That’s one way to start 2020 – a pandemic! Just like that, the world gets hit hard with something that we weren’t expecting and had no control over – COVID 19. I mean, who’s really prepared for something like this?
For me personally – it’s felt like a journey!
For the first two weeks, I was in shock, I felt that my whole being was in limbo.
As a small business owner with a business that was considered nonessential, I feared losing it. For those two weeks, I gave into everything that I had worked so hard to overcome. My workouts stopped, I was eating everything in sight, I gave in to all of my kids’ demands, and I wore the same sweats for days… I gave up because life was turned upside down and I just didn’t know how to deal with it!
Dates for the shelter in place kept getting pushed back, the virus was spreading quickly, and the fear for the safety of our loved ones who lived far away was through the roof. Thoughts constantly ran through my mind of paying bills, buying food, keeping my family safe, and to top it off I had to help my kids with distance learning. I started to spiral and then…
I was able to take a breath. I realized in order to overcome this horrible situation I had to accept the reality that things have changed.
I could either resist the change and be miserable, or I could be ready. Ready physically, mentally, and spiritually for the day we start the new normal. I realized that like it or not, I finally had time. I stepped back and knew deep down everything will be okay.
What inspired me the most was realizing that this is an opportunity. I’m being given a unique opportunity with this break from everything. With that, I take it and run! So now, I’m doing things that in my normal everyday life I never had time for – THAT was always my excuse.
First, I changed my diet. If there was ever a time to practice self-discipline this was the mega of situations, and while “time” wasn’t my excuse for this one, in particular, it was still atop the must-do list.
Second, with all the veggies I ate, I saved the seeds and started a garden. Something I have always wanted to do but never had the time to start and maintain.
Third, I started running 2.6 miles a day to release all of that cooped up energy…
And fourth (and most importantly), I‘m going inward by reading and spending time with my kids. My boys help me remember how to be a kid again and live for the moment.
As the days go by, I’m starting to see a different version of myself.
A version that I’ve always hoped for but never had the time. Luckily, I was able to call myself out for slipping back into my old bad habits. Then I realized I could change my perception of this horrible situation and make it an opportunity to better my whole being. We have choices!
So ask yourself, who do I want to be when this is all over? I believe in every one of you and remember, we are one. Love is the bridge that connects our hearts.