Notice how truly amazing the American people are?
We are questioning our public officials while still maintaining the advised cautions.
We are doing our due diligence and encouraging others to do the same.
We are caring for others even while we fear for ourselves or our household.
We have traded routine for a new but temporary normal.
We are walking by faith, not by the sight of no potatoes, eggs, hand sanitizer, or toilet paper.
We are sharing with others when we see their need.
We are checking in on extended family, making time when we used to think they took up too much of ours.
We are making adjustments with a close eye to our liberty and Constitutional rights.
We are doing well, so far.
You wouldn’t know it by some accounts. Who do you believe? News reports are so conflicting. That shouldn’t surprise us, though. There are always people who see the glass half- empty and those see it half-full. As we have discussed before with the news media. “When it bleeds, it leads.” There is money to be made on your fears. Not here at Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. We are practical people, not ruled by fear or by rumors.
I have heard such rumors as martial law, 1 out of every 2 American getting the virus, of being confined for 18 months, of never returning to “normal” again, of our nation dying. Some things should go by the wayside. Fear is one of them. Now is as good a time as any to leave behind ways that are detrimental to your health. If fear is the engine that drives you, time to demote it to caboose level and let faith lead the way. That’s what our forefathers did.
What can you do to restore sanity when your world seems awry? Take care of yourself first. That’s right. If you don’t take care of you, you can’t take care of those who need you. Just because we are homebound for a time, doesn’t mean there’s a green light to stay in your pajamas or sweatpants all day. Clean up. Dress up. You’ll feel better, think more clearly, and be ready for the challenges that you will face today. When I homeschooled, I always dressed the part of “teacher.” We did school together. After school was finished, I put jeans on and was “mom.” This seemed to help the kids a lot.
You’re not at work and not getting a paycheck? Get up before the rest of your household. Get yourself together through prayer and/or meditation. Be proactive with setting the tone for what lies ahead of you. In fact, if we took some quiet time before the household is up to set our minds in a good direction, we will feel more in control and the world will seem less out of control.
Lots of people are baking up a storm. That’s normal as the kids adjust to being home and we adjust to being there. Here’s the thing. Are you men and women exercising? The last thing you need is a major weight gain to add to the stress. At work, you climb steps and walk to the bus or train. Now, you don’t. Put on that kids’ program and dance those simple moves. Have your own dance party. No one is looking. Also, why not walk outside? COVID-19 is NOT an airborne virus. It is transmitted through surfaces and touching your face. (that’s why we have social distancing and hand washing recommendations). Get out and walk if you are not sick. People are being respectful of the distance thing. They may even smile at you! Join them!
Finally, sleep. Don’t stay up half the night watching movies or looking at your computer (!) Your immune system needs the rest to fight off disease. Try to get the normal amount of sleep that you know you need. (If you are a caretaker, get sleep when you can).
We are Americans. We have a good track record of pulling through and helping each other in tough times. We got this.
It’s Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. ??
