If you are sober and under quarantine, I’m praying for you. So, if you find yourself wading through a sea of online wine memes, I want you to know you are not alone.
And I’m proud of you for sitting with scary emotions and the fear of the unknown without drowning them in alcohol.
As public schools, local businesses and retail environments close because of COVID-19, I’m scared, too. But here is what I’m committing to over the next 14 days to help me get through this alcohol free.
Sober and under quarantine – Five things I’m committing to
I will wake up with a grateful heart.
I’ve made it a habit over the last few years to run through a list of things I’m grateful for before I even hop out of bed. And, within the last six months I’ve taken pen to paper by writing:
- five things I’m grateful for
- 10 goals I’ve made happen (in the present and positive form). For example, “I am sober” “I am debt free” or “we attend church as a family together”
I will not allow the Coronavirus to get in the way of me realizing I’m surrounded in blessings.
Find ways to laugh
2020 hasn’t started off on the best foot forward. Several weeks ago I found myself unintentionally watching anything funny.
- Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee interviews
- Old episodes of Inside Amy Schumer
- The movie “Just Friends”
- This video clip – I could watch this 100 times and still cry!
Today we woke up and watched two episodes of America’s Funniest Home Videos. We laughed at each other laughing. It was so great.
My son asked, “why do some people laugh at some things and not others?” I don’t know the answer to that. But I do know that, whatever your brand of humor, there has got to be something online to distract you enough to let out a chuckle or two.
Get Outside
According to one of my friends, Florence Nightingale was a firm believer in the positive effects of fresh air, ventilation and sunshine. In fact, so many of today’s nursing practices are still based off her nursing research from her time.
This article highlights research that supports “severely ill flu patients nursed outdoors recovered better than those treated indoors.”
Here’s hoping and praying none of us actually fall ill. But, I do think there is a lot of benefit to being outdoors and spending time outside as much as possible.
Create a new normal with a loose routine
I like being in a routine. And so do the kids. I don’t want to enter the next few weeks with a free for all of screen time, snacks and general debauchery.
I’ve seen some really cool resources (and free!) out there for new homeschool parents to be. And I plan on using them and editing as needed.
Find Joy, Stay Grounded
Whatever it is for you, do one small thing to find joy or stay grounded. Listen to a podcast episode, take an online yoga class, say a prayer, read a devotional or get some exercise. Do something nice for yourself. It doesn’t have to be anything big. In these times, it really can’t be. But take small sips of self care to get through these next few weeks.
Finally, I saw this in an 1800Flowers.com e-mail and thought it was a nice reminder. And I’d like to share with you here:
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Whether you are telecommuting, taking care of children home from school, enduring quarantine, or simply being cautious, here are just a few ways you might consider connecting with friends, family, co-workers and others in the days and weeks ahead:
• Video chat versus texting – seeing your face will bring a big smile
• Send a complimentary e-card – “Just saying ‘hi’”
• Make a list of 10 people you’ve been meaning to call – and do it
• Call a neighbor or distant relative, just to see how they are doing
• Write a hand-written letter to an old friend
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Good luck. Reach out if you need to chat or want to put in a prayer request. I’ve been doing that a lot lately.
