What This Coronavirus Pandemic Has Done So Far...

Dear All,

I hope this message finds you safe, well and still full of hope. I don't know about you, but this our 4th week, since I started working from home and there has been a lot of mixed emotions for me. Besides journaling, I thought why not resurrect my blogging to release some of my thoughts during this very difficult time we're all in.

I'm not here to share things you already heard in the news or even add to your uncertainties, but I'm here to just honestly share what this pandemic has done to me so far.

• It sure has brought me to my knees.
• It has opened more doors of compassion for others.
• It has helped me understand different ways of coping.
• It has brought me to tears almost every day just grieving with and for the people who have already been affected by this virus firsthand, their families, the people who lost their income, the people who are alone at home or facilities, the victims of abuse, the homeless, the unprivileged, etc. 
• It has tested my patience.
• It pushed me to work even longer hours every day, just to avoid being bored.
• It has brought me more reasons to be grateful.
• It has challenged my capabilities (sewing masks, making face shields, painting rocks like there's no tomorrow, draw some fun and encouraging messages on the sidewalk for walkers and even cooking) 😉
• It has challenged my tolerance for negativity. Sometimes, we think just by knowing something and saying it justifies our feelings and excuses us from doing the right thing, but what we really lack is confidence of just doing it. Sometimes, it's out of fear (fear of hurting others, fear of being judged, fear of being talked about, fear of being wrong, or even just fear of change). I learned that there are times when you need to choose to remove yourself from too much negativity in this world, whether that's from the fake news from every media there is, people who just can't seem to find anything to be grateful for, and of course too much bad news. I had my days when I didn't realize that I was just being fed with too much bad news in one day by watching the news and reading about the devastation that this COVID-19 has done all over the world and continuous to do so, that I started feeling tension in my body, headaches, lack of sleep, I mean just name everything that stress can do to you, I was already having it, so I requested for my family to just watch enough news for the day (if we really need to) and do other things that will either uplift our soul or keep us from thinking too much. I have to say, it has been helping us one day at a time.
• It is teaching me the true meaning of being still and knowing that God is still in full control.
• It has made me appreciate the sun as I don't like being out in the sun too much, since I get discoloration on my skin so easily, but this time, that's the least of my worries - I try to work outside my patio as soon as I see the sun come out 😉
• It has given me time to go through things I've set aside for months even probably years. 
• It continues to make me realize what matters most in life. No material, no money, or bigger/better stuff can ever amount to spreading love and seeing people the way God sees each of us. 
• It has allowed me to spend more time with my Creator. 
• It has given me more understanding of how loving, merciful and powerful God truly is. 🙏
• It has made me watch more movies, shows, YouTube videos, DIY's and look at memes like never  before 😅
• It has disrupted my sleeping patterns and I've been sleeping at 4am and waking up at 8am 😳
• Last, but not the least, it has made me consume calories after calories each time “I get up” 😁 and can't imagine the rate we’re having to replenish our stock of food 😏 I'm grateful for the provision Lord, but OMG! I will be rolling out of the house once all of this is over 😬
• It has proven that NO VIRUS CAN STOP A HUMAN HEART'S COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. LOVE lives on. 💓

I'm sure there's more I will be discovering while we're in these dark/heavy days. I look forward to celebrating God's goodness and praising God each day I wake up - as it is a great gift to have.

I sure hope you are all taking care of yourselves, staying as healthy and safe as possible. I encourage you to find ways to bless others as you are able - it sure helps to keep your hearts healthy 💗

I do want to end this by giving a HUUUUUGE PRAISE AND THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, HEALTHCARE WORKERS, HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS, AND ALL THE BUSINESSES AND WORKERS who continue to work and stay open for all of us. 👏👏👏👏👏💓💓💓💓 YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!!! May the Lord bless you all with His abundance. 😘

Till next time friends! Blessing always 💋