Have you ever had one of those days, weeks or months that in order to keep from crying you just have to laugh. Oh wait! We’re all having one of those, but for our family, last Monday was that kind of day. As alluded to in the title, last Monday I passed out, hit my head on the kitchen floor and due to the intense nausea and dizziness I self-diagnosed myself with a mild concussion. In addition and on that same day, we found out that my family (husband and two kids) tested positive for Covid and currently we’re on day 8 of quarantine. How’s that for a no good, very bad, horrible day?!?
The short of the long is that Russell and the kiddos attended a wedding of one of his former athletes. Three days after the wedding we got the dreaded phone call that people from the wedding were exhibiting symptoms. Within 24 hours of the phone call Russell developed a headache and a scratchy throat and within 36 hours the kids developed a fever accompanied with some chills. At the time I was still symptom-free.
Due to hitting my head and feeling so terrible I didn’t get tested, but by Tuesday I started exhibiting the mild symptoms of a head cold, a teeny bit of congestion and as of Friday, two days ago, I’ve lost my ability to taste or smell. Y’all! I cooked bacon for my family and I can’t smell it! Now that’s no good, very bad and horrible, but again, I just have to laugh.
I’m writing not for sympathy or self-pity, but to instead maybe help you get a good laugh, because when you can’t teach or take classes, can’t go anywhere or see anyone aside from your immediate Covid- quarantining family, and can’t taste or smell, things get put into perspective very quickly! Here are my 3 Takeaways:
1. I understand that all Covid cases are different and the last thing I want to do is minimize the significance, however there is no doubt that the stronger and healthier you are, the better your body can fight this virus or any other virus that comes your way. My family is proof of this!
The Takeaway: Never Stop iGniting, never stop exercising and never stop living big, playing and having fun! These keep your body, mind and spirit strong and resilient! I understand we all wish we could snap our fingers and make this whole craziness go away, but we can’t and so we have to make the best of a non-perfect situation. Therefore, whether it be attending our In-Person or At-Home classes or getting outside and exercising/moving and breathing on our own and having as much fun as possible, we can’t ever stop! Now more than ever it’s vital—for our physical, mental and emotional health.
2. Be thankful for what you have and what you can do. This is not to to say that we can’t be disappointed and discouraged due to the current set of limiting circumstances but I encourage you to focus on all that you CAN do and be grateful for that.
The Takeaway: Contentment and gratitude is key. I’m enjoying this verse: “I have learned to be content in all circumstances. I know how to survive in tight situations and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without. I can be content in any and every situation through God who is my power and strength.” Philippians 4: 11-13.
3. Be curious and ask yourself if there is something within you that needs developing? On Friday I had a friend send this to me: “Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them your faith will be blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on my endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete and wanting nothing. If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it, and God will grant all that you nee. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking.” James 1: 2-4
The Takeaway: I have no idea why they heck we had this no good, very bad and horrible day/week, however I am trusting that the past five months in addition to our current set of circumstances isn’t for nothing. I also have to believe and trust that something in me is being developed that I need for the future. Maybe it’s more faith, trust, maturity, patience, rest, a renewed perspective, and or gratitude and joy in the midst of the mess. I don’t know, but I’m trusting there is purpose in the pain and I encourage to adopt the same mindset. Love, Neissa