Yesterday, I went to my bank to have them look at my statement and order a new credit card. But when I got there, the person who greeted me at the locked door said that I needed an appointment. Usually, I can walk into a bank – no problem. I got frustrated and said out loud, “The coronavirus is ruining everything!” At that moment, I realized how much our world has changed since March 2020.
Right now, we all need a heavy dose of patience. The virus and the condition of our world will challenge us on every level. It is a good time to become centered and strong-minded. We must not give up on our integrity and goodness.
We all want life to go back to the way it was in 2019. The virus will make drastic changes in human life on this planet. However, if we look at history, the virus will subside. It will be interesting to see how the virus changes our technology, communication, and politics.
So, hang in there! Take one day at a time. Nothing can stop the power of love. Use your energy to empower yourself and others.
Lake Superior, Minnesota (Photo by Gina M. Gafford)
Everyone is experiencing more psychological stress because of the Coronavirus. While shopping, my friend said she could see the stress in people’s eyes. This past week, I felt stress and frustration several times. I had to be strict and tell myself to “be a calm-ass!” I reminded myself that situations and feelings are temporary.
When I feel frustrated, it helps to look at the big picture of life. I need to ask myself, “What am I afraid of?” Frustration is another form of anger, and anger is another form of fear. Right now, there’s a lot of uncertainty and fear about the future. We all need to take one day at a time.
Along with my frustration, I’ve had a careless attitude. The issues around the Coronavirus doesn’t help (and it’s not an excuse to be rude or unkind). I must not let myself go down that path. I must keep my integrity and not give up on what’s important in life – like being kind, helping people, and making the world a better place.
Several things help me to feel more balanced and less frustrated, like increasing my self-care, be more mindful (do more yoga and meditation), and spend time in nature. I need to remind myself to be gentle with myself and others. We live in a unique and challenging time, and we need to be role models for others.
Be calm amid the approaching storm. We can see the dark clouds in the distance, but we don’t know if the storm will be bad or not. However, just like preparing for bad weather, we have our flashlights, extra food and water, medications, and shelter. It is time to be calm, so you can make good decisions and help your family.
It is amazing how life can change so quickly. We are interdependent as human beings. We are ONE – the coronavirus (COVID-19) demonstrates our oneness. We can use this time to transform human life on this planet. The storm will pass.
Do not be scared. Use this time as a training to help you become more grounded, peaceful, and resilient. You are a divine-human being, no matter what happens here on this planet.
What can you do to become more grounded and peaceful during this turbulent time? You can meditate, pray, do yoga, listen to calm music, journal, read inspiring books, help others become peaceful, and talk to loved ones on the phone or Skype (especially your parents or grandparents who are in lockdown). Make a decision that you will be calm and peaceful and remain that way.
There is a lot of uncertainty and confusion. It is best to stay in the present moment and take one day at a time. The world is not coming to an end. We can learn from this pandemic and become more strong spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
We are ONE. May this pandemic bring humanity together, may we help each other, love each other, and find solutions to make life on this planet better for all living creatures.
We do not know how the coronavirus (COVID-19) will affect the United States. However, we can see the impact in China and the surrounding countries. If the coronavirus continues to get worse in the US, then we need to be prepared.
One place to start your readiness is to find information on http://www.ready.gov. You will find out facts about the coronavirus and learn how to stay safe. The basic prepping is to store two to three weeks’ supply of water and food just in case the state governments demand a quarantine. Also, you need to know how to protect yourself from the spread of the virus.
I plan to store at least three weeks of water and food. I think it’s a good idea to get water/Gatorade, canned goods (beans, veggies, fruits, soups), peanut butter/almond butter, rice, and things that you will eat anyways (and don’t forget food for animals). I also have “bug out” bags just in case we need to leave the house in an emergency. There’s a lot of information on the web. I like the websites:
*Make sure all family members make a habit of washing their hands when they walk into the house.
*School closings can happen without much warning.
I am a natural prepper because it’s in my blood. My dad was a prepper. We had a fallout shelter that my dad dug under the garage of our split level, 1970’s house. We had to access the bunker through the downstairs closet that was under the stairs. My dad stored boxes of powdered milk, ready meals (MRE – Meal, Ready-To-Eat), and rice. I remember going into the closet because of a tornado. I never had to go into the bunker under the garage (it was scary in there – like a cave).
My dad loved camping, so we had all the gear in case of an emergency. I, too, have camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, tarps, Coleman stove, etc.). I think it’s good to have survival skills too.
Photo of me camping with my family (1983).
I hope that the coronavirus comes to a halt soon, and we do not need the things we’ve stored. However, it’s better to have all the things you need instead of making a mad dash to the store. You will find many others doing last-minute shopping, and possibly spreading the virus.
Right now, it’s important to be a prepper. You will feel better knowing that you will have everything you need to stay in your house for three weeks. The coronavirus will pass eventually.
*Note I: It’s important to be aware of your psychological and emotional states. It’s easy to become obsessed with the news and media coverage about the coronavirus. Make sure to put things into perspective and give yourself a break from technology. Sometimes we are under psychological stress without realizing it. Make sure to do yoga, exercise, and eat well.
*Note II on 3/9/2020: I just found out that there is one confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) where I live. The super spreader is here. Anyone who lives in Carver County, Minnesota, prepare to take social distancing measures (especially if you are 60 years or older).
*Note III on 3/11/2020: You have two weeks to prepare before there’s a spike in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. Remember to BE CALM. We will get through this pandemic! Take a deep breath.
Tunnel Vision 8 