A pandemic of fear? My personal survival checklist.

Let’s not feed & spread the fear

We do need to manage the information and the inflow of words through all these various sources, because they can feed into our emotions in a way that is not helpful and takes things out of perspective.  It takes concern to fear, then fear to panic and overwhelm.  Which does nothing to help in reality.  (Plus the worry will do nothing to help our immune systems either. The mind-body connection and all). 

We need to do what is physically necessary, but we also need to guard our mind and our thoughts in all this too.

For this time will pass.  We have been through a lot in this country – and in the world.  And we will get through.  I think of the second world war, when they had food rationing, curfews, shortages, families being separated.  And that lasted 6 years!  So, I think to myself I can dock down in my house and adjust my lifestyle for this time.  I can be creative in how to manage my daughter, so I can still work at home, while schools are closed.  I can even use newspaper if I can’t get toilet rolls, if I really need to! I can do this.

I can do this.  It won’t be forever.

This time is an opportunity to be creative.  To think of ways to engage my mind to curb the endless whirring, that uncertainty can cause.  Maybe a new project to work on online.  A chance to sort the house out or get the niggly jobs done I have been putting off.

It is an opportunity to learn to be adaptable and flexible in life.  England is a wealthy country with great resources and a lot of freedom.  At this time, I can be grateful for what infrastructure we do have and adapt to the restrictions placed on me. I can do this. It won’t be forever.

It’s an opportunity to consider people more vulnerable than us.  You don’t even have to be Mother Teresa.  Just share the kindness in simple ways.  A positive word.  Not stocking up excessively in the supermarket, so there is enough for everyone.  Offering a neighbour your phone number just in case they need anything.  It’s about considering things as a whole, not just our individual unit, as we are all in this together.

Follow faith, not fear

And on top of this, lots of us have had plans thwarted.  Hopes of some forthcoming looked-foward-to event dashed.  Our regular routine totally disrupted.  Our livelihood threatened.  Adding yet more uncertainty, anxiety and fear.

Personally 2020 was supposed to be a really special year for me.  I had big plans for this spring and summer ahead.  I was due to embark on a 4 month stay in Montenegro at the beginning of April.  It had been a long-time planning and it was all set.  A big road trip across Europe in our tiny hatchback complete with a shiny top box for a simple life in the sun in my little old-town apartment.  It was all arranged – my husband’s remote working has been agreed with his employer, the home school schedule sorted, trips to Albania, Greece and Croatia mapped out.  The lot.  And it has all had to be changed at the last minute.  Talk about bad timing.

And you know what, I’ve been OK with it.  I have discovered that I can adapt my expectations and desires.  I know that this current time will pass.  The main thing is we all stay safe and healthy.  It might just mean a delay for my trip, so I have not given up hope of doing it yet.  Of course, time will tell.  And in the meantime, I have decided to hold it lightly.  My beloved Montenegro will still be there when the world has quietened down.  My dreams and my purpose have not been taken from me.  I can adapt to this unexpected twist and be the stronger for it in the end.

Whatever.  I am putting it in perspective and am concentrating on the most important things at this time.  Because difficult times require us to put first things first.

I am making sure I do the right things practically at this time.  Not just for myself but for everyone’s sake.  But I’m also making sure I guard my heart and mind at the same time.  I do not have to get swept up by the swathe of emotion out there.  I can work on protecting myself against the pandemic of fear.
I believe there is so much more within the human spirit to draw on and that if we allow it, we can choose to dig a little deeper within ourselves in difficult times.  And do you know … we might even just find some hidden treasure in all the mess.  

My survival checklist to stop the pandemic of fear 

1. Stay informed with the advice and a news update on the situation, but don’t overdose on it.  (Once a day is enough for me).

2. Don’t feed anxious thoughts by dwelling on things – engage your mind in doing some productive work or activity so that you divert your thoughts onto something positive.

3. Be creative – think of some positive things that you can fill your time with during the current restrictions. Make a plan or list of ideas to draw on.

4. Be kind to yourself and to others. Strong negative emotions are draining! Make sure you rest, eat well, take more time to relax than normal. And encourage others to do the same.

5. Keep reminding yourself that you can do this. Discover your inner Winston Churchill! You can adapt, even if it is not ideal. Even if it is not what you want. Even if it is not certain. You can take each day and focus on that.

6. Then, decide to spread good to others instead of fear. Just saying a positive word or encouragement at this time may be all that’s needed to stop the pandemic of fear in its tracks.

Follow faith, not fear.  And this too shall pass, my friends.