Mental and emotional survival of COVID-19

I am moved by the many issues that have resulted from the current climate and the stress of Covid-19. How do we maintain mental, social and emotional stability during a time when there is pain and choas all around us? We are in a crisis and maintaining our mental health will require a conscious effort.  Our country is in the middle of a pandemic.  Not only are we confronting death, infections and sickness from a deadly disease, but, we are all impacted by COVID-19 in various other ways.  It has changed the way we live and the way we die.  It has impacted how we eat and where we eat. It has impacted our communication with other human beings. Our banking, our worshiping and our ability to be affectionate. It has devastated our economy.  It has changed the way our students learn and the list goes on and on.  Anxiety and stress are at an all-time high. COVID has forced many of us to be isolated from our families and friends. It has brought out the worst in some, while bringing out the best in others.  It has provided opportunities to be kind and to express hatred. We did not choose Covid-19, but we do get to choose how we respond  to it and behave because of it.  I try to remember that we are all going through this pandemic in one way or another, but most often, not the same way. I must admit that it has not always brought out the best in me. And that makes me human. I have been angry, frustrated, anxious and fearful, emotions that impact my behavior.  The challenge is not in feeling that gamut of emotions that this illness will elicit, but the real challenge is how we respond to those emotions. The challenge is the choices we make while trying to survive during these unprecedented times. My challenge to you is to do one kind thing for someone you don’t know when you have the opportunity.  I suggest that we redirect our focus from complaining about what we cannot control and focus on things we can.  Let’s focus on how to make things better, together.  Make a call, deliver some food, pray, open a door or whatever other act of kindness moves you.  It will make a difference!!!