I have a problem. I’m fixated on it. I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. I just pace and perseverate on it. Despite all the other things around me I could be thinking about or doing, I refuse to move off this problem until it’s “fixed “. Do you ever experienced this?
In the current situation, it’s easy to behave this way. The feeling of wanting this “fixed” before you can move on is intense. At times, it’s all consuming, especially being confined to your home where it’s easy to lose perspective. And that, right there, is the answer. We must put the brakes on and regain perspective.
You may not have the virus, but stressing your body and immune system 24/7 is not good for you either. For three weeks I have watched and read about how to regain control of our minds and keep sane and healthy through this crisis. If you are lucky enough to work from home, this keeps you distracted from the news and connected and engaging with clients and coworkers. When work is done, it’s time to do other things. Read. Read. Read. Get some great books on your Kindle and get involved in someone else’s life for awhile. Do art. Not just drawing and painting (but if you always wanted to try that, go for it!) You can get lessons on YouTube and supplies on Amazon. Writing is another form of art that you don’t need anything but paper and pencil or your notes on your phone. Every morning empty your mind. Write for 10 minutes anything you’re thinking about. Don’t plan what to write. Don’t think about it. Just write it. No one is ever going to see it. Not even you. Don’t go back and reread it. Just let it go. Writers use this technique all the time. It’s called Morning Pages. Try it.
Write stories. Try poetry. Make up characters and give them your feelings and experiences. Art stretches far and wide. Get lost in adult coloring pictures. Coloring those tiny lines with markers or colored pencil relaxes both your mind and body. Here’s a link to one I got from the company I get my art materials from. Start here:
Refuse to stay stuck in panic and despair until this is “fixed”. In addition to moving for 30 minutes a day, take very good care of your mind. You must keep yourself strong for the day when this is “fixed”. The day when you will get to hug your family and go out with your friends will come. It would be a shame if you were too broken or exhausted to participate in it when it gets here.
Here is the quote that inspired this writing from my morning reading. This book has changed my life and taught me how to find peace amidst chaos, so I thought I’d share it with you.
“When you focus on what you don’t have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened. You take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me. You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is “fixed.”
— Jesus Calling – Deluxe Edition Pink Cover: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (Jesus Calling®) by Sarah Young
And so, as another day in isolation goes by, grab it, embrace it and take control so you can be at your best when this is “fixed.”
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