Life Lessons In A Pandemic
The last 18 months have been challenging, to say the least. It’s certainly been a roller coaster (I can’t stand roller coasters - I avoid them at all costs). Yet, here we are on a seemingly never-ending roller coaster ride and we have no choice whether we want to be on it or not. Just like you, I have seen so many different reactions - from one extreme to the next. While I can’t give advice to the world, nor am I equipped to, I can shed some light on the matter for my children. I present to you the life lessons I hope my children will learn from the first pandemic they are experiencing.
Be selfless - this has provided an opportunity for you to practice thinking of others and their needs. Being selfless is not easy and requires patience and compassion. All qualities that are needed to coexist peacefully with people who do not think like you. There will be many people who don’t think like you, but that doesn’t mean you need to go to battle with them. You can choose the high road. Please choose the high road.
Be authentic - you may not believe or do as the majority does. That is okay. Never compromise what you believe to fit in. Keep showing up at the soul level, not just surface level. Your soul knows the way for you and will guide you. Your soul is where you find true joy. Nurture it and honor it. Leave a little bit of your unique sparkle everywhere you go.
Be Kind - There is a right way and a wrong way to handle challenging situations or disagreements. While it is so important to remain true to you, please do so with kindness. If you are going to choose to speak up and speak out, please choose your words wisely. They can never be taken back. And while they may be forgiven, they will not be forgotten. Unkind words cause damage. If you can’t think of anything nice to say, just walk away. It’s okay to walk away.
Be Brave - Life will throw challenges at you from time to time. Don’t throw in the towel and quit when the going gets tough. On the other side of the darkness is a light that is so much brighter than you can possibly imagine. Being brave doesn’t mean you need to do it alone. Ask for help. I am always here for you, no matter what.
Be Empathetic (and don’t judge) - As we’ve seen over and over, we don’t always know the kind of pain people are walking through. We may see the outward behaviors or actions, but we do not know the ‘why’ behind them. We may be in the same storm, yet we are all in very different boats. Can you toss someone a lifeline to make their life a little easier? Maybe you aren’t able to do anything concrete to help, but you can always pray for them. God cares deeply for all; He will know what they need.
Be Silly - laughter is the best medicine. Make the most of every single day. If you have the ability to make someone else smile, do it. Be the light for others. I will do my best to be the light for you - on good days and bad ones.
Friends, walk your path true to who you are. Spread kindness and love everywhere. Help whenever you are able to. We are all in this together.
Until next time,
just be.
xo,
Lindy