Fam, “Thoughts and prayers” is a term that is so overused that it has lost its significance; yet, you’ve all been in my thoughts and prayers. Before I go to bed and when I wake up, I say a special prayer for you, my Fam. I know when it seems like life is already giving us too much to bear, we are given more. We are doing as we do - shouldering the burden. But I know your shoulders ache, and your back may be bent. Hang on. Things are going to get better.
In the meantime, I encourage you to find happiness where you can and silence stress when you can. Here are a few things I’ve been doing to protect my sanity:
- I rarely watch the news anymore.
- I have a safe-pod of friends. They are people who are living cautiously and similarly to me in the time of Covid. We get together once a week, outside, and socially-distanced for the most part. Without any human interaction, I would be 100% physically safe; but I believe I would suffer mentally.
- I watch old tv - from when life was easier and simpler.
- I say “no” to things more frequently and easily. I’m living on emotional fumes. I do what I can; what I want to do -- and dat’s it.
- I shower. I was waiting until late in the day a lot of days to jump in the shower. I find jumping into the shower early puts me in the mode of “doing” and not just “laying.”
- I avoid my “friends” who steal my energy. I don’t have it to spare.
- I focus on me and what I can control. When I start to freak out about things, I make my scope very narrow. What can I do in my tiny corner of this world?
- I play a lot of music. Certain songs make me feel happy no matter the circumstances.
- I give myself grace. I am so gentle with myself. I’ve gained 10-12 pounds; I have days where I get nothing done; I’ve watched more television than I ever have; I haven’t done many of the great things I said I would do during this time. And I am okay with it. I am so okay with it.
Be gentle with yourself Fam, and with everyone around you.
