Let me start by acknowledging these are crazy times. I remember when my youngest daughter turned 6 months old – it was 9/11. I was 27 and wondering what our world was coming to and would it ever be normal? Fast forward to present times, she is a freshman in college and we are moving her out of her dorm in March (3 months early) and wondering again when things will be normal. Who knew normal was so nice?!
Over the past few days, I have been more aware of my thoughts. Specifically, what is the story I am going to tell myself during this time? What is the story you are telling yourself? Am I focused on all the negative and out-of-control changes or are we focusing on finding the blessings, the silver linings and hopefully taking time to not only rest our bodies but carving out time to rest our minds. Do you remember the movie – “Life is Beautiful”? It won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 1999 (it won 3 Oscars that year and was nominated for 7). It is a wonderful, heart-breaking film of living through very difficult times and finding ways to focus on fun. I am in no way comparing our experience to the one in the movie. I am simply encouraging myself and others to find joy in each day, as odd as they are right now.
As we wrap up this week, I have eaten take-out almost twice a day (in part to support local businesses, but also to give me somewhere to go) and have not done a lot of exercise. This upcoming week, it is time for change. Time to start eating healthy, exercising, organizing and adding routine to my daily life. It’s time for me to start thanking God for the extra time, trust Him during the weirdness and ask Him to bring people into my circle who are in need of extra love and supplies. Hoping you are able to use some of this time to write a beautiful story of a strong and loving life during troubling times.
Resources/Inspiration:
Movie Clip from Life is Beautiful
Song: Write your Story by Francesca Battistelli
Verses:
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalms 46:1 (ESV): “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Book: I’m reading and LOVING Carrie Underwood’s book “Find Your Path”. I recently began practicing a vegetarian lifestyle and her book has great food and snack tips as well as exercise tips.
This is exactly how we will all pull through this! Love your perspective Nancy! xoxo
Thank you Courtney! Love you and your optimistic and humorous outlook on life!