Who would have thought that the year 2020 would present us with one of the most challenging runs in our life. It’s presenting itself as the marathon that we didn’t sign up for, and all we want to do right now is tap out from this race. Last year, 2020 gave us hope for clarity, improved vision, and sights for a better future. None of us could foresee that we would be quarantined, watching our steps, and experiencing official mandates minimizing our physical and social interactions with others. Our present reality is filled with fear, anxiety, and data confirming our lives and health are at risk due to COVID-19. The trauma is multidimensional, leaving us with a feeling of powerlessness and despair. BUT, tragedy and chaos are not new and we have a proven record of conquering many difficult circumstances. We will get through this and I’m hoping the following reminders can serve to energize you on your course.

1) Prayer: This is the time to lean on something much larger than humanity. As a Christian woman I pray to God all the time. Constant prayer will uplift your mood, keep you connected to positive energy, and serve to support your mental and physical well being.

2) Be Grateful: Feeling deflated and disappointed about all of the activities, trips, outings, and financial losses we may be enduring is a common sentiment amongst us. But, if you can do your best to find several things every day that you’re grateful for, you will be able to move forward with more grace and strength. I can embrace that this period has forced me to slow down, self reflect on my goals, and provided me with clarity on the importance of human connection and the loving relationships I’m blessed to have. I’m enjoying the time with my daughter to provide her with instruction, see her silly dances, and just engage in conversation that may have been lost in the busyness of a work day and after-school activities.

3) Fight: It is your job to fight this virus by taking it seriously and doing your best work to protect yourself and others. It can be as simple as washing your hands, wearing gloves when shopping for groceries, staying inside as ordered, seeking testing if needed, and keeping your health/ immune system in the best possible shape. Be mindful of counterbalancing the heavy news that details the growth and destruction this disease is causing. Be intentional to listen to music that soothes you and provides a message of hope. Watch videos and movies that make you laugh and inspire you to plan for the adventures you will take when this is over. Schedule virtual hangouts with friends, call your loved ones, and contact a therapist if you need to unload. Treat yourself with care and put on your best armor filled with positive energy, commitment to prevention, and recognition that you are doing your best to get through this.

4) Serve: The pressure of this virus can push us to hide and make us feel disempowered. But there’s still ample space for you to make a huge contribution to your family, friends, and community. In your families, a positive attitude and a commitment to being present serves everyone around you to better cope with this pandemic. Many families and individuals will find themselves in a deeper level of need due to loss of employment or becoming sick. Consider contributing towards a local food pantry, donate an extra computer to support your local school district, or make a financial donation to a charity.

5) See yourself clearly: Do not criticize and beat yourself up unnecessarily for not moving throughout your days with the same vigor and enthusiasm as in the past. These are times that require you to be a warrior and injuries to your heart, mind, and soul are going to occur. We are all walking through unchartered territory and a re-evaluation of what constitutes daily success must be redefined. If you have dealt with anxiety, depression, fear, shame, guilt or anything that doesn’t serve your best self, recognize that these are normal reactions to our current circumstances. You are a beautiful source of light who needs a reminder that you’re handling it the best way you know how.

6) Redefine Success
The former normal daily framework has been dismantled for a period, therefore decide on a few indicators that will make you feel like you are on track. Also, this is a perfect time to reinvent yourself. I have used former difficult life experiences as ammunition to catapult my creative energy. Use this time to take on a project that you have been neglecting, work on a friendship that required healing, and work on a skill that can serve to uplift you and improve your future.

7) Love
Use this time to love yourself, your neighbor, friend, community, and anyone that you could potentially impact. We will find more success against this disease if we choose to be thoughtful, considerate, and helpful.

I want to follow these tips, by serving and and supporting a St. Louis friend who made herself available when I needed her help a few years ago. Her name is Laura Hettiger, traffic anchor for KMOV4 & co-host of the show “Great Day St. Louis”. She was very kind in serving as a panelist for a, “Women In Business,” event that I hosted. Also, she graciously afforded me with the opportunity to broadcast and promote events on her radio segment. Furthermore, I want to bring awareness to a non profit organization that Laura Hettiger passionately supports.

The name of this organization is The Little Bit Foundation. It’s a St. Louis based nonprofit serving the basic needs of Impoverished school children in the Greater St. Louis area. Its mission is to break down barriers to learning for students through partnerships and programs that serve the needs of the whole child. Its aim is to empower students to achieve their academic goals and dreams for the future, while leaving an imprint of love and hope on young lives for whom a little bit means a lot. The organization is partnered with 42 schools in St. Louis public schools, charter schools, and North County Schools.

Laura’s love for the organization has led her to host a 5k or 1 mile fun run called “Laura’s Run for Kids.” Unfortunately due to COVID19, the event has been cancelled this year.

However, there’s a “virtual run” where people can sign up and run themselves, submit their time on the website, get their medal, and still give to the organization!

Please join us from now until April 25,2020. Run, jog or walk where you are – in your neighborhood, on the track, at home on your treadmill – and celebrate at the virtual finish line with an online community when you’ve completed your 5K (3.1 miles) or 1 mile.

Individual: $25 early bird (through Apr. 4), $35 (Apr. 5-25)
Family of 4: $90 early bird (through Apr. 4), $110 (Apr. 5-25)
Team of 10: $215 early bird (through Apr. 4), $265 (Apr. 5-25)

Register

I hope that this blog provided you with some light, reminded you that you’re precious, valuable, and you have the ability to make an impact. Please take care of yourself during this challenging time and i’m sending you lots of love and peace.

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