I remember several years ago a friend mentioned this to me. Stop borrowing trouble. Don’t go
around the block to meet it. These words have saved me from myself many times over. Maybe I am wrong, but in my experience we seem to all love to scare ourselves and go out to the future and expect the worst case scenarios. We are really doing it now in spades with the corona virus scare. This is not to say that it isn’t real or deadly but we are focusing on the “how” we will make it moving forward. How will we stay alive? How will we have any money, food, shelter, safety? When will we be released from our lock downs? When will things return to normal? Will we be kicked out of our apartment? How will I hold myself together cooped up with the kids? What will happen to their schooling? Will I return to classrooms in the fall?
The list is endless and all pretty much based on “how’s” and “when’s”. We are caught in the endless loop of imaginary deadlines (things should return to normal in 6 months) and quasi treatments and questionable quantities (200,000 tests today).
The underlying question should be “what” not how. It is so basic and usually the secondary question asked after “how”. We are always trying to figure out the “how” of it. I hear it from my customers, “I would do this or that but I don’t know where to start or how to begin”. Looking at it closer you will find that the question of “what” wasn’t asked.
Why not start with the question of “what” you need to do right now? What is this enforced time alone showing you? What can you do now to help yourself? I am sure immune systems in general are not in top notch shape. We have abused our bodies for so long with processed, convenient, pre-packaged and easy-to-prepare foods that our immune systems are shot from lack of nutrients. So a question you might what to ask yourself is “what can I do to ward off the virus or at the most have a mild case of it”. This is an important “what” question. Good fresh foods are healing and strengthening.
“What” do I have control over each day? The answer to that question is not much outside of yourself. You can better manage yourself. When things hit the fan, you don’t have to hit it as well. I keep a pile of that can wait, another of “these are so scary” and I am not going to be catastrophizing the situation. I took the forbearance opportunity from the bank on my mortgage. It’s an official piece letting me know that at the end of the 90 day period I will have a balloon payment of $25,000. That letter goes in the latter pile to be addressed in early May. It doesn’t have to be addressed now nor does it scare me. Nor will I have the $25,000 for them. I cannot go to the “how” of it at this time. I do know the “what” and that is to accomplish either an additional forbearance or to place the amount owed at the back of the loan to be taken care of when the property is sold. I refuse to concentrate on the “how” of it and jump into fear.
The same goes for these figures given out by Trump and State and local leaders. They are either grim or sugar coated depending on who is talking. Try to stay away from this stuff. Maybe listen to the news every 3 days. Watch movies, write, clean, sew, invent something, go to Trader Joe’s, pick up some take out. Businesses are still going on. It is a different way of doing business. We will eventually re-open businesses, gradually and wisely–we hope.
Remember too, this is a long-haul-change. Pandemics are big worldly events and change history and the people living during them. Do NOT expect things to go back to normal. In my belief, this just hurries up some of the transformational changes that were to come in the 20’s. It will take the next 4 years to really have some of the new system up and working well. It will take the vaccine to make us “feel” safe. Good treatments will help but they are not in place either. Although there is a rush to create both treatments and vaccines, it takes time and trials. Thanks to fewer restrictions from the FDA plus AI, it should be giving us better treatments than now exist.
“What” we can do is be smart about distancing, wearing face masks when in public, washing your hands often, and wearing gloves where appropriate. “What” we can do is plan for our future. “What” would you like to do when much of this lock-down is lifted? Do you want to go back to what you were doing before? If not, “what” kind of lifestyle do you want? We know this period will not last. “What” would you like to be doing when it ends?
As I write this, my husband is at Cedars-Sinai recovering from Covid-19. This has been an interesting journey. The first place you go to is “death” and you really learn you have no control but to pray without ceasing. He is improving and it is truly a miracle. Each day he got better. Cedars was wonderful and literally he was brought back from the dead without a ventilator. He picked it up in guess where?—a nursing home where he was recovering from the brain injury he acquired from a bad fall back in February. He was to come home April 20th but instead remains in isolation testing positive. He has been healed of the symptoms and we all want him home but he must provide 2 negative results in 24 hours to be allowed to be released. In the meantime, he is healing from the brain injury and waking up and engaging in both speech and eating. We are thrilled.
“What” could I do in this awful situation? I immediately prayed for him and did so throughout the day. I prayed for the team at Cedars. I invoked the healing angels to assist them in their divine work. I kept seeing him home in the house. In short, my thinking and my actions supported each other. I cleaned the house more and I lined up “home care” for his return home. I arranged the therapy for his treatments. I stayed in touch with my clients. My business actually boomed. I did sessions each day. It became a wonderful release to be able to talk to so many wonderful people who have reached out to me. I got all my financial affairs in order and the necessary powers of attorney letters to all the financial people.
We must learn to focus on the “what” of our lives. We cannot control much else and we will dilute our power by going out into the future and trying to figure out how we can fix it, control it and make it safe. Remember, the earth plane is a temporary visit. We come here for two reasons–1) learn to experience free-will choice. We are always at choice. 2) Experience and manage your emotions. That’s about it. We fancy it up with success, ambition, guilt etc. It was always simple–learn to make wise choices and learn to “handle” our emotions. Remember, don’t borrow trouble and DO NOT go around the block to meet it. You can use this world/plane of existence but you cannot depend upon it. It will keep changing as long as you are here.
Gail,
Thank you so much for such sensible words. Once again you are right there. I am so glad to hear that your husband is doing well. I will keep you both in my prayers. Blessings. Roidina
Hello Anita and all of you who have your graciously shared your comments. Thank you for your best wishes for Richard’s recovering. It means a great deal to me and to all who are suffering from this virus. We pray for their increased strength, revitalization and healing.
Excellent Article. Perfect Words. Continuing to pray for you and your husband. Seeing him happy, healthy and home. Anita
Gail, thank you for your courage,and for your insight. Stay well. Kathleen
Gail,
Thank you for your very wise words. Sorry for what you and your husband had to go through. Glad he’s doing better.
Awesome article–a voice of calm in these turbulent times. So happy to hear hubby is recovering and in such capable hands(yours!)
My business has evaporated so I am one of those pondering what my next “assignment” is(your words time me so long ago). The last 6 years have taught me to trust that all needs will be met. In the meantime, I am observing the current version of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride play out–it’s going to be one hell of a ride!
Gail,
This is good news you’re husband is recovering from his brain injury and covid-19, I’ll keep him in my prayers too that he continues to improve and comes home, everyone does better at home. Your words of wisdom are always valuable and I appreciate you and your insights….. thanks again for all you do ~ Rita Taccona
Gail,
Hope and pray for you as well as your husband’s speedy recovery. Great article and quite inspirational. Please continue to stay safe and healthy.
Thank you
Very happy that your husband is doing so well. I’m picturing him well and at home. Thank you for your insights, for I always find them helpful and hopeful. Keeping you both in my prayers.
Gale you are an Awesome Lady!!!
Your advice is Always on the mark. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I am so happy for you and your husband. I can only imagine the difficult time you had throughout that time.
Keep up you Amazing positive attitude and beliefs.
Good Luck and take care xo
Thank you, Gail, for your wise and grounding words. I always like reading your very helpful posts.
My best to you and your husband. I hope he is able to be home soon.
Blessings to you, Rebecca
Prayers to you and your husband with continued recovery. I did not know you were dealing with so much and yet you have time for all of us with your divine counsel on so many levels.
You are such a gem, wishing you and your family the best,
Barbara
Great advice as always Dear Gail! So glad to hear your hubby is on the mend. Sending you Love & Light.
Your posts are always so helpful, and help me ground.
Thank you Gail for sharing your gifts and wisdom.
Wishing your husband continued healing and strength. Much love to you both.
Joyce
Brilliant as always! Thank you!!
Thanks so much for your newsletter. My prayers to your husband and you he heals as best as possible. Be well and stay well. Sincerely, Dora
Gail,
I am so glad that your husband is alright and will be home in the not too distant future. I am reviewing what I want my life to be life in the future and I am not waiting for the pandemic to end to think long and hard about it.
Your words rang true with me. Thank you.
Jennifer