We have all experienced that gut-wrenching emotional pain; the kind where you are balled up and sobbing so hard your ribs and abdomen muscles burn, your head throbs, and you don’t bother wiping the snot that is free-falling from your nose. We all know that feeling. And when you’re in that place, you feel totally and utterly alone.
Right now, none of us are alone.
We aren’t oblivious to the magnitude of what is happening all around, but it is partly because of things like this that we work so hard to promote peace, unity, and love. As the Coronavirus has restricted and confined us in ways we aren’t used to, still, we are all in this together. And we can combat the fear and hardship together.
Strange how something so big and scary can cause the most loving acts to take place. Out of a global disaster with an unknown future, humanity shows what it is made of. Like the man in Houston who left a note that read, “Hold tip to pay your guys for the next few weeks” accompanied by a $9,400 tip at Irma’s Southwest Restaurant before it was forced to close. That is one of many stories that have begun to circle.
Now that most everything has shut down, how can we continue to pass encouragement, courage, love, and service to others? By letting them know they are not alone.
If you have a friend or loved one who works in the medical field, thank them. They are on the front lines and sacrificing much at the moment. Shoot them a text letting them know how much they are appreciated. If you are praying for them, let them know.
Thank every cashier and employee you see stocking shelves when you have to make a trip to the store. They are at a higher risk and are still seeing to it that we can have the things we need for our families.
Do you have a neighbor who is disabled or elderly? Why not ask them if you can pick up things for them at the store while you’re out?
Check on the people you love. We have so many ways to keep in touch these days. Stay connected.
A Temporary New Normal
We wouldn’t be true to who we are as Escape Day Spa if we didn’t offer ways to help you stay mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy during this time. So, here are a few things we encourage you to do at home.
Open your windows. The weather is perfect for it and the smell of spring is all around. Let the birds’ songs soothe your spirit and give you peace. Nature around you is untouched and still beautifully alive. Take time to listen, smell, and watch. Take a walk if you can. Ask your children to describe the world around them. Focus on the world that unfolds right in your backyard instead of the one on your screen.
Pick up a forsaken talent or hobby. Play the piano or guitar, paint, write, build something new, read. Take time to do the things that made you feel alive when you were younger, but that you can’t seem to find the time for these days.
Keep moving. Exercise. We’re all about wellness and that’s part of it. Grab your kiddos and do some old fashioned aerobics. I’m sure you can find some Richard Simmons on YouTube. It’s sure to cause laughter and that is some of the best medicine for body and soul.
Eat healthily. Your diet has a lot to do with your mental state. Treat it well and don’t forget to drink water.
Spend intentional time with your family. You’re already forced to be together more than you’re accustomed to, so make it count. Dust off those UNO cards or bust out some Yahtzee. Eat meals together and ask questions to get them talking. This is the perfect opportunity to slow down the pace of life and reconnect with the ones you love the most. Spend one on one time with your kids too. You might even find out that you don’t know them as well as you thought and this is a chance to strengthen your relationship. If your kids are grown and out of the house, call them.
Have grace for everyone around you. We’re all in the same boat. We can’t control what’s happening, but we can control how we handle it. Choose peace over fear, patience over anger, and love over isolation. At Escape, we come from a variety of backgrounds and religions. We hope that whatever yours is, you will pray. We love you and will miss all our precious friends. We look forward to reopening soon and hearing all about your unique experiences. We pray you will have some positive stories to tell.
We were serious about laughter.
