Sometimes the world is scary. I try to always believe the best about people and circumstances, but there are days when you look around or watch the news and wonder what in the heck is happening. Right now seems like one of those times; almost like something out of a movie.
Three days ago, like many of you, I received a call that that my school was extending spring break and that we would be moving to online classes for at least two weeks. Prior to this day, if I’m being honest, I was completely downplaying this whole thing. “It’ll be fineee!!!” was my go-to response whenever someone brought up the possibility of corona virus affecting our lives. So, there were a lot of mixed emotions, to say the least. I was so super excited for the extended spring break and to get to spend extra time with my family and to soak up more Florida sunshine and to have lots of time to read & write & do all the things I love. But sadness & worry & some fear also crept in… what about all the plans I had for the next month at school? What about all my people in Fort Worth? What about all the people affected by this virus and their families and the people who are most at risk of this? What is online school going to look like? How long will this craziness last? And on & on my mind went…
Until finally, it hit me. This is not the time for fear or worry or despair. We already have enough of that circulating in the world. This is the time for HOPE. To remember that even when the world seems crazy & we don’t know what tomorrow may bring, there is so much to be hopeful for. There is now time to simply be; to soak up quality moments with family & friends & to read a good book & to think & to find joy in everything that seems so minute in the rush of the everyday. There is still laughter. There is still good music. There is still love. And that in and of itself is something to be hopeful about.
Hug your people tight. Say “I love you”. Cozy up on couch & read some good books & laugh & play board games & maybe write some. This sure will make a great story of overcoming to tell our grand babies one day, am I right? The world is still good. Cling to that truth.
<3
Always,
Elle