As I sit down to write this blog, I am perturbed by the thought of
what do I write?” Normally I try to keep my blogs informative, enjoyable, or educational, but how do you do that with the current circumstances that are plaguing our nation. These are strange and scary times we are living in. I literally never thought I would see the day every headline on TV read “pandemic.”  I never thought I’d see the day where Americans were told to shelter in place and normal activities like going to the grocery store, shopping, or going on a date night with your significant other wouldn’t be a possibility. Schools have closed, people have been laid off, bank accounts are nearing zero, and grocery store shelves are no longer lined with our favorite products.

More importantly, I never thought I’d see the day when people are forced to leave their loved ones at the ER entrance with complete strangers, unable to visit, or in their last moments surround their family member and say their goodbyes. However this pandemic has affected you; I want to say I am so sorry and you are not alone. Somewhere in this vast world someone else knows exactly what you are going through at this moment.

I’ve learned many things in the last few months just watching and listening some of which are,

1.     GRACE. This pandemic has affected everyone differently, but never-the-less we have ALL been affected. Although another’s situation might seem less tragic or hard as my own, that it doesn’t mean it is.

2.     COMMUNITY. When we hear the word “community” we generally think of large gatherings of people coming together. That’s kind of impossible in a pandemic, but you know what they say, “necessity is the mother of invention.” People have filled hospital parking lots flashing their lights just so those inside feel a little less alone. Prayer groups have started hosting their meetings via zoom and seamstresses have worked diligently for hours on end making masks for healthcare workers, friends, family, and the lists go on.

3.     FAMILY. I know for a lot of family’s things are intense and scary. Parents have been laid off of work, schools and daycare centers have closed. In today’s day and age, most American families both parents have to work, because it is near impossible to support an entire household on one income. So for those who were not stay at home parents or teachers before this….then the current circumstances probably have you STRESSED to the absolute max. As a stay at home mom (when I’m not on call) of four little’s on the daily it’s overwhelming.  I can’t imagine being thrown into this randomly one day without actively choosing it. With that said, I have watched so many parents rise to the challenge with such grace. They are finding creative ways to teach their kid’s subjects they feel less the qualified to teach, they are spending more time outdoors, and building things together. It’s truly amazing.

4.     LOOK OUTWARD. One of the best ways I have found to keep myself mentally healthy is to look outside of my own circumstances and try help another in need. By stepping outside of my own pain and helping someone else it gives me a sense of joy.

These are just a few of the many things I have learned or have been reminded of in last few weeks. One thing is for sure; our old way of life is forever altered by this turn of events. The goal of this blog is to encourage you, that even though our current situation is less then convenient and it’s scary, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I say it again, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Reach out to those in your community, face time, Skype, or zoom. Sit outside and breathe in the fresh air, smell the flowers, take a walk through your neighborhood or park if you can. Bask in the beauty of nature and take in the things that most of us miss on a daily basis in the hustle and bustle of life. Parents love on your children. Time really does fly and although they are driving you crazy, these are moments you will never get back. Enjoy them while you can and let them be little. Extend grace to your neighbor who just wants to get back to work because their pantry is running low and bills are piling up. Extend grace to your neighbor who fears the community opening back up too soon because they are immune compromised or lost a loved one. Most importantly, remember we are all in this together.

Xo,

Ashley