Right now, things feel out of control. They are, in fact, beyond your own ability to control it. Scientists tell us that when our environment feels out of our personal control, it is called "distress"--bad stress. Conversely, when we feel in control of our surroundings but are under pressure to achieve an expected result (such as through grades or work deadlines), it is called in the mental health field "eustress" or good stress. A lot of folks are feeling distressed right now due to this pandemic. I feel the stress of it as well. "Am I sick"? "How will I know if I am sick"? "What happens if I accidentally pass it on to my father, who is turning 81 in June"? (I do wear a mask when I meet with clients, however). The key to getting from bad stress to good stress involves perception. Scientists tell us that how we view events in our lives depends on how we interpret them. If we perceive our world as out of control, then we experience bad stress, which can result in problems sleeping and eating as well as focusing on the tasks we need to do from day-to-day. In turn, our ability to fight off any virus is compromised. I discovered the attached photo circulating around the internet a few months back and HAD to save it on my phone! This person's message is SO ACCURATE! Our "state of mind" or perception is the ONLY thing we can control. When I meet with folks, I usually say that we only have control over ourselves and that I don't do that great with having 100% control over myself all the time. "Faith Over Fear" is on signs in yards around my area in Augusta, GA. While I DO believe that, I am reminded of that country song from Lynn Anderson, "Rose Garden." Even God never promised a "rose garden" while on this earth; you might die from this virus even though God is in control. My recommendations: 1) allow yourself to feel "normal" in your fears. You are NOT a bad Christian if you have concerns over this virus. It DOES NOT equate to being a bad Christian or one who has no faith. Besides, you're in great company if you are "doubting." Thomas, one of the disciples, had to see the piercings in Jesus' flesh in order to believe. I think that if Peter TRULY believed he would not have tried to put distance between himself and Jesus by denying he knew of Jesus once Jesus was arrested. One of my favorite quotes is by a Presbyterian minister named Frederick Buechner. "Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith. They keep it awake and moving." Embrace your doubts! For me, my faith has only grown from my doubts. 2) Consider what is in your control. You CAN wash your hands frequently. You CAN wear a mask when you are in public. You CAN practice social distancing. You CAN work on getting better sleep. You CAN work on eating mainly healthy foods, and making sure you eat during the day (if you have temporarily lost your appetite). You CAN appreciate your friends and family more since this virus has reminded us all of the fragility of humanity and how life is temporary.
TAKEAWAY: FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
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