Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well where ever you are in your part of the world. Its almost Fall but still officially Summer here in North Texas, with temperatures in the 100’s. Now with all that’s going on, there seems to be more pressing things to focus on than the weather these days. The ripple effect of the epidemic has reached proportions that were not envisioned at the onset. But with everything that has gone on, instead of focusing on the negative things happening, the key to keeping your head up is to be positive.

There have been massive foreclosures and movement of people out of their homes and apartments in the metroplex. Massive job layoffs due to the slowed economy have put families in need of basic necessities. With the loss of work has come the loss of healthcare which is very vital for which the absence of will negate a person to the tax penalty the following year. Seeing tow trucks repo nice and exotic cars in the city has become the norm these days. The toll on parents due to having their little kids cooped up in the house for so many months has not been easy either. I feel like all parents deserve an award for surviving 2020.

But the truth is that life is not all roses folks. It has it’s ups and it’s downs and the only way we are going to make it through to the other side is to be flexible enough to roll with the punches. We have no control over ANYTHING that life throws our way, but we have control over our reaction to what life throws our way.

Lessons Learned From COVID-19

Save. Save. Save. Always keep in mind that there will always be lean times and we need to plan ahead for unforeseen circumstances.

Getting rid of the ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians Joneses Manual or Mentality’ we have subconsciously been handed all our lives. Have the courage to live within your means and not give a rats behind what people think. It’s better to have a lot and live a decent yet simple life, than to have nothing and look like a million bucks.

Keeping up with your health and fitness regimen. This includes exercise, cleaning up your diet and having a positive mindset. When the lockdown first began, a group of friends and I decided to start doing Zumba for an hour, five days a week. The results are AMAZING because while folks were complaining of gaining weight and becoming joined at the hip to the refrigerator, we got our bodies in shape and lost weight. It’s so sad that although some refer to the virus as a glorified flu to some, it’s been a killer for others due to health issues, some within their control and others that weren’t. The goal is just to do your best with your health…periodt.

Stay in touch and in close contact with family and friends. Meeting up for walks, outdoor games and activities while social distancing or choosing patio dining at restaurants will keep you in touch but also safe from being exposed to the virus.

Take your mind off of the news. Now this does not imply burying ones head in the sand by any means but try not to feed your mind with the negativity that comes on daily. I just need the highlights please.

Stay positive and upbeat no matter what. A friend of mine recommended writhing a thankful list, either the first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. That kind of narrows down your focus from the worldwide happenings to your neck of the woods or personal life. I believe this is an awesome thing to do especially with the fact that statistics show that drinking is up, with suicide rates and drug overdoses climbing since the pandemic began.

Believing in a higher power other than yourself helps. For most, it’s God, but for others its something else. I feel like that takes some of the pressure off without negating the fact that we have an active part to play in our outcomes in life. Balance is the key my friends.

Take care of yourself. As simple as this sounds, a lot of people aren’t doing this and It makes a whole lot of difference. Cut, brush or braid your hair, wear make up, shave, get your nails done, every now and then, wear your heels just so you don’t forget how to walk in them …Ha Ha! This may look trivial but it shows that you matter to yourself despite all the craziness going on.

If anyone told me at the beginning of this year that we would be in the situation we are in right now, I would have told them to shut the front door but its here and we have already survived the first half of it. No matter what is going on personally or in the world around you, remember that if you stay flexible, upbeat and focused, there’s light at the end of this tunnel. Until I come your way again, stay cool!

Periwinkle Starr