We all are seeing the despair on the news and on social media. It’s consuming and scary and it’s all changing so fast. 

Everything has been canceled. 

School. Sports. Festivals. Travel plans. Late-night television. Business as usual…. 

It’s. All. Canceled

On Friday, my husband was working remotely and as we were having lunch together — something that never happens on a normal weekday — we talked about how this is unprecedented to be home with ZERO plans. He said, this could be a really good time for families to connect and come together.  We agreed we’d aim to make the most of our time at home as a family and to try not to be overwhelmed with the stress of the unknowns. 

Because, everything has been canceled.

This national emergency is unprecedented and we are all doing the best we can with the resources we have. I am taking all the precautions I can for my family and community and I’m hoping it is enough. We are washing hands, practicing social distancing, teleworking and hunkering down for a few weeks(?).  

But what can I do beyond that? 

How will I resist allowing myself to climb aboard that train of fear and despair? How will I talk to my clients, kids, friends (and myself!) about what is happening out in the world?   

That got me thinking:  I have to focus on taking good care of myself and my people, and I have to stay aligned with my purpose of being in service of others. 

Because living my purpose is not canceled. 

Just because we aren’t “on the front lines” doesn’t mean we don’t have an important role to play. I must continue to look for ways to be in service and stay positive.  

This shift helped me so much. 

And that got me thinking about you.

While you are navigating these difficult times, here are a few things that are NOT canceled:

  • Conversations with people you care about are not canceled.
  • Journaling your feelings is not canceled. 
  • Mealtime with your family is not canceled. 
  • Unplugging from news and social media is not canceled. 
  • Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+ are not canceled. (can I get an AMEN?!)
  • Walking your neighborhood is not canceled.
  • Early bedtime is not canceled. (sleep is your best immunity defense!)
  • Love is not canceled. (baby boom coming in 9 months. I’ve heard we’ll call them the Coronials)
  • Your resilience is not canceled. 
  • Your gratitude is not canceled. 
  • And, your self-care needs not to be canceled.

In fact, you need your self-care more than ever.  When we are in periods of prolonged stress it takes a toll on our immune system. (Don’t believe me? Here’s the science!)  Now is the PERFECT time to build up your resilience.  

Get plenty of sleep. Drink plenty of water. Manage your stress with self-care that serves you and your needs now. 

I sincerely hope you and your people do not come into contact with the virus. If you do, please follow all the current guidelines from the CDC and reach out to your network. By helping and loving each other we will be stronger, happier and healthier in the long run. 

Keep at it, and remember that not everything is canceled. 

With love,

Jenny