Who's world has been rocked by this virus?? MINE. Who's plans have been put on pause??? MINE. Who's fear and anxiety has been in the drivers seat of life??? MINE. Who's family has been affected by this uncertain time??? MINE.
My Point is... we have ALL been affected and none of us know what will happen in the coming days. I've been quiet the past 2 weeks because I don't know how to help and I am someone that longs to help people. It's hard to not knowing what to say to the ones you love that are struggling and hurting. My sister is a senior in high school and everything she has been waiting for is being put on hold or cancelled, and when she called, I had NO WORDS. I felt terrible because honestly, this situation is totally unprecedented. Not to mention, I can't even keep my own anxiety under control, so what am I supposed to say when I don't even have 2 feet to stand on? So, what do we do in uncharted territory? My answer... I do not know. All I know is the things I've been given to help deal with the raging storm that we are currently in. So, here are my tips to help get through this hard time.
Focus on the One who knows how this will play out.
Faith is easily lost right now. It can be hard to have faith in this moment, but even when we are faithless, He is faithful. Start watching worship services and sermons online, listening to music that points you to truth, or bible journal. Dive into whatever gives you more peace at this time. Find what works for you and cover yourself in the TRUTH.
2. Give yourself and others the benefit of the doubt.
NO ONE is comfortable right now and no one knows how to deal with what they are feeling. So give yourself a break. If you eat the extra donut, it's OKAY. If you take 10 naps in one day, it's OKAY. Cut others some slack too. They may not be acting normal and that's OKAY. I think we are all just doing the best we can with what we have.
3. Enjoy the little things.
When things are so out of place and strange, focus on the little things that make you smile. For me, it's watching Reba, eating gold fish, and drinking Dr. Pepper. That is currently my happy place. It's so simple, but brings so much joy. The small things that bring great joy will help your days seem a little brighter.
4. Lean on your loved ones.
I do not like asking for help. I am not good at it. It makes me feel weak and like I'm crumbling, but I'm learning right now that we are not made to carry the burden by ourself. It's okay to need to lean on others to survive. If you're quarantined without your loved ones, FaceTime or call them and just share your fears, hopes, and uncertainties with each other. Sharing your feelings in an uncertain time is like a breath of fresh air because you might just find that you're not alone in your thoughts.
5. Turn off the bad.
I have had to be put on restriction from Facebook right now because everytime I open the app, I end up in a puddle of tears. So, turn off the things that are keeping you in bed all day. It's good to be informed, but you have to make sure you're filtering out the overwhelming content. Have one source you refer to for a check in and then turn the rest of it off.
Like I said, we all cope differently and we all have a different reaction for what is happening. I don't have answers as to exactly what you need to do to make everything better, but I do have just a few tips that might help make your days a little less lonely and dark. I hope you are all staying well. I love you all!
Comments