Pause Before Panic
Realizing this post is a little after the fact, but many are still in panic mode over this COVID-19 situation. Here’s my take with a few suggestions to hopefully help you get through it.
We find ourselves in the midst of a “Situation” with this COVID-19. We all have been thrown a huge curve ball and feel like it smacked us in the face. On top of other serious disasters that have recently hit people hard – tornado’s in Nashville area and the flooding in Mississippi. Now, quarantines, business loss, people freaking out and panic buying toilet paper, medicine and water like we were just hit with an atomic bomb. I recently told my sister, I think I need to re-watch The Walking Dead season 1 to brush up on my zombie apocalypse survival skills! Seriously though, it made me think why do some of us act this way? And some people are naturally prone to “it’s the end of the world” way of dealing. So instead of that being your go to or maybe someone you know go to reaction lets stop, think and then respond. Below is a list of helpful hints with a link to the CDC.
Pause before Panic: Stop.Think. Respond.
Stop: Listening, reading and engaging with news and reports that give you theories, drama and half truths. Go to the source available to us CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/ and your own state/city government to learn how and what to do now to keep safe and healthy.
Think: Once you have been informed with the information you need (see above for resources) you can think clearly, take inventory what you have on hand for yourself and your family and then make a list of what you need. Side Note: I know the CDC doesn’t say to freak panic and immediately run out and buy all the hand sanitizer, toilet paper and water you can hoard. Here is the link to CDC Household-ready-for COVID-19 Plan: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/index.html
Think: Of others in your household, friends and neighbors, family that doesn’t live with you. Once again the CDC has a plethora of information to help us. One thing I took notice of was the part of children and how to help them. I don’t have children but I think its important to be aware that they might be scared and need reassurance. Help them understand what all this means and to let them know they are loved and in a safe environment. Also, your pets will need you to stay calm in order for them to stay calm. Our pets watch us closely and respond accordingly. If you are stressed or upset they will act out too. And make sure you remember to have their food, supplies and any meds they take on hand. Give them extra loving too. It’s good for them and soothes your soul to love on a pet. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. Please, please, please don’t abandon your pets.
Think: How will you respond if someone or yourself does get the virus? If you live alone do you have someone to help that you can call? In your home do you have a place that is able to be the “sick” room?
Respond: Make a plan, make your list of necessary items to buy at the store. You may proceed with list in hand to your nearest store to purchase. This trip will allow you to practice patience and kindness to your fellow shoppers. Again, if something is out, kindly ask a store associate and refrain from berating a person for not having what you want. Seriously. These people are not hiding things from you or purposely inconveniencing you. They are there working with all these possibly contaminated people doing their best to keep things stocked. Be gracious. It’s not the end of the world if something is sold out. Move on. And by the way, there are numerous ways to disinfect. I have run out of Lysol disinfectant spray. It is sold out wherever I go. Thanks hoarders. BUT I do have bleach and alcohol and soap and water. I have made my own disinfectant from what I ALREADY HAVE! i.e. you don’t have to buy everything that disinfects – chances are you already have what you need. Plus, it saves you money and leaves the item for someone who does need it.
Respond: Plan and discuss, family and friends and neighbors should they need help with supplies, comforting word, phone call a day or email – social distancing doesn’t mean social disappearing! Use your phone to Facetime or Skype, text, we have all kinds of ways to let others know we are not alone!
And finally, have an attitude of gratitude and think abundance not scarcity. Make lemonade from a bowl of lemons. I always remind myself “Complain and remain in the same bleak place, Praise and be raised up!” Trust in God with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding. Praise and thank God for His Mercy and Grace in all things. Believe. Have faith. All things work together for good for those who love the Lord.
This too shall pass.
Be a blessing to others and you will be blessed.
Cherie