Hey UV Nation!
Like many of you, I’m home with my family. I love my job as Mom-in-Chief, but remote education has turned me into a teacher, lunch lady, science whiz, drill sergeant and nurse. Picture me exhausted at the end of a loooong day. I can’t even escape to my nail spot for a mani (these cuticles are a mess), the hair salon for a wash and set (don’t judge my at-home trim, please) or hit the gym for a workout (yeah, these abs don’t crunch themselves.)
Oh, and don’t get me started on sold-out toilet tissue. Step away from the Charmin, okay? There’s no need to hoard 15 cases of Cottenelle in your closet. Let’s just pause right here for this serious side-eye…
I know, I know, you’re not sure what you’ll need in the quarantine and the walls are closing in on you. So my advice is to find creative ways to spend time with your friends and family during the pandemic. I’ve had some hilarious Zoom sessions with my line sisters—shout out to A Tribe Called Delta (Fall ’93, Gamma Lambda)—and we’ve played Black Card Revoked and have debated the juicy parts of Little Fires Everywhere, starring Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon. Honestly, just seeing and talking to them each lifted my spirit. This type of fellowship is a blessing given all of the craziness in the world.
I can’t control local mandates and government orders, so it’s a waste of time to worry and yell at the TV. Instead, I choose to focus on what I can control.
I can control my mood.
I can control my attitude.
I can control how I spend my time.
And I can find joy in small things like sitting in my backyard, talking to my line sisters or going for a drive with my hubby. These activities give me peace.
If you’ve tried to cope with the madness around you and you still need help, reach out to your spiritual counselor for a word of comfort and visit the National Alliance on Mental Health website (nami.org) for additional support. I care about you and I want you to win!
Another thing I can also control is my level of gratitude. I’ve taken nurses, doctors, hospital staff, first responders, cashiers and inventory folks for granted. Until now, I haven’t realized how important you are to making sure my community is up and running, fed, cared for and healthy.
You are the true heroes in this pandemic and I’m grateful for your sacrifice and your service. Thank you for keeping me safe so that I can be home to be the teacher, lunch lady, science whiz and all the other jobs.
Wearing my truth,