Adapt, Adjust, and Overcome by East Coast Gal,
Things can change in the blink of an eye. Usually when someone says this they are thinking about the sudden death of a loved one, a tragic car accident, or some natural disaster. I don't think many thought about it as the news of a virus in China was first being reported. After all, China is far away so how could it possibly have any affect on us?
Fast forward and I think we all now are experiencing exactly how it affects us. Our daily life has changed or at least it should have. I find it amazing that there are still some who think Covid-19 is nothing more than a media hyped or politically motivated case of the flu.
Just a couple of weeks ago I was with a group of friends and we were discussing the coronavirus. I was amazed at the difference of opinions! Some weren't worried at all - "it's just a new strain of the flu." Others said they were mildly concerned and were washing their hands more often. One of my friends wouldn't touch a thing without using a tissue. Talk about diverse reactions!
The reactions of my own family members is varied. One is older and doesn't get out much. She sees little concern for herself but worries about the rest of us. My adult child, who lives in a city where there are several confirmed cases, has been giving us advice on what we should and should not be doing. Luckily, he has been working from home for the past two weeks now and seems to be taking proper precautions for himself. My spouse, well, it varies from day to day it seems. He still isn't completely on board with my preparedness preparations. Some days he worries about going to the mailbox. Other days, he heads out to the stores and is gone for hours. Me, I'm staying home unless absolutely necessary.
So, how are you spending your time? Do you work from home? Go out? Are you retired, like me and need to find things to occupy your time? Is being self-isolated or perhaps in a mandated quarantine getting the best of you? Here are some ideas to take your mind off of all the negatives.
Go for a walk. I'm lucky to live in an area where I can do this. I usually walk five miles or more most days if at all possible. The sounds of nature are so uplifting!
Get outside. Maybe you don't live where a walk is possible. At least try to get outside for some fresh air and vitamin D.
​Clean. If the weather doesn't permit going out, get rid of some clutter in your home. I've been going through boxes in my closets. I have found that I've kept way more than necessary.
​Read. Reading is the perfect way to escape reality or learn something new.
​Landscape. Spring is here and it's time to spruce up the yard.
Craft. Maybe you sew, quilt, paint, do woodworking. Great way to relax.
​Study your bible. I do miss my group bible study but reading/studying has brought me great comfort. I miss going to church services but thanks to technology, I can still listen to and watch a Sunday service. I think it is wonderful that so many churches have begun broadcasting on social media. I don't know where I'd be without my faith.
​Prepare. There is always something that can be done to add to your preparedness. Organize/inventory your stash, check your bags - might be time to switch out some clothing items or update other items.
​I'm sure you can find something that will, if only briefly, take your mind off all the negatives. Don't get me wrong, I still pay close attention to what is happening so that I am informed. I haven't buried my head in the sand as some seem to have done. I just think it is healthy to take a break every now and again.
Let me leave you with a few comforting verses of scripture.
Psalms 27:13-14 "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
​1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
​Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
​2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.The Lord be with all of you."
Blessing to all!
East Coast Gal
Blessings,
Bravo Echo Out
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