Happy Self-Love Sunday!

It’s funny how we all have a picture of how we hope our lives hope our lives will be, how things would turn out, who we will marry and end up with forever. And yet these plans alter. Sometimes, because we want them to alter or because life happens and takes over. And because of these changes, we end up discombobulated and upset, but things will always work out in the end.

No one saw this virus coming. Or maybe some people did and their voices were not heard or simply ignored. Things changed in a matter of seconds when this virus really became a public concern. Stores were out of stock of tissue paper and paper toilets, there was no Lysol or hand sanitizer for days. All the meat left shelves and people were in a state of panic and frenzy. We became confined to our houses and apartments and we ventured outside more than ever to simply take a walk and enjoy the scenes of nature.

Yesterday evening we drove to Piedmont Park because it was a beautiful day and we wanted to get out the house.  As I sat in the passenger seat (which I love) while Rico drove and Nova (his dog, my adopted dog) sat happily in the back, I looked out of the window and took in all the scenery. For some reason, it felt like I was taking everything in for the first time. Or maybe I was really taking things in for the first time and truly seeing. And as I looked at every tree and branch and every house and building, I begin to think about how life kind of happens sometimes. And when life just happens, it can uproot everything we thought we knew to be true and can sometimes leave us lost, confused, and in a state of panic.

Looking out the window inspired me to reflect on life and changes. I am so thankful for life. And even though my life has not always been what I expected or wanted, everything has turned out the way it was meant to be, the way it needed to be. I’m sure many of you can attest to this too. Sometimes, we have try to combat the changes that life brings by kicking and screaming. But what does this do? We have to realize that things won’t always be picture perfect and we can’t always be in control. But there is always hope that better days will come. That the sun will shine in the midst of darkness.

I have faith that COVID-19 will end. When? I am not certain, but I know that it will. Things may not ever return to how they were before but we will have some sense of normalcy again. If you watched my last A Word Wednesday video, I highlighted this quote, “This is a pandemic not a productivity contest. Rest and relaxation should count too.” Please keep this in mind as we continue to combat this pandemic. Don’t feel obligated to be productive every moment of every day. But if that is what you feel, then do so! Just remember, you are not in a productivity contest and it is okay to rest and relax.Do what feels best for YOU and do not be pressured by others or the media. And remember to always love yourself, because you deserve to be loved.