Hello friends! I would first like to say I am sorry. I disappeared for a little while and am now getting back to writing again. I will be totally honest with you all. I have been struggling with myself, my life, my goals and finding the joy that is so obviously in front of me. I have a million things going right and sometimes I don’t know how to focus on the things going right. Instead I focus on the things that aren’t going right. It’s a mind game that I have got to stop playing. It is exhausting and it only makes me have set backs in my goals and dreams. One of which is to have a successful blog and be faithful to my writing and chatting with you all that are kind enough to read my blog. So here I am putting my big girl panties on and it’s time for chins up buttercups. LOL! I just love that saying. In all seriousness, I tend to shut down and disappear when I am depressed or struggling with life and I have to get better at handling it and not just disappear. I didn’t even realize how long I had been gone from my blog. How embarrassing.

So how is everyone doing with the stay at home orders that are in place? I am seriously worried for people. People need people. I worry about depression and suicide among those that are feeling confined and alone. I worry about children being in a safe environment at home and abused women and in some cases men, who are having to endure extra time with their abusers. I worry that people will ignore their health since it is almost impossible to see a doctor. All these things and more weigh heavy on my heart. On a lighter note, I really miss going to our favorite Mexican restaurant. LOL. It seems ridiculous to even include that but we have been going to the same Mexican restaurant since my kids were about 10 years old, who are now adults of 25 and 22 years old. It is our home away from home. I also miss my friends and family. I want everyone safe and healthy. Praying for everyone to stay healthy and hope to be able to give hugs again soon.

The bright side of having to stay home during this pandemic, is that it has given me a new perspective on the importance of slowing down and taking time for yourself and loved ones. The projects that have gone undone for who knows how long, finally got completed. The meals that families have prepared together because everyone is home to help. Then getting to eat at the table together and talk about the world or what your feeling or thinking. Not having to eat your entire meal in 10 minutes so you can get to the game on time or get one more thing done in order to feel accomplished for the day. There is a sense of relief to have to slow down and bask in the sunshine of life at home. It’s easy to get caught up in the go go go of the world. It has been very eye opening for me to realize how we let being busy control our relationships, our time, our progress on projects, our progress on ourselves, etc…

What are things that you are doing to stay busy during this time? I see so many more people out walking. Everyone seems to be a little more friendly than they used to. People are walking their dogs too? I don’t about you all, but my dogs are so spoiled by always having someone home with them now. They are going to be a hot mess when everyone goes back to work. LOL! People are sidewalk chalking. This is so fun to see. When your on a walk and you see cute little kid drawings and in some cases some amazing art done by adults as well. What a great family activity. Everyone can take part in decorating the sidewalk in front of their house or their driveway. So cool! I have personally kept busy with doing paint by numbers for adults and also doing diamond painting. It’s so fun. If you don’t know what diamond painting is, you can look it up on YouTube. Us artsy people get so excited about this kind of stuff. Ha! Also, trying new recipes, cleaning out closets and working out at home are some other things that my friends are doing to stay busy. Please feel free to share any ideas that would help us not be bored during this time.

I also want to reach out and let anyone know who is struggling with depression or if your in a bad situation during this time to reach out to someone, me, anyone. You don’t have to bare it all alone. I am hear if you need to talk or cry or run ideas by. Don’t wallow in sadness. Take everything one minute at a time if you have to. I promise, there is a new day and a new beginning starting tomorrow.

Please remember to check on your family and loved ones. Check on the elderly to make sure they have essentials. Check on your neighbors. Check on the single moms who aren’t suppose to take their kids into stores. Check on your pastors and church family. Drop food off to someone in need. In order to get through this we have to think of each other and not just ourselves. Selfish ways will be the demise of an individual. Don’t hoard food an cleaning supplies. Take what you need and will use. We will get through this together and be stronger for it. God bless you all. I appreciate you more than you can imagine. Don’t forget to comment. I am looking forward to hearing from you all and I promise to be more present as well. Stay happy, safe and healthy. Be encouraging and kind always.