Slow Down & Reconnect
In these times of uncertainty, it really forces us to step back and reconnect with what is important. We are all living day to day as we practice social distancing, staying home and praying that the Covid-19 pandemic will end soon. We are all feeling stressed, stuck, frustration, and a whole slew of other emotions. This is a normal response to this horrid pandemic. The key is how we react to our "new normal". We respond to what is happening right now..a knee jerk reaction on our part. We can't control what is going on, but we can look at it in a different light and control how we react. Instead of dealing with how bad this all is, try to look at it as an opportunity to "stop and smell the roses" (maintaining social distancing, of course!). Take this the time to reconnect with your family. Take this time to reconnect with YOURSELF! This is a time of healing, breathing and connecting.
You know that closet you have been meaning to clean out; or the refrigerator that has stuff in there from 2018 that you kept because you "thought" you would use it before it expires; or the garage that has a collection of items that just needs to be put where they belong? How about tackling those projects? You will feel a sense of accomplishment and it will help with the positive outlook. Look for ways to connect with others...through social media, messaging and face time with family and friends. It will help you feel less isolated. With the Spring holidays coming up, why not do a virtual dinner? It doesn't have to be the normal meal, but just a meal where you share the time instead of the food. After all, isn't that what it is all about? Spending time with those you love?
I texted my weight loss support group this morning:
Today is a brand new day!! I woke up feeling a little defeated by the pandemic and how I am reacting to it. Since I am an emotional eater, I compensate by wallowing in food. I listened to some videos to help me ease the helplessness. Watched the news and got sad listening to all the people who are making sacrifices. But I realized that I can only help myself by paying attention to what we are being told...to not let it run how I feel. We can never defeat something if we give in to it. We have to rise above and conquer it. That goes for our weight. We need to take it one day/hour/minute at a time to rise above our challenges. Only then, we will be able to conquer them. I also realize that I need a support system...and I am so lucky that you are there for me! I know I couldn't do this without you. So, have a great day...and rise above!
It is so important to know we are all in this together. So...take time to get outside, even if it's for 10 minutes...reconnect with nature...it is a grounding force. Tell those around you that you love them and are there for them if they need support. We all have our personal struggles and knowing someone is there to listen can be the change they need.
I want to leave you with words we all have been hearing but "not hearing" or taking seriously. This virus knows no boundaries...from county to county, house to house, age to age, person to person. You are not invincible! PLEASE take this seriously! Most important, be safe and take ALL necessary precautions by washing your hands, isolating yourself if you are sick and staying home and only going out for essentials. The sooner we start slowing down the spread of this virus, the sooner we can start healing our communities and economies. Remember...PLEASE stay home!
I wish my family and friends all the love and best in staying safe and healthy.
God Bless,
Debbie
