It’s been a tough year in our world.

I’m sure you know.

I have to put an extra amount of effort in to just getting through the day sometimes. The world feels like it is in chaos. So much going on, but it all started for me with Covid-19. This virus has been making its way around the world causing death and heartache. Covid-19 stands for “Co” Corona, “Vi” Virus, and “D” disease. 19 is the year the virus came out. I don’t like that. So-

Aren’t acronyms great?

Looking at the acronym which holds so many negative and frustrating feelings, I made a choice to change what COVID-19 means to me. It doesn’t make it go away, or change the things associated with it, but it helps me focus on what “I” can do. I get to choose how I feel and what I’m going to do inside with the worry, sadness, frustration, and anger I feel about this year. So here is what COVID-19 means to me…

Choose Optimism & Valor In Distress 19

19 is a prime number- only divisible by the number 1 and itself.

Number one is God in my life. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13. I know God is very aware of what is going on right now. I know He’s OK with us having hard things happen sometimes. We need it. It reminds us what’s most important in life. It’s not stuff, or popularity. It’s not running around busy, busy, busy. It helps us grow in ways He wants us to grow.

What can I do?

I have been reminded and I am grateful for the reminder to slow down, spend time on loving my family and loving myself. When I think that 19 is prime, only divisible with “1” which I will focus on as God, and “itself”, that’s me. What can I do? And I decided to set 19 goals to accomplish this year and on, depending on when the goals are accomplished and when the virus is gone.

1-Slow down-Stop, sit still, think. What is God telling me about my life. What is my body trying to tell me. Am I listening to my intuition or the spirit tell me how best to go forward. There is a peace that comes with feeling connected to a higher power. He knows everything, I know not much. I love being lead. I feel calm when I think of Heavenly Father and my Savior. I feel their love and peace. Slowing down is very helpful.

2-Be grateful-Always look for the blessings in life. It is amazing how many tiny insignificant things I see, feel, or notice on a daily basis that lets me know there is order in the chaos. I have a gratitude journal, it is super helpful as a reminder to be grateful.

3-Spend time with my spouse, reminding each other what we love about each other-Busyness is one of the enemies of a great marriage. You really need to make time for each other and work on loving each other. Ask yourself, “Why did I marry him/her?” and appreciate those things again. Look for growth and service. My sweetie has served me in many ways through the years and I love him for it. We need to laugh and have fun with each other. Since we live in the same house and the virus can’t stop us from being together, we have had a lot of time to laugh and love each other.

4-Reading my scriptures everyday-I have been reading for my whole life, and I never get tired of it. There is always something new to learn. I love that about the scriptures.

5-Having meaningful church at home-We’re still working on the meaningful. I love Zooming sacrament meeting in my PJ’s. That’s something I never thought I’d be able to do. I would miss it, if it weren’t for Zoom. Thank you, Zoom people.

6-Organizing our home-Cleaning out closets, organizing memorabilia. I refer to this as, “Getting a grip.” Still working on it.

7-Going through old pictures-What a fun activity!! Looking through pictures of our sweet children when they were little, and sharing fun old pictures with each other through text.

8-Writing notes and letters to loved ones-I love getting letters. I try to write notes to those I love and let them know I love and appreciate them.

9-Donating to charities-After I go through the closets and realize I don’t need all this stuff, I make an appointment and donate it.

10-Gathering in a careful way-this is easier in the summer, or warmer weather. We can still space out and wear masks, like meeting at the park. Everywhere we’ve gone for a drive or to get away form the usual this year, has been packed with people, canyons, lakes, Spiral Jetty’s. I think we’re all thinking the same thing, get out in nature and gather carefully.

11-Family History-Oh, how I love my ancestors! I need to spend more time on them. I love the technology that allows me to do family history from home. I love learning and knowing about their lives and what they went through. It helps me to be grateful and know that I can do hard things, too.

12-Scrapbooks-These will always be necessary in my life. I love keeping a record of what we’re doing each year, and remembering events that mean so much in our lives. I’ll always do this!

13-Deep clean our house-Still doing this, but its definitely a source of feeling good.

14-Movie marathons, games, and laughing-Harry Potter, Scrabble, and others. Good times. There is something about watching a whole series or all the seasons from a show or movie that is satisfying. Great fun!

15-Build a greenhouse with my Darlin-I’ve always wanted a greenhouse. Me and my Darlin worked on this beautiful greenhouse all summer long. Many hours of love and creativity went into building this “She-shed”! My Darlin loves me!

16-Help my Mama-shopping for her, or with her if it’s not crowded, and sharing lunch together, listening and sharing what is going on in both of our lives since Daddy passed away.

17-Simplify-What matters most. What is the best thing/s I can do with today? It makes a difference to really think about my time.

18-Be productive everyday-I struggle when I’m sad/overwhelmed/super bummed. It is all I can do to get a shower and do the dishes, somedays. I do my best and that is enough.

19–Choose optimism & valor in distress! I love that even though I struggle with depression, I still have a desire to be happy, and productive. I push myself to do it, and am always glad I did.

I hope that the way I have chosen to look at COVID-19 is a help to you too.

We can do it!