Reality vs Perception

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last several months, you know the reality. We certainly don't know the details because the experts are still learning, researching and educating us about what is real, what we can expect and what we can do immediately in our own effort to be safe.

Little has been discussed about our own perception except what the media is sharing with us.

Lets spin the plate about 180 degrees. What is positive about this experience? Of course with a vacation, celebration or party of any sort it is easy to taut the wonder, excitement jubilation. We have to work a little harder to find the good in our current situation. It's a matter of desire. We can find it if we look in the right direction. There will certainly be short-term and long-term effects of this reality. We do, to a degree, create our own reality.

REALITY: Gatherings of over 250 people are strongly discouraged.

PERCEPTION: Nature offers her own serenity. Take a walk. Take the time. Breathe in the calm. Observe the wonders that the universe offers. JUST BE.

REALITY: Many of us will not be in our work settings for a period of time.

PERCEPTION: This is a wonderful time for us to get off of social media, release from the "busy" that we get in and focus on what really matters--people. The people that we love, friends that we have vowed to reconnect with, projects that have gone undone. Slow down. Connect. send a note, have a cup of coffee, make a phone call, play a board game, pray. That "thing" that you have been wanting to do. Just do it!

REALITY: People with higher health risks will be effected more than those who do not.

PERCEPTION: Take this time to do a self-check. Do I get enough sleep? Sleep allows my immune system to work most effectively. Do I eat well? Offering your body what it needs to be at it's very best. A car will not go very far without proper fuel. Do I get enough exercise? Exercise allows your body to release the endorphins that you need to get/remain healthy.

PERCEPTION: Information is just that. Hearing the same thing redundantly causes us to be overloaded.

Limit the exposure that you have to the information. Stay informed but not over-saturated. Read a book, watch a move, do yoga, take a walk chat with a friend, paint draw, dance, listen to music; the choices are limitless. No excuses; you have the time.

REALITY: Emotions link to the information that I am reading and hearing

REALITY: The way that I process this information has everything to do with mental health. "Change the things that you can. Change the way you think about the things you cannot change."

REALITY: There is SO much information available.

We are reading a lot, seeing a lot and feeling a lot right now. As critical as it is, it is just a moment in time. There is something larger that we are learning. Something that we are learning individually, as community, a nation and a world. We each have a role in this "thing". What is yours? Are you a calming voice, an informed source, spiritual guidance, friend, health care worker? What will you do with the information? How will you act? What will you show the world about who you are?

It is easy to be a wonderful person when life is easy. When there is added stress, disharmony and uncertainty, can you be more kind, compassionate and caring. We will need food, water, and yes, toilet paper. More than that we will need love, understanding and prayer. Is that the role that you will fill during this time?