Staying Connected

 So how are you all doing out there? No doubt these are the most challenging first three months of a new year I've experienced in a long time. How has it been for you? How are you managing and navigating through all that surrounds COVID-19? And this social distancing? I am finding it still hard to wrap my mind around it all. For this reason, I am careful as to how much I expose myself to media coverage. I do stay informed but in small doses. My family in Italy keeps me updated on their end, as does my family in California. All are in lock down. It is apparent...things are not as they once were in the past here, in Arizona or really anywhere on this planet. And yet...

Despite the crazy hoarders buying up random grocery store items, I am observing lots of good out there in the world. For this I am thankful. People are finding ways to make a difference, sharing what they have to help others cope and not lose hope during a very difficult time in history; whether that is singing from a balcony window in the streets in Italy, picking up or sharing needed food items for a friend or family member, maintaining proper distance from others so as to consider not only your health but also the well being of others is so encouraging to see. Just the other night the lead singer from Coldplay did a live video on Instagram to say hi and sing a few songs...to simply connect without an agenda. He inspired me...to just show up and let others know I care and am sending love and prayers their way. So I did...on Facebook. It was my first live video. I was nervous, but I decided to go for it anyway.

We also see that many lives have been lost. Schools, restaurants, stores are closing. Some businesses remain open but still jobs are at risk. People are living in fear, and understandably so, particularly for those in places where this virus has wreaked havoc. We will mourn, and we will sing again. For those of us who have been "practicing" which is all of us, whether you know it or not, this is when we get to walk out all that we have learned. For such a time is this. And I do believe, with everything in me, that we will rise, and we will rise strong.

Remember you get to create this experience. Choose how you want to show up. Implement a new routine. Get creative with those you are spending more time with at home. Open your eyes to see beauty around you. Move more, breathe more, rest more, play more. Show kindness to all. Let go of what you cannot control and learn to truly live in the moment.

Trust. Remain calm. Stay grounded. Know that you are loved.