for what we have. Take time and look at the good. I have lived outside the U.S. And I can tell you we have it really good here!
KEEP MOVING FORWARD
Just don’t stay there dwelling on the bad. Go outside. Enjoy the fresh air. Look at the beauty God created around you. Watch your child play and play with them. Talk to a friend or family member.
It is really important to keep moving through the pain. That goes for all parts of life! Keep putting one foot in front of the other. There is hope when we focus on the future. This will get better. There is a saying, not sure who from, “When you can’t see very far, go as far as you can see.”
Keep moving forward toward the next bend in the road or obstacle in your way and push through.
WAYS TO COPE
Keep a journal – write down how you are feeling, good and bad
Keep a set (yet flexible) schedule to help you stay on track
Exercise – do what you can, go for a walk
Eat right – fruits and veggies
Get enough sleep – 7-8 hours
Talk to someone about how you feel
Read a book – go to the library or order a book online
Be kind to yourself – allow yourself space and enjoy the moments that are good
Try not to listen too much to the negative information on tv or online
Laugh til you cry
Make new goals
Rethink your priorities
When you are fearful or sad, write down the struggles you are having and then write the things you are grateful for. Find ways to look at the bright side of things. Some people have had too much time to think being at home and with that we tend to replay in our head the bad stuff all around us. It is important to find ways to get out of your head. Talk to someone about how you are feeling. We all need to start moving toward hope, joy, and peace.
LISTEN TO MUSIC
Music helps me cope all the time. One of our favorite movies is “The Sound Of Music” and in it are two great songs.
My Favorite Things
Climb Every Mountain
Another song that is inspiring is from Johny Nash, I Can See Clearly Now
No one is immune to struggles in this life. I have had my share of difficulties, my father passed away the end of last year. This was my first Christmas without talking to him. Many people can relate to that. Also, last month my husband had a complete knee replacement. I am grateful he is fit and able to maneuver on his own for the most part. See, look at the bright side! I didn’t get the nurse gene so much and my husband called me Nurse Ratchet a few times – can you believe that! I guess I needed to be a bit more gentle. I am grateful God created nurses and doctors. It’s a lot of work!
And no, that wasn’t it for our family. Fever and illness set in on the 4th day after surgery. Extremely grateful it wasn’t infection/rejection of the new knee! My husband and daughter had gotten COVID. Thankfully, it was a mild case. I didn’t end up having any symptoms, fortunately. I was able to keep the house going. If we needed it, we have several friends who would have stepped in with meals and help.
It is so important to have community to help you in the trials and difficulties of this life.
One sad thing is, Christmas with our boys was delayed for the allotted time of quarantine. But we made up for it when the time was up. We had something to look forward to.
Fortunately, we live in Florida with many things to be grateful for, especially family and friends! It is also a beautiful place to live.
We don’t know what tomorrow will bring but we can all have hope in the future. No one has it all together. We have to change our prospective and do the best we can each day for ourselves and our family.
Below in an article from Counseling Today, I read some helpful information about the emotional toll the virus can take and how to turn it into something positive.
“First, replace fear with strength. The presence of the coronavirus does not have to become a traumatic and overwhelming experience that marks us for life. On the contrary, it can be an excellent opportunity to exercise our resilience. The ability to handle adversity will be a critical component to our success moving beyond COVID-19. Maintaining an optimistic attitude is essential to supporting recovery. Being optimistic helps make your thoughts and emotions much more positive, which in turn gives your immune system a boost.” https://ct.counseling.org/2020/12/turning-your-emotions-into-positive-actions-a-psychological-approach-to-covid-19-challenges/ By Esther Scott
There is help out there. Call your local church for resources.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357 …www.samhsa.gov › find-help › national-helpline
Or call 911 if you feel like you can’t go on and need help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. Learn more
800-273-8255
Margaret Madison 
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