It is no use saying, “We are doing out best.” You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. Winston Churchill
In an effort to combat the Coronavirus in California, we are entering the 4th week of the “stay at home” orders and my family and I are gladly adhering to them, only leaving the house for groceries. Initially staying at home wasn’t so bad but the longer this goes on, staying at home can be a restless and frustrating experience. Having active lives-work, gym, social outings-abruptly halted is certainly not easy but it is necessary. Having family members in skilled nursing facilities and/or hospitalized and being unable to visit them is difficult but it’s for their safety and ours, so it is necessary. The reality is that if we are to kill this virus and take our lives back, we MUST ALL alter our lives and do what’s necessary and that is to stay at home.
The uncertainty surrounding the virus certainly makes it so much more scarier. No one knows how to totally eradicate the virus, how it is contracted, or how long it will last. Is it airborne? or Is it transmitted through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking? Will it last for a few months or another year? Everyday new information emerges. A few weeks ago the precautions were simply to wash our hands while this week we are being encouraged to wear a face mask when going out. Regardless of the conflicting stories and information, we read or hear, we must continue to protect ourselves and our families. We must continue to utilize the universal precautions that medical professionals recommend. But, most importantly we have to do what is necessary and that’s to stay at home.
The Coronavirus has gifted us all an abundance of free time and it is up to us how we choose to spend that time. Instead of living in fear or complaining about boredom, let’s use the time to fulfill and explore some of our passions. In 1665, during the Bubonic Plague pandemic of London, Issac Newton a 20-year-old Cambridge college student had to work from home when his college was temporarily closed because of the plague. It was the most productive period of his life, he used that time to develop his theories of calculus, optics, and gravity. Issac spent his “confined” time wisely and so should you.
Make your time productive by igniting that dream you’ve always wanted to pursue but never had enough time to do so. Now you have plenty of time to dust off that dream and make it happen. Trust me…I get it. Staying at home can be exhausting and it appears as if these orders to “stay at home” could possibly continue for a few more months. So be patient. We ALL miss our old lives. We miss going to- church, work, farmer’s market, the gym, happy hour, dining out, going to movies, plays, hosting and attending birthday parties, and just hanging out with our friends and family. Yet, in order to get back to our old lives, we must ALL do what ‘s necessary -and that’s to stay at home. The sooner WE ALL DO WHAT’S NECESSARY, the sooner WE ALL can resume these activities together!!
SHIP TALK: Are you experiencing cabin fever? Do you have any passions that you are exploring?
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It’s amazing how if we tweak our perspective, things work out, sometimes for the better. Thanks for your support and stay safe Tanya
As always, great topic. Because I am an “essential worker” currently, I have been able to break free from the cabin fever I was experiencing but not without extra precautions. Many people are not completely adhering to the “social distancing” policies even when they must go out, so yes, it is up to us to protect ourselves.
Secondly, this ‘shelter in place” work from home order has allowed me the time to do many things I “felt” I didn’t quit have enough time for. I make time to spend with God. Participating in my church’s twice a day 40 day of prayer, and meditation time. I am able to give my school work more of my attention, which has improved my grades. My house is thoroughly cleaned, deodorized, sanitized and disinfected. Because my primary job consisted of me walking 85-90% of my day has completely diminished, so with this extra time on my hands, I use dancing as an alternative which doubles as my workout, and when I am overwhelmed with working remotely, or the stress of being furloughed or school work, I relax by simply coloring or working my crossword puzzle books, and I even purchased an old school video game and relax while playing Super Mario Bros.
This “shelter in place” has allowed me time to do a lot of things I always felt I was too busy to do, and while it is still a bit overwhelming, it is much needed, not only in my household, but many others.
Lori, you said it all. I am trusting that your creative juices will continue to flow. My comfort is in knowing that GOD is in charge. I look at the weather. Too me, all of this rain is HIS contribution to stop the spread. I have respiratory issues, so I am certainly limiting my outdoor activities. I need to get my Zumba on but you know 5am is too early for me. Continue to be safe and kiss the guys for me. I love you too and thanks for supporting me by reading my blog.
I am trusting and believing GOD to get your film writing on. This time is for us to really focus on family, friends, and focusing on GOD. I am working and will be using the time to promote my blog. I want to touch and reach more readers and subscribers. Thanks for your support and stay safe.
This such a great post! I am very saddened by so much loss all around us, especially the elderly infected by others and having to die alone, or going without regular visits. These are some of the reasons why I want this thing to end. On the other hand, this has been a great time of refreshing for me and my family. I need to create my own “new normal” and just slow down. As a creative, I need time to myself to create. I’m working on projects now for other organizations/people that I find enjoyable, but want very much to zone in on my creativity. Life goals: playwright and screenwriter in the faith-based genre. This is prime time to create if we can get through any blocks that we have. I’ve been teaching my fitness classes from my living room and loving it, even though it’s at 5:00AM. Its completely different when you don’t have to leave out of the house. Yes, I want to get back to “normal” but limit my activities. Otherwise, I’m putting off my goals and the vision that I believe God has for my life.
This such a great post! I am very saddened by so much loss all around us, especially the elderly infected by others and having to die alone, or going without regular visits. These are some of the reasons why I want this thing to end. On the other hand, this has been a great time of refreshing for me and my family. I need to create my own “new normal” and just slow down. As a creative, I need time to myself to create. I’m working on projects now for other organizations/people that I find enjoyable, but want very much to zone in on my creativity. Life goals: playwright and screenwriter in the faith-based genre. This is prime time to create if we can get through any blocks that we have. I’ve been teaching my fitness classes from my living room and loving it, even though it’s at 5:00AM. Its completely different when you don’t have to leave out of the house. I’ve lost many students, but the few who attend are enjoying a 40 minute workout 3 days a week and trying to combat all of the COVID-19 eating. Long and short of it, yes, I want to get back to “normal” but limit my activities to those things that are truly “necessary” for a balanced life, and cut out some of the extra. Otherwise, I’m putting off my goals and the vision that I believe God has for my life. Peace and blessings, Val. This was a great post! Love you so much!
This is so good, Sis! I’m working from home and enjoying the time completely! I’m sad about the loss of human life, but this order has forced me to slow down! I have way too much going on and cannot achieve my passions because ethereal always so much to do. In between work and non-profit obligations, I’m trying to do more writing. The goal is screenwriting faith-based films. This is a dream that can be accomplished during this time. Praying that I can focus and get it done. This time also forces me to be in touch using my voice over the phone instead of texting, another welcomed change. I teach my workout classes at 5:00a.m. and never leave the house to do it! Love that too. Apart from the obvious tragedies around us, this time has been good for me. I’m spending more time in the Word, too! My prayer is that I can return to “normal” when this is over. It will be a new normal which will give me more time at home! Love you, Val! Good stuff!!