Wow have things changed since I last blogged. The world has essentially been turned upside down as we wage war against an invisible enemy: the novel coronavirus.
Just two weeks ago I was enjoying an amazing trip to Disney World with a friend. Then I was heading to Disney’s Yacht Club for my agency’s annual conference. I was so excited to get the chance to connect with my peers at Magical Vacation Planner and learn exciting new things from all our incredible suppliers.
Unfortunately the conference was cut short and I was flying home earlier than planned to be with my family as things seemed to implode around us.
My family and I are safely sheltering at home and remain healthy. But I would be lying if I wasn’t full of anxiety that the virus could rear its ugly head at any moment.
I have a history of anxiety and depression. Health anxiety to be more specific. It all started after my youngest was born. I started having panic attacks out of nowhere during her first year of life. I had no idea what was happening at the time, and it took me months of therapy and medication to get better.
One of the most powerful tools I used to help with my anxiety back then was journaling. I would write out all my fears of the day, to acknowledge them and then get them out of my head.
I always ended a journal entry by listing out at least 3 positive things that happened that day. It could be something as small as my favorite show was on that day or I enjoyed my favorite drink on my couch. In the beginning sometimes it was that I was able to shower that day without crying.
No matter how big or small, I had to look for the good in every day.
Over time doing that exercise every day made me realize how much good there was out in the world. Sure, things might be scary but there is always good in every day if you look for it.
Now more than ever we need to look for the good in every day.
I plan on dusting off my old journal, pull my devotional out of the drawer, and start this practice back up.
If you find yourself home and anxious, I encourage you to do the same.
What three good things will you be listing for today?