With all the uncertainty that lurks in the back of our minds, maybe the front of them, surrounding the coronavirus, digging deep into our belief system is a must. Our belief system surrounding education on how to stay healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.
For me, it is a time of GREAT reflection. There isn't time for me to be scared and wonder what's going to happen. It's time for me to dig deeper into my own beliefs.
Here's what I believe to be true that will help us weather this very REAL storm that is hanging over our heads.
This too shall pass. All things have a beginning and an end. A storm of tremendous impact could wipe out a city, town or even country. Yet just as quickly as it came on, it quickly goes away. Nevertheless the impact lasts for much longer! Relief parties, rescue teams, and thousands of volunteers help to repair the damage that was caused from such a natural disaster. The more people that are involved, the quicker the work moves along, but it could still take weeks, months, years and even decades to repair the destroyed area(s). The physical impact of this pandemic will pass; only we can control how it impacts our lives afterwards. How will we respond in the moments? How will we respond when it has passed?
Those who are prepared shall not fear. There has been an influx of shopping in a frenzy to stock up on items that others have told us we need without thinking much on what we truly need. I don't believe that it is only true to my faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of the importance of being prepared. We all know that we should have a little money in savings, at least half a tank of gas and food to last us for at LEAST 72 hours in the event something catastrophic were to happen. Yet moments like these remind us to do what we've been taught all along. Why do we wait? For those that are prepared, there's no fighting in the toilet paper isle, waiting in lines for hours or rushing to the stores to find cleaners.
God allows us to learn. Whether this was brought on by our choices or by God's, I'm not here to give that opinion. However, I do believe there is much to learn in all of the turmoil. Will we act in faith or fear? Will we turn to a frenzy or continue in our efforts to protect ourselves? I feel like there is much to learn in ALL bad things that happen to us or around us.
God will support us in our trials. Despite the pain that some are directly feeling from the effects of this pandemic, God is always in the details. He is there to lead and guide us. He is there to support us in our efforts to protect ourselves and look out for others. Despite the frustrations that I have felt as things have been cancelled, closed or indefinitely suspended, there is a reason. God wants to protect us. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I believe that God inspires His prophets and apostles to make decisions that directly impact and protect ALL people, not just members of our faith. With continued faith, we can rely on the Savior, Jesus Christ to lift us to higher ground and raise others up.
My testimony is firm. God will make up the rest after all we can do. We MUST not fear only have faith in Him. We must do what we have been taught for YEARS and YEARS and YEARS about how to truly take care of ourselves and know that, in the end, that's the only thing we can do to protect ourselves.
Sleep 7+ hours
Eat Healthy...fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and dairy, whole grains
Drink plenty of water
Exercise 30+ minutes every day (walking, stair climbing, yoga, high intensity, running, etc.)
Wash your hands!!!