How to Stay Calm during The Pandemic
I’m living one of the scary stories I learned in school.
I remember when I was a student, we went over disasters, from natural to health. To be honest, I have always been afraid of what I can not see, like bacteria, viruses, and fungi (the type that could live in your lungs).
Well, here I am in my 40s, separated with two kids and two cats living with one of the most terrifying diseases in the world. I worry about many things, like how will the people of my country survive, how can I prevent my loved ones from getting sick, and when will I see my family and friends again. When will I be able to hug them? And I realized one thing: I CAN’T CONTROL ANYTHING. ANYTHING!
Things will not be the same, as long there is no vaccine, and if there is the last thing I heard, I can’t get any shots because I have an autoimmune disease. So this took me to one significant thought: Let’s take this day by day.
I have finally given me the chance to think about what is essential, and this has given me peace. Here are some insights, and I hope you can share yours as well in a comment.
About the future.
Are we going to have one? Even though we built streets made of concrete life finds its way to survive. Earth will keep living, and those who have “dreams.” I feel that dreams are checkpoints, and they give you reasons to keep going. So meditate, start your day with new ideas, and feel calm.
About life-death.
One thing is for sure, if we are born, we must die someday. That easy! Why are we afraid of it? I think it’s because we are not enjoying the present, the now, and deep down, we know it. Say I love you when you have to, I’m sorry, hug your loved ones (If you can), etc. We have to be brave to live but also when it’s time to leave. Let’s flow. And this takes me to Being thankful.
About being thankful.
I have struggled in my life, but not because I have had a hard life, it’s because I have a hard head/mind. It’s not easy for me to adapt to any change. And we need to see that most of the time we get what we desire. It’s just that sometimes it isn’t how we imagined. For example, I felt terrible when I got separated from my husband. I thought I had failed to give my kids a father, but then again, he has been very supportive and present with them. I may not have a partner (he is my friend, though), but my kids do have a father. It took me two years to understand that. So look around and discover you are blessed.
About love.
Can you believe I once google what where emotions for? Finally, life has taken us to first check in to “self-love” How can you love someone else if you don’t start on yourself? Every time you change your hair, buy a new outfit, do your nails, or exercise to feel better, it’s for yourself, or at least it should be. Learn by loving others, but don’t expect they are the answer to your problems. Learning to love yourself, and being aware of your good things and bad things will lower expectations over other people, and finally, you’ll see who is actually in front of you. At least that is what love is for me: see yourself and see who is in front of you.
About dreams.
To be honest, I believe that the future is for those who dream. I’m pretty sure it’s somebody’s quote. If not, it should be because it’s so obvious. People KEEP DREAMING, read less terrible coronavirus sad stories, and focus on their skills, on helping others on giving themselves space. I’m not saying ignore all the COVID-19 news, just read or hear what can help you protect yourself and the rest of the people. This world will keep going on; you still have a life to live, so make the most out of it. If you are lucky to have a family enjoy them and call those who you know, they are alone. Keep talking about your plans, visualize them, pick your wedding dress, and keep designing, sketching, and thinking of new businesses with all these unique needs of the whole world. If you're alone, get yourself a pet! These sacred earth beings are so peaceful you cannot imagine all the things they communicate just with their eyes. Support other’s dreams as well. Listen to them, give them ideas, or even maybe join them. The trick here is to see ahead of this situation.
For those who have been lucky to work from home, let’s share any idea or remote job, we see out there for those who no longer have a job.
And for those who have lost not only jobs but also loved ones, I hope God hugs you so hard you can feel His love, peace, and strength to keep walking.
Stay safe, stay home, and don’t lose hope. Ever.
Breathe, just breathe.