There is no denying that everything going on in the world is pretty unsettling.
Families have been forced to stay inside and figure out how to make things work like – school, childcare, and jobs. People are pinching pennies to pay bills. And everyone, everywhere MUST manage staying away from normal social situations. All of this is very much upsetting, isolating, and downright scary!
Yet we are not without agency or options… We have the choice to do something to help ourselves and others cope with all of this!
Let’s look at what we can do to deal with the distance.
1. Explore what you have left despite the loses
- God NEVER leaves us empty handed without any options. We ALWAYS have the choice to deal with our circumstance(s) (no matter how difficult), the way we desire! – Yes COVID may have cancelled meaning activities like weddings, graduations, proms, vacations or even something simple like going out with friends. But what is not cancelled is – FAITH, PRAYER, HOPE, JOY, LOVE, AND KINDNESS! None of these things is ever environmental. We can make the choice any and every day to embrace these virtues as we cope with the chaos.
2. Prioritize your mental health
- Quick question – What are you feeling in this very moment? … If it’s not something you desire.. What are you willing to do about it?
Here’s a great resource about Christ-Centered Mindfulness:
https://seattlechristiancounseling.com/articles/christ-centered-mindfulness
3. Consume Less, Connect More
- While it can be good at times to be informed of all that is going on in our communities and the world at large because we are dealing with such unprecedented, ongoing, unresolved problems; it may be helpful to your emotional/psychological/spiritual health to turn the TV off, put the notifications on mute/silent and seek another form of connection. – You can get out in nature and go for a walk. Instead of eating at home alone (or skipping lunch all together) try a virtual lunch with your co-workers, classmates or friends.
4. Reach out and ask for help when you need it
- All of us, at various points need support. WHY? – Because God has designed us to function within community. That’s why everybody needs somebody, at least some time. So, who is your support system? Who can you talk to about issues you are having?
If you need help, here are some great resources that you can go to:
National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chatexternal icon.
National Domestic Violence Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
National Child Abuse Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
National Sexual Assault Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chatexternal icon
The Eldercare Locatorexternal icon: 1-800-677-1116 TTY Instructionsexternal icon
Veteran’s Crisis Lineexternal icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chatexternal icon or text: 8388255
I hope this helps (at least a little)
Until the next time,
We love you and there’s nothing that anyone can do about it!
Pastor Eric Hatcher