“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:7 – 8
It has been a little while since I posted. I have been busy with family and now the impact that the Covid-19 virus is having on the entire world. As we have been asked to isolate ourselves away from all that we consider normal activities, I began to reflect on what that means to each of us. For starters: this virus and its potential deadly impact has created a higher level of anxiety in our lives. For some, specifically those who are employed in any facet of the hospitality industry, they are worried if their jobs or their businesses will even be there when all this is over. For the rest of us, we are not able to do our normal everyday activities. We are sheltering in place and not able to have any or very little social contact. We are in fact stuck at home with family.
Now being stuck at home with family is not a bad thing…it is actually a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and enjoy fun family time…BUT when the novelty of this forced down time wears off…reality will hit. We will start to have what is typically referred to as “Cabin Fever.” When cabin fever strikes it can add even more anxiety to an already anxious situation and that is when we begin to say things that are better left unsaid. That is when as Randy Travis sang years ago we begin to “dig up bones.”
Diggin’ up bones is not at all helpful in when life is abnormal at best. We say things that are hurtful. We say things in tones that should not be used. And we say things we know we will regret as soon as we say them. Unfortunately, what we don’t do is acknowledge we are stressed and we need a time out. It is perfectly ok to tell your family that you need time away from them. Not because of them but because you are the one who is getting antsy. There is a reason, I think that nasty is spelled with the same letters as antsy: Antsy feelings can lead to nasty words.
So…what are some tips you can employ while the entire world is in self isolation? First of all, remember that you are not alone. We are all in the same situation. Then look around you for things to do. Things you have been meaning to get to but never seem to have the time…well now you have the time. I just cleaned out all my files and shredded (with the help of my grandson) all the paper so I can donate it to the humane society as they use it for cat litter. I can’t express how good I feel about getting that job done! Other ideas: You can catch up on your reading, you can learn a new skill, you can teach your children how to cook, how to do their own laundry, you can teach them a new game, you can take walks together, plant a garden…Oh the things you can do when you stop being antsy and choose to be proactive! And in being proactive, you will help your family bond, keep your cool, and your temper.
We are in stressful times. Life is uncertain because we don’t know when life will get back to what we consider normal. I pray that we will all remember our words, because our words matter to the people who hear them. Let’s all make sure our words are filled with loving kindness. Let’s all make sure our words are uplifting and helpful.
My words to you in the midst of uncertainty
Peace,
Beth
Beth's Blog 