No.771: How I Turned Around

I recently came across something I had written in my phone’s notes app way back in the fall of 2020.  That spring had been one big unfamiliar, nerve-wracking situation and I was doing my best to bear the unknowns as best as I could.  (I kept a 12-week lockdown diary here on the blog.)  At some point, I remember thinking, “I have to find a better way to cope with all of this,” and this list in my phone must have been my reflections on what I did.  I’m copying it here because while the situation is different, the stress is the same.  I needed the reminder that with time, prayer and effort, I can turn this ship around.  Again.

1. I said goodbye to unnecessary fear.

I stopped constantly reading the news and turned off social media.  I had to do a complete detox at first, but have slowly added it back in in a healthier way.  A good motto: Don’t let others’ emotions dictate your own. Keep a level head, think for yourself.

2. I started taking better care of myself.

I gained weight due to the constant stress and emotional eating, so I:

• Limited sugar and things that caused me inflammation (like dairy)
• Focused on movement, in whatever form that comes
• Took my vitamins and supplements
• Was mindful about what foods weren’t good for my slightly elevated blood pressure

3. I focused on the causes of my stress.

One of my stressors was not being prepared for the lockdown and then worrying about having enough to eat.  To combat that, I started picking up a few extra things here and there to stock up the pantry.

4. I stopped myself from dwelling too far into the future.

I like to have a plan but have learned the unknowns are too great. I instead started focusing on just this week, this month.

5. Gratitude.  Always gratitude.

What a gift that this word was my choice back in January. It carried me through.

6. I said lots and lots of prayers.

Prayers for our health and safety sure, but also for wisdom and understanding, for prudence, for clarity, for greater trust. For docility to His will, for peace in whatever comes our way. For a greater understanding of the death that comes to each of us someday and how I can live in such a way that I’m ready, whenever that day may come.