A Message of Hope

The world is going through its worst nightmare. Everyone is scared to step out of their houses and to be around each other. We are scared of what is to come upon us and whether we will survive it. We have so many questions and no one can give us an exact answer because who can tell what is going to happen? The unknown drives us mad and the fact that there is not much we can do about it makes us feel very helpless. Going through social networks I've read so many messages of people who are scared because they have no idea whether they will have a job to go back to, whether they will be able to provide for their families and whether they are going to be able to keep their families safe and afloat. My heart breaks reading all this and even though I feel the need to reassure them I know that nothing I say will change their reality. Yet there are some things which we need to remember.

We are all in this together. We are all in the same boat and mostly facing very similar challenges and situations. Try and limit your time on social media. The less you read the better you will feel. I do understand that we seek information and reassurances but please let us do so from well informed resources and channels. The levels of anxiety are higher than usual in such an extraordinary situation so please exercise breathing techniques whenever you feel a spike in your anxiety. Find yourself a place in the house that is calmer than the rest and breathe. Inhale through the nose on four counts, keep your breath for another four counts and exhale from the mouth on six counts. Repeat this exercise until your heart slows down to normal. Keep in mind that this situation will not last forever. It will be ok and we will get through it. We just need to do our bit in order to help with the spread of this virus. At this point we need to trust in the authorities and believe that they are taking timely and valid measures in order to help us get out of this situation with the least amount of scars as possible. We all know what is happening in our neighbouring countries but it doesn't mean that we will get to that point. I believe that everyone is working towards keeping our country from reaching those heights.

Social distancing doesn't mean social isolation. Contact friends and families via phones or video calls and talk to them about what is worrying you. Talking about your fears to others who are there to listen makes you feel much better. Also try and spend some time on the roof or balcony in order to take in some fresh air. If you are working from home try and take small breaks and go outside and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and think that soon we will regain our freedom and our peace of mind. Keep distracted as much as possible. Try to involve yourself in things that make you feel good. When negative thoughts creep in try to replace these thoughts with facts and positive statements. Also, if you have time keep a journal where you can write about challenging moments and thoughts. Externalizing your worries and thoughts will help you process them better and not carry them around within all day. You do not deserve to carry such a heavy burden especially at this point in our life.

I am by no means discrediting your worries and fears. We are all human and we all worry and get scared. We all spend time mulling about how we are going to get by and pay our loans. I understand that people are getting stressed about their job. But instead of thinking constantly about the worst case scenario let's go through this day by day. Let's wake up each morning and face the day with a clear mind and do our best to help with what is going on. No one knows what the future holds for us so, let's not worry about it today. I am sending you all huge virtual hugs. Take care of yourselves and keep safe. We are in this together. We will survive this like we survived all our previous battles. Keep smiling.