The world looks very different right now. Much that we’ve taken for granted has disappeared, pushing us to rethink our lives and priorities.

Many of us have had to recreate day-to-day life. For some, that brings physical solitude that’s punctuated by virtual visits and phone conversations. For others, it means complete isolation or, on the opposite extreme, houses filled with humans trying to cohabitate in peace as they lean into this new reality. Still, others are working tirelessly in occupations that require them to be more productive than ever.

In times of upheaval, we often reevaluate what’s meaningful. Sure, I’ve heard, “I can’t wait until this is over so I can go shopping again,” but I hear a lot more “I can’t wait to see my family and friends in person!”

What has changed for you?

What do you miss the most?

When life is in upheaval, we tend to dream more as our brains try to process and understand this new reality. And, when we’re experiencing sensory deprivation, we may create scenarios that imitate what we’re missing the most—whether that’s sitting with friends having a glass of wine, going on vacation, or hugging your loved ones.

For others, as our minds deal with COVID-19 and the way we’ve had to adapt to this current way of life, dreams may be more ominous and fear-filled. The more anxious our brains are, the more we tend to have less-than-amazing dreams. And, if you spend a fair amount of time watching updates about the virus, especially before you go to bed, that will likely play out in your sleep state.

I always dream a lot. This one played out a couple of nights ago: I was at a curve in the road. I didn’t know what was ahead, but I couldn’t back up, because the masses of people behind me were screaming, “keep going; you’re holding us up!” Tears flowed freely in that dream; panic gripped my heart like a vice. “Help me, God!” I cried out—a fervent plea, not a wimpy, half-uttered thought. It was a scream that took over my entire being until I fell. And then I woke up. It made sense. I understood what that dream was telling me.

Have you had a lot of dreams lately?

Most of us aren’t able to be part of the charge of eradicating this virus, but we can do our part to positively influence our own lives, which collectively impacts our world.

So, just for this week, what if you:

• don’t take yourself too seriously

• realize that you are called to be part of the solution (even though you can’t solve many of the problems)

• remember that walking with others matters; it changing the energy of the universe in a positive way (phone calls, emails and zoom meetings count)

• be aware that unrealistic expectations could trip you up

• expect joy and seek to find joy, even in the darkest of times, even in the most ulikely places

• be kind to yourself (many people forget to do that)

• think about what God is calling you to do in this time of crisis

• decide that there is beauty in life (you’re a great example of that)

What will you do with this day, where love, faith, and hope are calling out, “find us, we are not gone, we’ve just been hidden by the dark”?

 May you feel peace and recognize your amazing value. And, may you be enormously blessed.
Kay

Blog: peacefullhome.com
Twitter: @kaymclane
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