Journal your deepest thoughts and feelings, here’s some questions to help you get started.

The world shifted a bit this week with schools and churches closing. It can be disconcerting. When I am stressing and life feels overwhelming that’s the point to start journaling.
To get clarity where my heart really is and decide is this a reaction or is there action to be taken. Journals don’t have to be fancy a composite notebook works just fine. Here are some questions to think, write about, and reflect on as the Corona virus keeps disrupting lives –

1) How are you feeling?

Help yourself get in touch. I do feel that the media frenzy is overreacting but nevertheless all of the closings leave me feeling anxious.

2) Once you have identified how you feel, what do you need?

I need to see my adulting kids and touch base with my family in California this will keep me grounded and sane. 

Give myself permission to and take a long bubble bath – so half price books visit is required!

Deep breath, I’m going to try and teach my sweet parent’s how to zoom.

3) Enforced Home Time – use it wisely.

With my job shut down for two weeks and church activities postponed what do I want to do? Not to be flippant about this time period, but I enjoy snow days – those special days when we got forced to slow down and stay home for a day or two (these are super rare in TX). I’m thinking of this as a snow day on steroids and trying to make the most of it.

I also know that I need a schedule or I will make myself and those around me a bit crazy. Following my Father’s advice: “Get up, get dressed, and start the day with a plan.” My own inclusion get the coffee going. Post a schedule or block out time on the calendar to stay active.

4) Adapt to the new normal.

With each day bringing changes it can be hard to keep up. What can I do: Zoom with my clients and friends and keep up with our relationships. I can make my patio pretty and eat breakfast out there. I may need to take a break from watching the news.

5) What opportunities does this make available for you?

Take time to read, reflect, pray, catch up, …work out (I have a yoga mat time to dust it off and figure out what closet I stuffed it into…

Brainstorm what does this gift of time allow you to pull off the back burner.

6) What makes you feel secure?

Money creates a form of security for most women. I keep reminding myself that the reality of the situation – we have a good emergency fund (thank you Dave Ramsey!). Being laid off for a bit will be alright. Finally, I do admit to stocking up the pantry – although I never did find TP or raviolis.

7) How do you want to lead – your home, your friends, your community.

At home – keep everyone feeling loved, knowing your love language can be very important.

Friends – keep in touch and meet people where they are do not try and convince them not to worry or panic. Most people need to be heard – not debated or rationalized or convinced they hold the wrong opinion. The truth is that we have a bias in our beliefs that leads us to confirm what we believe.

A final thought as we go through and continue living – follow the Golden Rule – Love your neighbors as yourself Luke 10:27. Therefore, during this time of uncertainty treat others the way you want to be treated.

Action Item: Get a journal and keep up with your deepest thoughts and feelings.