Breathe...

I just clocked out of work (well, telework), put some brownies in the oven, and took a deep breath. (Do you know what best part about baking brownies? It’s licking the spoon. And the bowl.)

If I had just a dollar for every heavy sigh since COVID-19, I would have enough to pay my electric bill for this month. Anxiety is the name of the game at this point. My routine has been broken, and if you know me, that alone is enough to make me anxious. Couple that with the fact that social isolation could last longer than I’d like, and sometimes I wake up with a few tears in my eyes. I know I'm not alone, which is probably the only reason I'm being this open about how I am feeling right now.

Yesterday I started to write a list of all the things that make me anxious, but instead, I wrote a list of the things I was grateful for. Instead of writing in my journal, I’m going to share that list with you all. So, here it goes:

  1. Those brownies in the oven.

  2. Friends and family that are healthy.

  3. A safe environment where I am able to work from home.

  4. My dog, who listens to my external dialogue while I'm working. (And also begs for attention)

  5. A freezer and fridge full of food.

  6. Toilet paper and paper towels (I never thought I'd say that)

  7. I am healthy.

  8. Virtual counseling sessions

  9. The sun shining right now. (if you’re in Birmingham you know we’ve been getting rain for 40 days and 40 nights)

  10. The promotion I just received.

In addition to writing down the things I'm grateful for, I’ve been cooking, texting and calling family and friends, and uh…watching the Avengers. (Hey, those are great movies!)

The next time you feel fearful, anxious, etc., go ahead and feel that emotion. It’s normal. Know that you aren’t alone. However, don’t stay in that emotion. It may be difficult, but let’s try to find the small silver linings everyday during this difficult time.

It looks like those brownies I kept talking about are done, and they are calling me!

What are some things you are doing to help combat anxiety during this time? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

Love always,

CDOG