FINDING HOPE IN THIS CHALLENGING TIME...

Things have changed so drastically in a matter of weeks. It's as if someone hit the pause button on the world, everything and everyone in it.
I'm aware of the many challenges we may be facing in this time, health wise, mental state or financial security. I'm not going to try and convince you or myself that we are ok, and we are going to get up everyday feeling jolly, put on our Sunday best and pretend that's nothing is wrong.
But we have been giving the opportunity to reaccess our priorities and the habits we have created- whether good or bad.

 As young and vibrant as my daughter is the other day she broke down because she said she misses school, and scared for me(as I still need to work), she's scared for our family back home and her nan who as been stuck at her holiday location for two months. So we are all suffering in one way or another.

It's a time of heightened emotions, uncertainty and fear. It's a time that we all ask ourselves.. what if!!
But, it also compels us to ask ourselves this question... What is your priority??


Some people(kids and adult alike) are "stuck" inside with abusive family members. So if you are safe at home, if you are able to provide food on the table and you've got a love one to give a cuddle when needed, consider yourself lucky and blessed. which brings me to this question..Is your home a prison or a sanctuary??

Here are a few pointers on how to be hopeful and maintain your mental health that's working for me while being stuck at home or having to leave your families to go to work:-

1. Go outside to look at nature-
Go in your back garden(if you have one), or open your window. listen to the singing birds, watch the squirrels jump from limb to limb. these little things help us to appreciate life, and acknowledge how blessed we are to be alive.

2. Practise gratitude-
Be grateful for the little things, as I said before. Not everyone has a safe home, internet, tablets to keep our kids entertained. Not everyone is able to provide for their families , because they are unemployed. Gratitude is a must!
As the term goes "stop and smell the roses".
Whenever I go outside my home, as soon as I get to my front door, before I step my feet in the house, I take a few seconds and say 'Thank you'. Being able to get back home to our families( especially if you are a key worker), is indeed something to be grateful for.

3. Look at the possibilities in your life, not the limitations.

4.Tap into your creative side-
Do something creative that you liked doing but haven't had the time to do it because you were too busy. Whether it be sewing, drawing, writing, baking and the list goes on. You are more creative than you know, and now is the time.

5.Priotise your mental health-
Be mindful of your emotional state. Stay in the current with what's happening, but don't overindulge in news or allow fear or paranoia to take a hold on you. How we feel as a huge influence on our health as well.

6. Stay in touch-
It is imperative that we practise social distancing, but staying in touch with family and friends virtually is vital. Keep in touch with those people that brings you laughter, it feeds the soul, and of course our mental health.

7. Dance..Dance..Dance-
Dance like no one is watching (well no one is ahah). It relaxes the mind and brings out the fun side of you.

"staying positive doesn't mean you need to be happy all the time. It means that even on the hard days you know that there are better ones coming."

And most of all, remember you are not doing this alone!

Thanks for stopping by loves.
Good night and Good morning.
Stay home,stay safe!

xoxo
Patrice