Inspirational Activities During a Pandemic

So often we find ourselves feeling alone during difficult times. Whether we are suffering the loss of a job, battling health issues or grieving for a loved one, we find our world at a stand-still while the rest of the world moves on.  Family and friends are there to show their love and support but no one can ever truly understand what you are going through until they have stood in your shoes. 

Right now the entire world is feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Across the globe, athletes, celebrities and average janes like me are all living through one of the craziest events in history.  We can all empathize with one another because our lives are all at a stand-still, together. 

In Wisconsin, we are under a ‘safer at home’ order and are only supposed to venture out for the essentials like groceries, appointments, work and toilet paper (but good luck finding it).  In the past couple of weeks, I’ve talked to many family and friends and people are very fearful.  They fear the unknown, the effects that the quarantine will have on their business/work and of course the virus itself. 

I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t let fear creep in now and then.  As the wife of a first responder, I fear a lot of things, especially during times like these.  However, I cannot let those fears consume me.  I’ve been reminding myself each day to Have Faith, Not Fear. 

Those four words remind me that God is with us.  We are not in this alone.  He has a plan. 

I’d like to believe that God is asking us to slow down.  Our lives are so busy and many of us are juggling way too many things on our plate.  Between work, activities, errands, appointments, housework, caring for our families, and everything in-between.  If you’re anything like me, you try to be super-mom in all aspects of your life and you just wind up feeling stressed and anxious about everything.

This pandemic has reminded me to slow down and appreciate the little things in life.  My girls are absolutely incredible and there is truly nowhere that I’d rather be than home with them.  All of the projects and crafts that I didn’t have time for before, are now top priority.  Our home is filled with more artwork than an art studio and I smile thinking of all the memories that we are making during this time. 

Thankfully, my girls are too young to remember this pandemic but it is one that I will never forget.  I’m choosing to make the most of this extra time with my family.  We aren’t rushing to go anywhere or worried about what visitors will think when they step into our home because no one will be visiting.  Some days we never get out of our jammies, eat way too much food and watch one too many movies.  Other days we take long walks, cut out hundreds of hearts for our windows and read for hours.  It’s all about balance, going with the flow and finding what works for your family.