Just a few thoughts...

I have been thinking about what I'd like to share with you today.  How do I ask you to practice self care or pursue spiritual enlightenment when it feels like the wheels have fallen off our collective wagon and we are careening down an embankment?

I have attended courses and seminars about dealing with stress and fear.  I have certifications that I could literally wallpaper my office with.  I am an Ordained Minister and I counsel people on how to have a closer more meaningful relationship with their Creator (God, Source) - and yet, I've struggled this week.

I have found these last few days to be trying (at best). 

I am well versed in meditation and mindfulness.  I have been taught, and in turn teach others, to raise or change our energy is as simple as finding something to be grateful for. 

Indeed, it is.  But when we are in the mire and muck of a situation it can seem like a tall order.

How can I (who has been struggling myself) offer you a bit of wisdom that will help?

Over the last few days I have asked for guidance and prayed because, like you, I am concerned about a virus that has turned our world upside down. I have my children at home but a Husband that continues to go to work and I am concerned for his safety. I have bills that need to be paid, food that needs to be bought (teenage boys eat a lot!) and besides my normal duties of Wife and Mother I have become well versed in pandemic protocol.

Businesses are closed, restaurants shuttered, schools are online or cancelled ... The entire world has been placed on pause.

Allow me to share with you one of the guiding principles I strive to live by - whether the setting is an article I've written, counseling, a seminar or workshop - what I offer must be practical advice ... as a dear teacher of mine says, "it has to be more then fluffer nutter stuff"

So, with that principle guiding me, I share this, there are things that are in our control, and things that aren't - take the time to know the difference.  Worrying about the future and what may happen disrupts the here and now and if what you are worrying about, does indeed happen, you have suffered twice ... (unless you are a glutton for punishment - just stop that insanity) No one and I mean NO ONE knows what future holds ... any psychic worth their weight will tell you there are many, many different paths that can be taken and YOU are the captain of your own ship.

Now, some stuff that you can do - when I dragged myself outside to my studio today to plug in my treadmill and walk for 15 minutes it wasn't with the idea of losing weight or toning up - it was with the idea of keeping everyone in my house safe from the anger that was building inside me - seriously, 2 boys, 1 husband, 2 dogs, 3 cats - under one roof... find a place to take a break for a few minutes - hell,  lock yourself in your bathroom with your ear buds in - wherever you can go and breathe - find it and do it.  

Clean a kitchen cabinet - (or hall closet - or pantry).  Get the kids/husband involved - I did - (I chose the kitchen cabinets) - and you betcha that I will not get asked where the can opener is ever again.

Now, here's a serious suggestion - first the back story - as I was cleaning out one of my kitchen cabinets - I came across a bottle of olive oil that was given to me by a dear friend.  As I held onto that bottle I thought of my friend and how kind she was to bring the oil back from a trip for me.   I thought about how she had made a special stop for the oil and how considerate that was ... I thought about how although I had thanked her - I really wanted to tell her how much I value her friendship.  So, here's the suggestion - whether it be a quick text, an email or a handwritten letter - tell  someone in your family, or a friend, or a neighbor thank you, I appreciate you, good job.  

Before the world was paused we really didn't have the time to do this - to put in the extra effort...well, now we do.

You know how good it feels to be told that your hair looks nice, or your sweater looks good, or your perfume is wonderful, that dinner is outstanding or that just by listening you helped.  You now go do that for someone.

My neighbor across the street painted her front door yellow - it is a happy yellow - and when I look out my window it makes me smile ... tomorrow I'm going to drop her note and let her know her choice of color brightens my day...

Take the time - raise the energy - show appreciation and gratitude ... you will find the by-product is that YOU feel better.

So much gratitude for all of you that read my articles. ((hugs))

May health, peace and blessings be upon you and yours.

Natalie