Fear and uncertainty. We are all feeling it and we are all overwhelmed by it. For some, the anxiety is manifesting itself into new coping mechanisms and for others, its old habits we relied on in the past.
 
I’m not here to talk you out of whatever is making you feel good. And I’m not going to talk staying motivated, learning new skills or exploring new hobbies. I’m a believer in being still and feeling every emotion. That means all the icky and all the euphoric ones. There are no bad emotions. Not in my book.
 
Whatever you need, do it. But do yourself a favor and ask just one small question. Is what you’re doing to feel better right now good for you in the long run or will it potentially hurt you?  
 
I recently came across a podcast that talked about the purchase of alcohol doubling during times of national distress or depression. And it got me thinking about our collective coping mechanism and whether during difficult times, we tend to lean in to habits that potentially doom us when the rough season is over. I know we all need different things to feel whole and comforted and safe. I know that for some, a daily nightcap is part of settling in for the night and unwinding from a long day. I get it. I love a glass of wine as much as the next person. It’s when the nightcap or glass of wine turns into many per night, every night that we should pause and reassess whether our coping mechanisms are helping or harming us. 
 
Since this quarantine began five weeks ago, I’ve been praying daily for all of us to come out of this quarantine stronger, more faithful, connected, compassionate and intentional than ever before. I know many will fall victim to unhealthy choices that will be difficult to overcome later on. I know for some, new unhealthy coping mechanisms will become the norm of how other difficult situations will be handled. Will that be you? I pray its not. 
 
My friends, regardless of how you’re handling the quarantine, be safe and be mindful of things you’re doing to feel better. Your habits today will become a roadmap for future bad seasons in your life. Choose good habits that will carry you through the tough patches instead of making things worse.  
 
I’m not asking you to abandon the feel good things you’re doing. I’m just asking you to be mindful of how you’re coping.  Like all of you, I needed to adjust my days when the quarantine started. I needed to find a new normal with both kids and my husband being home around the clock. Some days feel overwhelming and other days feel manageable. Still I wake up every morning and I set my intention to show up for all aspects of my life in a positive and calm way. I know my kids are watching me and my behavior will subconsciously teach them how to handle difficult situations in their life. I’m determined not to fail them.
 
I’m praying for all of us and I’m rooting for you to continue thriving in your life. Drop me a line. Let me know how you’re doing. 
 

PS Going on long walks in the forest by us is giving me so much inner calm. This picture is from my phone camera.  

 

 

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