Coping with all that's going on in our world

[ICNDonna]

With all that's going on in the world, it's a stressful time --- and we all know how stress can have an effect on us. How are YOU coping? Have you found activities that help you?

I've watched a lot of movies in the past few weeks; done a lot of baking (my freezer is getting full), made some masks, put together jigsaw puzzles. We have one of the little libraries at the end of our driveway and it's seeing a lot of use so we sort and replace frequently.

I try to find at least one amusing thing every day. I have started reading the labels on everything I have purchased on line --- it's hard to find clothing made in the USA -- I just received a short sleeve sweatshirt with a label that reads "Washing explanation - low iron - hang dry."

Please share your ideas. We can get through this --- and we will come out even stronger.

Donna

P.S. I wear my hair short and straight now and I currently have a home-grown haircut --- good thing I'm wearing a mask in public!

[GPat]

I have been furloughed from work since March 18 and fortunately am no stranger to being alone so adapting to not being at work hasn’t been too hard. I do miss the social interactions and routine of having to be somewhere for 8 hours a day. Most days I find things to do but miss the freedom of going to a store whenever I feel like it. Now it’s a checklist of mask, antibac wipes and remembering to wash and wipe everything when I get home. It’s been a challenge to adapt to this way of life. Missing my family, although I am slowly starting to visit them without too much anxiety. One thing that’s been tough is not having in-person therapy available. Occasionally I met with a therapist when life got overwhelming but now it’s all done by phone. Not terrible, but I miss the human closeness. Within the last 3 weeks I’ve lost a former coworker and an uncle and now another coworker is hospitalized with a terminal illness. Talk about stress! Add to that the Elmiron issue and a major flare. But life is still good. The sun shines, I walk once or twice every day and play lots of games on the iPad. I try to reach out to friends, count my blessings every day and pray for the people and animals who are suffering. Time to move on to this next chapter. I believe better days are ahead.

[ICNDonna]

I understand. On Friday I had an internet appointment --- I guess it was okay and at least I could see them and they could see me, but it just wasn't the same. I'm still afraid to go to the beauty parlor. I trimmed my bangs this morning so I can see.

We will get through this --- and I agree that better days are ahead. We're thinking about getting a take-out for dinner this evening.

Donna