love | B Renewed Wellness Solutions

We need more empathy. Many have thoughts and beliefs around what’s right, following the “appropriate” protocol, and what’s not right during this season of what is being called a pandemic. Everyone has an opinion which we are all entitled to.

Sadly, during this time we are getting mixed messages from the “experts” and/or media. So obviously no one really knows the truth or at least those who have a voice in the media may not be our best resources. Unfortunately, we have many that are experts in the field that don’t have a voice or are censored when they attempt to voice it.

We hear that any mask will work and then that they don’t help unless you have an N95? We hear wearing a mask is creating damage in our body. There is also a concern about extreme and constant disinfecting as it is killing both good and bad germs . We know that we need both the good and the bad to have a healthy immune system and environment. Frequent use of Clorox type wipes and hand sanitizers is dangerous long-term.

We hear soap and water kills the virus but yet it is sometimes mandated to use strong and toxic disinfectants in our environment? Our public areas are finally reopening and we are still being told to stay home?!!

So with all the mixed messages how can we determine what truly is the “right” protocol for our health and safety. Who can truly be the authority on what’s right and what isn’t? Since the majority of us aren’t Virologists, it’s probably safe to say it’s NOT us.

Most of the beliefs on what we feel is right or wrong come from emotions that stem from fear and rightfully so. Most of us naturally fear the unknown which is what most of this is. We tend to read and connect with the media platforms based on our beliefs as we want and need people to confirm them. We filter out what we don’t want to hear and consume information that confirms our beliefs and/or fears.

So let’s look closer at various fears. I have fears such as spiders (only depending on size and how hairy they are!), confined spaces and a fear of heights (but not of flying luckily). Unless I’m pushed off a cliff, none of these fears are truly life threatening. But to me they are scary and real. You can’t just tell me to stop being scared, give me some logic and think they will all go away.

Therefore, if someone has a fear of contracting or carrying a virus to another human being, that fear is real for them. If you think of it, someone not wearing a mask could possibly be equivalent to someone chasing them with a spider or snake or whatever your fear is. Some people are even afraid of trees (dendrophobia) which to most may seem silly but to that person, it is real. If you want to see the entire list of fears, it is quite lengthy and some are unique such as a fear of numbers or books. Seeing the list gave me a good perspective that we are all different and to be more empathetic even if we don’t understand the fear.

It doesn’t matter the reason behind the fear, what does matter is being more empathetic and staying out of judgment no matter which side you are on. We should respect one another for our beliefs which are not right or wrong. If you feel wearing a mask will keep you safe and others, wear a mask. If you feel not wearing a mask keeps you healthier, then don’t wear a mask. Please be open minded enough to see both sides when needed and stop the public or should I say social (media) shaming.

Losing our connection to other humans is exactly what Satan wants. This season of shaming is creating so much doubt, discouragement and DIVISION. If you are a Christian, please be aware of this. We are all God’s children no matter what we are wearing or not.

Seeing friends and even families divided over this breaks my heart. I’ve also seen and heard people use shaming with those who are or aren’t acting in accordance to their beliefs. Growing up in a household where shaming was used on a regular basis, I never want to do that to others.

I asked myself how Jesus would respond in these situations and asked him for words that I can share with my Christian brothers and sisters. He would respond in love, compassion and in grace. He wouldn’t judge, condemn or ostracize another human being for their beliefs when we truly don’t know the whole truth. God only knows the truth and has the ending to our story written in his book. We can’t control or rewrite it. Until that day when he calls us home, I’m trusting Him for the outcome and I’ll do my best to support the people I love and care about, even if it means that I don’t completely understand their view. I just have to love others enough to know that being connected to friends and family is more important than me thinking I’m right.

If you’re looking for another post like this, check this one out.

Here are 7 Ways to Love Yourself beyond Valentine’s Day! Self-love is difficult for many people because oftentimes they focus on caring for and loving others. Consequently, they forget about themselves and at the end of the day they feel depleted. The problem with this is, many people are running themselves ragged and are on “empty” energetically, spiritually, or emotionally. It is important to remember that if you love others, you need to also love yourself. Taking time for yourself is the ultimate act of care and love that you can show others.

It’s not selfish to take time for your own health and wellness, but rather the greatest act to do to ensure your years with your loved ones are plentiful and enjoyable. Here are some of my favorite ways to slow down and show some self-love.

1. Create some you time or quiet time

When is the last time you spent time alone? To achieve this on a regular basis, you must schedule this time like an appointment you would schedule with an important person. Make this time a priority. Personally, my quiet time is first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. Morning is best because it is before people start to vie for your time.

Quiet time is essential because your brain needs downtime to think and focus clearly. Your brain is like your vehicle, and we need to feed our brains with whole, clean food and provide ongoing maintenance. In addition, without quiet time, you may be missing out on hearing the voice of God providing insight and instruction for your life. Turn off the TV, cell phone, and any other “noise” in your life. Learn to meditate, pray, or just be. Furthermore, don’t forget about your children, as it is crucial for them to have quiet time as well so that they can become well-adjusted adults.

2. Take a social media sabbatical

Take a semi-annual social media sabbatical for at least a weekend or even better yet an entire week. When I go on vacation, I take a vacation from everything, including social media and email. If you own a business, you can hire an assistant to manage your professional life during this time or anytime. Sadly, many people determine their worth by their contribution and awareness of what is happening via social media. Believe it or not, you can live without it. I did for the first 40 years of my life and honestly felt a lot more balanced and less stressed.

3. Monitor your self-talk

Have you monitored the thoughts that are running through your head lately? Do you speak words of love and affirmation to yourself, or are you beating yourself up verbally? Be aware of how much negative self-talk happens in the course of one hour or one day! Make a list of 10 things you love about yourself or your strengths and read it out loud every morning. I’ve been doing this for years, and it has made a big difference in accomplishing my goals and improving my confidence level. Also, read or listen to books that help retrain your brain to think positively. One of my favorites is Joseph Murphy’s, The Power of the Subconscious Mind. Of course, the Bible is another favorite of mine for positive insights. Start by reading through the book of Psalms or Proverbs.

4. Participate in FSA (fun, sweaty activity) and show your body how much you love it

FSA (fun, sweaty activity) sounds much more fun than exercise. Think of an activity that is fun like tennis, hiking with friends or family, or dancing. Being active does not have to be grueling or conducted in a gym. Today we have electronic access to yoga or other fitness activities when we don’t feel like leaving our homes. You might also consider subscribing to a program like www.dailyburn.com.

5. Rest

Take a few hours or an entire day to do absolutely nothing and/or go to bed earlier than normal, especially if you pride yourself on being a night owl. Did you know that sleeping between the hours of 10 pm-2 am is when your body heals, restores, and repairs? Show your body love by resting and obtaining the 7-9 hours of sleep that allows healing and repair of the body. Unfortunately, I’m seeing many people (even teenagers) experiencing adrenal burnout symptoms because they are struggling with the “I can do it all” mentality.

6. Spend time with a friend or loved one

Call a friend for coffee, take someone to lunch, or make someone a healthy meal. Time with a trusted friend or loved one is healing to the soul. If you are new to the area, consider volunteering at a local non-profit and make a big difference in someone else’s life plus you can meet new friends.

7. Write the story of your life’s successes or create a timeline of accomplishments

Think back on all the accomplishments in your life from graduating from college to the birth of a child. My husband and I have created a fun New Year’s Eve tradition that is filled with reflections on the past year of our favorite memories or greatest accomplishments. We note them in a journal so we can review them each year and ensure we don’t lose sight of the really important things in life! Our accomplishments seem to be predominantly about time spent with our (now grown) children. This exercise seems to put the priorities of life into perspective.

Remember to show love to yourself and others every single day and not just the week of February 14! What are your favorite self-love routines or activities?

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