A pandemic is a wake up call. A year before right now, 23 June 2020, I could not have imagined being here today and living in a global pandemic situation. This is the kind of thing we read in books or watch in a movie. So surreal and real. Monumental and life changing. So many adjectives run through my mind to describe this COVID19 pandemic.
Because I am directly affected socially, financially, logistically I am writing about the virus’ impact on me. I am one of millions with a story of impact and observation. I have not contracted the virus.
It is a threat to life and health. A pandemic, this COVID19, changes priorities. As I have observed over the past several months, we are more self aware…cleaner for sure. I wash my hands so much now that I have to moisturize and care for the resulting dry hands situation. Washing hands is one aspect of receding complacency and the a build of anxiety. The daily example is the consciousness of clean hands and anxiousness is in our psyche at a grocery store or passing someone while walking on the street.
This is my first blog! Why did it take me so many years to write? The reality is that priorities have a hierarchy. And there is a season for everything in life. Producing Nut-Nola and Seed-Nola was being established and that meant producing and traveling. Now I am nearly finished with a brand new and, if I may say, amazing website. The new website was developed with high focus on value to visitors. There will be tons of health and wellness information, recipes, exercises, newsletter sign up, and you can book me for personal fitness and nutrition coaching. Wow, I cannot wait! And…of course my blog! Tah-dah!
As of now we as a country have been in a lockdown since March. Stores and businesses are gradually opening up now. Since March all my work, exercise, research, and remote coaching is from my home office. Well, with the exception of Nut-Nola and Seed-Nola, are the only activity I have outside my home-work space. This way of living and working is so efficient and, sadly, it took a pandemic to make this happen. We as an entire country have been directed to live distant from each other because we are afraid for our very existence here on earth. So much so that our local and federal governments closed down businesses and restructured how we shop for food and necessities.
I also feel, we have been blessed with this lockdown. Families are together more than ever. Some companies see a different way of working that actually works. Some report fuel and energy are saved. But, it took a clear and present threat to make these big lifestyle changes. Many people died. I am struck deeply with so much sadness and loss. But the raw and severe hardships of the pandemic gives us a place to pause, to be humble and grateful. I am alive and here and heed the lessons clearly present during the COVID19 pandemic. So to underline and definitely no forget the lessons. I am writing them down. Maybe this will be an evolving list. You might have suggestions to add to this list also! I welcome suggestions to this list!
What I have learned from this experience is to provide a daily to-do list. Here are just 5 items of action I will do every day. Imagine if we all did this everyday?
MORNING TO NIGHT – A LIST FOR OPTIMAL LIVING:
- Wake up with purpose because each day is a present so be present in each day
- Share knowledge and gifts openly
- Be kind to mind and body — keep toxics out and nurture internally
- Be grateful everyday
- Love family, friends and neighbors with even a smile daily
I wrote this before the new Power & Balance Fitness and Nutrition website was launched. Please visit as often as you can. I welcome you!
Yours in Health,
Stephanie
