I’ve Battened Down the Hatches. Now What?

When news reports of the coronavirus initially surfaced, I couldn’t conceive how widespread this disease would become. I thought it was another flu-like illness that could be bad, but would eventually run its course.

Now we know that early assumptions were wrong.

Because COVID-19 is something we’ve never seen before, aspects of it remain a mystery. It’s clear that this virus spreads quickly and now affects a good portion of the worldwide population.

Too, we’re realizing there are a lot of facts (and myths) surrounding the coronavirus. For instance, yes, a lot of people have contracted the illness. Sadly, there have been numerous deaths.  However, many people have recovered.

Since I prefer to consider facts as I navigate this new territory, I refuse to panic.

Still, I admit—it’s a bit surreal when visiting our local discount chain and they’re completely wiped out of bleach, bleach wipes, hand soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and some common everyday items I wouldn’t expect. There are noticeable gaps in merchandise. Store shelves are bare in spots and stock is noticeably diminished.

Hoarding’s become a very real problem, and many stores are finally implementing product limits.

Schools are canceling classes. Major venues are temporarily closing. Workplaces are telling employees to work from home. Daily life as we know it, has ceased.

In our lifetime, we’ve never seen anything like this.

It’s easy to give into fear. All we have to do is turn on the radio and television, and we’re inundated by facts, numbers, and spins of what to expect next.

As a mom, I’m concerned.

I’m concerned for our son who’s an educator. I’m concerned for our daughter who’s a senior in college. (Both of their schools have canceled classes until further notice, so I do applaud those schools for proactive measures.)

As a wife, I’m concerned.

I’m concerned for my husband who leaves for work each morning. Will he be exposed to the virus while out and about?

And I’m very concerned for my almost 85-year-old father who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and resides in a care facility. Management has temporarily restricted visitors, which is probably wise, though, it deeply saddens me.

Also, my husband and I have elderly mothers who are in the high-risk category because of age and some other health factors.

It’s a scary season.

How, then, with so much uncertainty, do I find balance and a sense of normalcy?

I guess it depends on perspective.

On one hand, I could stew the day away imagining every awful or what-if scenario OR I could choose positive ways to combat stress and feelings of helplessness. (Click-to-Tweet)

I choose to do the latter.

I’m doing things I do have control over.

• I’ve purchased a good supply of groceries and non-perishables.
• I’ve taken stock of medicinal supplies.
• I limit the number of times I turn on the news, and I’ve taken respites from social media.
• I limit my in-town trips, in an effort to minimize exposure to illness.
• As I await copy edits on book two in my series, I’ve plugged away on other projects.

Bottom line—I’m active and busy even while working from home.

As a writer, I appreciate the fact I can work from home. Not everyone can.

I’m thankful for this life—not a charmed life, by any means—but a blessed life ordained by God.

While today’s circumstances might upend me, none of the events surprise the One who controls it all.

So, I’ve resolved to make informed decisions.

I won’t minimize the seriousness of the coronavirus (it’s bad), but neither will I twiddle my thumbs waiting for the next shoe to drop.

I’ll write. Read. Love on my family.

And I’ll consider the big picture—the one I can’t quite see yet, but I trust the Artist.

 

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PLEASE SHARE

How, with so much uncertainty, do we find balance and a sense of normalcy? Here’s my perspective.

(Click-to-Tweet)

 

What measures are you and your family taking during the pandemic?

How has the Coronavirus impacted your life?

Do you have any book/game/movie recommendations for us?

Image Credit: kordi_vahle

 

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Just a reminder—if you enjoy heartwarming, romantic fiction, check out Her Hope Discovered, my recent Selah Awards (double) final! Winners will be announced in May!

And may I ask your help? If you’ve read HHD, would you please consider posting a book review to Amazon and additional major book sites? If you’ve already done that, I’m truly so grateful. If you haven’t yet, I’d really, really appreciate it!

Much Love and Many Blessings,