I wake up with the thought “Oh boy, another day home, another day without seeing my family and friends and another day I hope no one I know or love gets sick.” Starting the day feeling annoyed by this virus situation only makes me feel worse. This is when I step back and widen my perspective, as I put a new frame on that content. When my mother in law was dying of a brain tumor she would cheerfully say she had been working at her church at the food bank. She said: “There are always people much worse off than me, so I do what I can to help.”
And, of course, there are, always people who are much much worse off than any of us. I am personally fortunate during this time that our household income has not dropped, but several of my friends have lost their businesses and jobs within a few days and their incomes. Some of my other friends already have a serious llfe and death illness they were struggling with before all of us were looking a life or death illness in the eye. People living in poverty all over the world have few or no medical resources available every day of their lives or adequate shelter or access to food. Many families are living in active war zones. Ok, ok you get the picture… we have all lived pretty good lives here in the US, even with this virus we have so much to be grateful for no matter our life circumstances.
If you wake up feeling frustrated about all the new restrictions, step back and see a bigger picture, there are so many people all over the world who are suffering so much more than you. That may not give you comfort, the scope of suffering in the world. But, it should at least give you the perspective that things can always be worse and that you have lots to be grateful for as there are many great things going on in your own life even with this pandemic changing all of our lives.
It is an especially good time to be more empathetic and sympathetic for the plight of those less fortunate. And, pro-active when it comes to helping each other out when we can. This is not a time to dwell on the fact you can’t get your Starbucks fix, take your kids to the park or hang out with your friends and family. This too shall pass. It really really will.
Look to re-frame your situation/issue/problem to find a way to cope and to have some relief. You always have this choice available.
To your health and happiness,
Gail
