Encouragement to embrace the positive amidst overwhelming negative.
The world wide pandemic has been anxiety inducing, unsettling, fear invoking, a burden, a sacrifice and all of the above... but it’s also been a faith builder and a huge learning opportunity .
-I’ve learned that I’m a social person, I thrive on interacting with others. But with that, I’ve also learned to be content. To enjoy my own company and my children's'.
-I’ve learned that being self sufficient is not only an amazing thing, but it’s fun! We’ve started raising chickens, we’ve started a huge vegetable garden and we've begun composting. All things I’d never have done if my eyes hadn’t been truly opened by this pandemic. I’ve come to realize how dependent we are on our community, our state, our nation, running normally.
-I’ve learned to make bread, english muffins, bagels, tortillas... I’ve learned how to fry food, make ice cream and tackle recipes I would have originally scrolled passed.
-I’ve learned to shop smarter not harder. I’ve learned how to spend wisely, how to store food properly and how to use up food more efficiently with little waste.
-I have a new appreciation for being home. I’m embracing the walls around me and creating a true home.
-I’ve developed a new level of confidence in myself. I've begun to broaden my knowledge, my abilities and step out of my comfort zone as I try new things with the extra time I’d normally spend running around.
-I have developed a new level of patience being at home with three very young children and nowhere to go. I’ve also found a deeper love for my children as I spend time with them like never before as the world around us stands still.
-I have a new appreciation and gratitude for what this country offers and what can so easily disappear, freedom.
-I’ve learned to embrace each little moment, every little accomplishment. One moment at a time, one day at a time and remind myself that this to shall pass.
-Most importantly, I’ve learned to embrace that I am a daughter of God. My life, my children, we are in His hands.
My heart has hurt deeply for normalcy. I’ve shed tears aching to see my best friends, my family. I want to take a simple trip to the store and see everyone smiling, to interact with others without underlying fear of this virus ...I can’t deny that it’s so difficult to see the positive in this overwhelming negative. Everyday I’ve taken a moment to add to this list, to force myself to recognize what I’ve gained, instead of what I’ve lost. I’ve known two lives lost to overdoses last week alone. I encourage everyone to take a moment, acknowledge what you have gained from this experience or recognize what can be gained and focus on it. Build on it. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity or it’s a once in a life time tragedy. You choose.
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Reading this at 545 am as my children begin to wake up, have the same sticky tshirt on from yesterday and my hair's in the same bun placed 2 days ago.
Thank you so much for writing this- I needed to read this, know im not alone!!!
You words are inspiring! Can't wait to read more material! Definitely an uplifting read that needed to be read!! 💜