In these trying times

Every day we’re bombarded with news of the pandemic, which has affected each of us – in different ways. Some more than others. To quote a post on Facebook, “We’re all in the same storm but we’re not all in the same boat.”

So, what can we do to avoid becoming depressed and negative in these trying times? I don’t claim to have the answers for everyone but I can tell you what works for me. 

1.  I’m a writer. That’s what I do and what I love to do and my books won’t write themselves. So, like every week before the virus hit, I sit down at my desk and write - six mornings a week. I’m currently working on “Out of the Woods,” the third book in my Small Town Mystery series, and I hope to publish it in a few months.

2.  I need to be productive. At the end of the day, I want to feel that I’ve accomplished something. So, I stick to my normal routine as much as possible. Because, virus or no virus, I have things I need to do – so I do them. Cleaning, cooking, caring for my mother . . . the list goes on and on.

3.  I stay abreast of what’s going on in the world but I don’t let the media convince me to immerse myself in news about the virus. Like always, my TV doesn’t go on until evening when I watch the shows I enjoy. And, as I've always done, I read in bed each night before I go to sleep.

4.  I avoid interacting with negative people. While I have compassion for those who are unhappy, to me, life’s too short to spend my time listening to and/or responding to people who insist on constantly whining and complaining. Some people seem to revel in misery. I’m not one of them; I choose to be happy. So, I will continue to post jokes, etc. on Facebook. Anything I can do to bring people up – not down.

5.  And, last - but actually the most important to me. I get up every morning and I thank God for the day, asking him to guide me in everything I think, say, do and write. Knowing that He’s in charge takes a huge weight off my shoulders. And for that I am grateful.