April 23rd, 2020: Be Gracious to Yourself

 How to Salvage a Disastrous Day in Your Covid-19 House Arrest ...

The common question I have been asked by people recently is whether it is ok for them to feel a certain way. We need to find new ways to renew our strengths so that we can go through this period safely. So here are some of my thoughts while dealing with these questions.

It is ok to feel angry and have the urge to hit something. Go ahead and do so. Just be careful not to hurt others and yourself though.

It is ok to feel numb. The kind of numbness that might protect us from being emotionally overwhelmed. Being numb and being indifferent are not the same.

It is ok not to accomplish your plan for the day. Be gracious to yourself when your emotional battery is depleted.

It is ok to reach out to others and be a mess. It is not a bad idea to rely on one another.

It is ok not to be able to hold things together and to cry. It might just bring some healing. Holding things inside is not a healthy sight.

It is ok to have a glass of wine, a coffee or tea, and give us a chance to relax. And no, I am not advocating indulgence.

It is ok to sing when realizing that the lyrics don't always make sense. You might just be speaking to God without knowing.

It is ok to let our mind wander. It might help us to discover our creative thoughts.

God sees many things about us while we cannot see them for ourselves. And yet, he loves us.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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