Changing Me

I am currently reading ​A Tale of Two Cities.  Truth be told, I haven’t discovered it’s charm yet, but, like most people, I am moved by the powerful beginning.  I find this quote to be incredibly apropos given our current state: global/national pandemic, racial tension, and a presidential election.  To simplify Dickens’ words, this season is hard.  I know we don’t need a quote to validate our reality, but words often provide clarity for me.  I don’t know about you, but everywhere I turn, reality is sobering.  So, what can we do?  I thought I would take a moment to share the ways I am working to navigate our current circumstances:

1. Pray:  A friend recently asked me how I am handling the divisiveness. It felt cliche, but real.  I pray.  I pray for my president  I pray for my governor.  I pray for my black brothers and sisters.  I pray for law enforcement.  I pray for our election.  I pray.  And, when the weight still feels too heavy, I keep praying.
2.  Limit Social Media:  So, I don’t want to attack the avenue that is allowing me to share this post, but I decided to limit my time on social media.  I haven’t been active on FB for a month or so, but it was necessary.  I found myself either secretly singing someone’s praises or secretly simmering with anger.  So, I decided to filter what I allow into my mind.  Put simply, it has made a WORLD of difference.
3. Bless Others:  Through the pandemic, my sister has created a “Blessing Sunday,” a day where they take time to sprinkle people’s lives with baked goods, gifts, flowers, etc.  So, I took my sister’s lead, and our family now makes a habit of doorbell ditching friends with little surprises.  Homemade banana bread and treats may not heal the world, but it certainly has helped heal my heart.
4. Do Something You Love:  This has to be one of my top survival techniques.  Even in my hardest seasons of life, when I am able to carve out time to do something I love, my whole world feels better.   For those of you who know me well, I love pictures. So, I turn on a favorite movie (or listen to Christmas music) and edit photographs.  
5. Phone a Friend:  So, I will be honest.  As an introvert, quarantine hasn’t been as awful for me. Don’t get me wrong, I miss the old-normal. But, I love being home in my pajamas (minus that they are a bit tight now).  Even though I am a quintessential home-body, I crave connection and quality conversation.  So, I have made it a point to set up times to talk with friends. Sometimes it’s a simple phone or Zoom call, while other times it might be coffee with a girlfriend; either way, it’s food for my soul.  Most of us would probably agree that life isn’t the way we want it to be.  But, connection has been a simple yet beautiful way of keeping the negativity out.  

There are many circumstances beyond our control right now.  But to use my favorite author’s words,  “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves” (Victor Frankl)  How are you navigating this season? What healthy practices are you incorporating into your life?