Public Life Has Been Temporarily Cancelled!

Covid-19 is affecting all of us, and its impact is felt wherever you are most vulnerable.  For many, there is economic loss which affects every area of life.  For others, isolation is the major issue.  But for all of us, there is loss of daily routine.  The pandemic has affected the way we work, shop, socialize, and celebrate.  It’s even changed how we can get a meal.  In a way, the virus is forcing us to be a limited version of ourselves.

Or is it? 

During difficult times it’s all too easy to get yourself stressed and upset about things you have no control over.  Let me ask, right this second is there anything physically hurting you?  Are you being prodded, poked, pulled or pushed?  Thankfully, most of you are physically fine.  You’re sitting, reading.  Take a deep breath.  Relax your shoulders.  You are okay.

Please remember, all of this change is temporary.  The crisis will pass and normalcy will return.  Perhaps the greatest challenge right now is to stay grounded.  You are not helpless.  Get the facts.  How is the virus passed, and what can you do to keep safe?  This isn’t hard, it’s just different.  Be careful about obsessing. 

When things feel crazy, it’s most often because of your thinking.  You are fortune telling a catastrophic future, filling your mind with negative thoughts, and chasing after every possible (and impossible) awful scenario.  You are scaring yourself.  That’s why you feel tense, uptight, stressed and in danger.  Stop.

Focus on where you have control.  You can keep safe.  Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, sanitize surfaces and limit exposure.  Use the extra free time to feed your interior life, read, meditate, pray, do some form of exercise.  Stay connected by phone and email.  This is temporary.  It will pass.  It’s up to you to make good use of this time 

Maybe the lesson in all of this is not to take for granted the simple, yet wonderful experiences of everyday life, like a handshake, a hug, a face to face conversation, a meal together, and shared human interaction.

Be well!

Read More on Senior Page
Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020