Patience, Perseverance and Prayer

I was in the midst of preparing my blog for March entitled, “Is there a Cure for Loneliness?”. Without much warning, we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic and are either forced to isolate ourselves or have voluntarily decided to isolate ourselves. What could be more lonely than isolation, whether it be voluntary or not?

It can be a scary thing when our daily habits and routines are forced to change and, especially, when we no longer feel safe in our environment. Many things that we take for granted have been turned upside down. We are experiencing a form of loss. It is a loss of that which is familiar to us.

So, what can we do?

First, we must follow the CDC guidelines that have been mandated to protect ourselves and those around us to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.

Isolation can be stressful and lonely. Find someone that you feel safe to talk with. Talk honestly about your fears. Once you are open and honest, others will feel more comfortable talking with you. This can relieve some of the stress you are feeling.

Keep in touch with friends and family members either through phone calls, face time or social media. When you let others know you care, it will help them as well as you get through this period of isolation.

Now that we are urged to stay home, I am sure there are many things that you wanted to get done that you never had the time to do. Make that “To Do List”. Each day make it a goal to check off at least one item that you completed. It will give you a feeling of accomplishment, give you a more positive outlook and relieve some of the stress. I know I am going to try it. Will you?

What about our children? How do help them cope with what is going on?

Kids have different levels of maturity and awareness based on their ages and personalities. You know your children better than anyone else. The best is to meet each child where they are as far as their level of maturity.

The most important things are that you:

-Tell the truth about yourself. Don’t hide your feelings.

-Be the first to share your feelings. When you go first you make it safe for your children to talk openly and honestly too.

- Let them know that it is all right to feel sad and scared. These are normal feelings under these circumstances.

-Be patient. It may take them time to process the information as well as to know how to express what they are feeling.

-Listen with your heart.

-Let them know that you will do everything to keep them safe.

You know that “To Do List” that you were making for yourself. Let the children help too. When you all keep busy, it helps to keep your outlook more positive.

There is no denying that we are faced with tough times ahead. These times require that we be patient with each other,support each other, and pray for each other to stay safe and healthy.