My heart has been sinking as I read the news each day, particualarly as I see the alarming death totals in Italy. The speed with which this virus is spreading, especially in New York, worries me. I have so many dancer friends there. I just read two stories about teens who have died. The headlines make me feel sick. I feel so badly for the families of these patients. It's a dire situation.
It's difficult not to sink into the quicksand of depression. I've never seen anything like this in my life. I think listening to the radio for an hour and a half this morning made it worse. We are drowning in the constant stream of information.
My mother's voice is whispering to me to focus on food and cooking. Today I picked up my basket from the co-op. I was shocked when I saw how it had shrunk. I think it has, anyway. I switched my attitude to being thankful for the fresh, healthy, organic produce, and that I have food in my refrigerator.
I am so fortunate to have a garden that's producing. I am forcing myself to take one day at a time, to listen to Louis Hay's affirmations on Youtube, and to keep exercising. It requires effort and discipline to take positive action.
I roasted a whole chicken and two small baked potatoes for dinner. I tossed a spinach salad with homemade dressing, and heated up some leftover tuna and noodles casserole for lunch. I just took a relaxing bath, and am going to push myself to do yoga and meditate. At times like these, our spiritual practice is so important. How are you doing?
Thank you for your comments. They add so much talent and energy to the blog. Please comment in English. I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published. If you enjoy the posts here, please share them. Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.
I understand how you feel, Stephenie.
ReplyDeleteI think keeping ourselves busy helps. I read news daily, but with all the work I have been doing lately I didn’t have time to think too much about news.
Sometimes it can be overwhelming. If possible, talk to a friend. I find it helpful because I think everyone is uncertain and scared. So we can cheer up each other.
I listen to music and watch YouTube videos to relax. 😊
Hugs xxx
I'm glad to hear that you are doing well, Nil. I agree. It helps to keep busy with positive activity. I am going to do some more planting and weeding today.
DeleteYour dinner sounds delicious; I had salmon and a slaw salad. Due to the situation I have nothing planted in my vegetable bed, it is full of soil and ready and waiting. I do miss hanging out in person with people, thank goodness my church has started having live streaming services which are more warm and friendly than I had imagined.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, Terra. Your dinner sounds tasty and nutritious.
DeleteTimes are stressful, certainly but you have the right idea. Keep busy, keep positive, keep away from the news!
ReplyDeleteYes, emw, Reading all of the stories can become addictive. It's just too much to follow it for too much time each day.
DeleteIt's very easy to wallow in it all with the non-stop news coverage. I just watch the headlines and read the BBC news site and try to keep the rest of the day C-19-free.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, I try to make sure I have plenty of things to do to keep hand and mind engaged. I think it helps.
Sleep patterns are not good but then I go through phases like that anyway so I'm not convinced that it is a reaction to the current situation.
Take care and stay safe. xxx
Hi Joy, That is wise. I need to limit the amount of time I spend reading about it and thinking about it. I hope your sleep improves. It's funny, I've been sleeping really well, and waking ups very calm and comforted. Then I remember what is happening.
DeleteIt's so important to keep up these positive actions and to consciously change thinking if it becomes too negative. This afternoon, I plated some tiny little violas in pots, they will be a rose colour when they bloom. I also planted sweet peas because my grandparents grew them and their scent reminds me of them. Planting a little happiness for here at home. Take care! MegXx
ReplyDeleteHi Meg, I love sweet peas and violas. Enjoy your sweet garden. I'm sure your grandparents are smiling down at you.
DeleteHi Stefenie. It's easy to focus on the horrible news when it is pouring out every day. I am trying now not to dwell too much on the soul destroying sadness. Tony and I are working really hard outdoors now and I prefer to think about how pretty my garden is going to look in the Summer. I shall try and find something positive about every day. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Cherie. I am doing the same things. The garden really makes me feel better, and it gives me hope.
DeleteI hope all your friends in New York are OK and keeping safe from this virus and not too badly affected by its impacts.
ReplyDeleteListen to your mother's voice, as good nutrition is very important at a time like this. I'm sorry the produce basket seems to have shrunk, but, hopefully, there will be more abundance, with time. Your lunch and your dinner sounds good. Roasting a whole chicken will provide you with many meals, especially if you make broth with the carcass and use it to make soup.
I'm doing OK. Not depressed, but, sad and incredulous at what is happening, not just here, but everywhere. I am doing my part and trying to stay home, to minimize my chances of becoming another statistic, especially due to my age and underlying health issues.
I hope you have a good weekend and enjoy knitting your socks. Sounds like you'll have them finished in another couple of days. :)
Hi Bless, I am taking my time with the socks, but they are coming along nicely. I'm glad that you are doing okay. The cooking and nutrition really does help. I especially need the exercise. That helps me to clear any negative thinking.
DeleteStay strong you are doing all the right things to avoid spiralling into a depression. Your mental health is as important as your physical being. I have found it easier to avoid the news channel and look at the headlines briefly via the internet. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea, mm. I get sucked into reading the details, and spend too much time studying the virus.
DeleteMuch as I am grateful for being able to keep up to date with the latest news, I am finding that limiting the times I read anything helps me from feeling too overwhelmed. Stay well. X
ReplyDeleteI am going to do the same, Jules. I think I was more nervous yesterday because I had to buy groceries and gas. I feel much better today. I hope you are doing well.
DeleteI think that during hard times, it is always good to concentrate on routine like you are doing! As the days continue, I think people's dispositions will get a bit sour and in danger of losing hope. Interesting that I was thinking the same thing today, about our spiritual practice. I hope you stay well just so we all can continue to read your posts. I feel you are taking the proper precautions to keep safe from this virus. Andrea
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea, Yes, I am staying home, except to buy groceries and walk or bike once a day. Today was much better; the birds in the garden lifted my spirits.
DeleteThe news from New York and Italy is so very sad. I also worry about the health care workers. I find myself staying far away from the news these days. We take long walks every day (8 miles yesterday-no wonder my dogs were barking last night as my Grandmother would say when her feet hurt). Being outside, listening to the birds and seeing the plants turn green is the best medicine for feeling low. Your meals sound yummy!
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, Wow! Eight miles...that's terrific. I spent time knitting in nature today, and feel so much better. Yes, the meals I've been making are delicious. Today I baked oatmeal butterscotch cookies. Yum!
DeleteI agree with lots of the comments above. I feel sad every time I hear or read about the fatalities but must accept that there is nothing I, personally, can do except do as the Government advise and stay home as much as possible. Your being able to exercise and meditate is surely the way forward (your mum is right) I only watch the TV update once a day and have banned us from listening to the radio news. I REFUSE to give in to depression. Enjoy your crafts and quiet times cooking. Stay well my lovely x
ReplyDeleteThanks pp. The radio was very repetitive and upsetting. You are right that there is nothing we can do, except to stay home. Hope you are doing well.
Delete