Again… Reflect and Take Care of?Yourself

“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails” — Dolly Parton

31st December 2020 tested Negative — finally recovered from coronavirus and its painful symptoms and was ready for the new year.

31st December 2021 tested Positive — going through the process all over again! What are the odds?

For someone like me, who takes the virus seriously and rarely mingles with people, the PCR result hit me hard. I felt angry and frustrated at first. I was looking forward to spending New Year’s Eve with my family and had scheduled some important meetings after the weekend. All plans cancelled now. But you know what? It’s alright. I know that it’s all going to be okay. I accept and will look at the bright side.

Seems the universe is sending me a message. I couldn’t help but share what I learned from the process this time:

1- Whether you like it or not, you cannot control everything

Let’s be realistic, when you try to control everything, you enjoy nothing.

It’s good to have some sort of control in your life but sometimes things beyond us happen and we just have to accept and let go.

The only power I have right now is my attitude and my reaction towards this hideous virus which decided to halt my life for a few days and change my plans. I won’t allow it to win. I’m utilizing my isolation time to write, read more, and do other tasks for myself which I’ve been postponing. I’m creating a 10-day in-house program for myself.

2- Stop blaming?yourself

Anyone who contracted the virus after you met them may make you feel guilty. Similarly, those who think gave you the virus may feel bad.?

No one is at fault here. We’re all responsible for our actions and decisions. You chose to go out during this time. You bear the consequences. So, you need to stop pointing fingers or beating yourself up.

Self-blame is toxic and a form of emotional abuse. Instead of blaming yourself, take responsibility by acknowledging what happened. Taking responsibility is accepting that a mistake was made and make better decisions in the future. That’s it!

3- Focus more on your blessings

Positive thinking during this time will spare you the stress and challenges and encourage healthy behavior. Many people experience worse symptoms than I’m experiencing. Mine, compared to difficulty breathing for instance, are a blessing.

In sickness and in health, when you choose to be positive, you become aware of the good things in your life, and you naturally express gratitude for them. For example, you remember that a roof on top of your head, being surrounded by caring people, and having a good support system overall, are all you really need to go through this difficult time.

4- Remember to pay more attention to yourself at all?times

It took a forced isolation to remind me that I must take more care of myself. Like everyone else, I forget myself sometimes, and ignore my needs. I’m using this time to recharge and reconnect.

Whether you’re sick or not — and I hope you never fall sick, make it a habit to allocate some time to sit with yourself and reflect. Declutter your mind and do something useful for your body and soul instead of letting this fast-moving world steal you every time.

5- Don’t underestimate mental?support

My brother, who also tested positive, created a group for friends with the virus so that we support each other. Turns out we all needed this support. Some friends were panicking. Sharing their experience and taking advice comforted them.

I too, benefited. First time I tested positive I felt lonely and down most of the time. This time sharing with others and supporting them helped me through the day. It made me feel that I’m not alone in this and that we will all be fine at some point.

“Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” — Lucille Ball

Mental wellbeing is important for us to go through this crazy weird life. Be kind to yourself. Put an effort and take time from your busy schedule to focus on yourself and ensure a healthy living.?

Wishing everyone a happy new year filled with gratitude, love, light, and kindness.