All that said, it is a stressful time for us all. For myself and coworkers, our company is bending over backwards to ensure we are okay, today we have a daily online led 20 minute time to learn and practice meditation/mindfulness (on company time, not mandatory). We are encouraged to spend quality time with family, when we meet virtually it is highly recommended to enable video so we all can have that virtual sight and sound personal experience. Our company is transparent with all real news, yours to read or not, but you know it is truthful and as factual as possible. Even when attending meetings, unless it is completely company confidential, which 90% are not, there seems to be more children in attendance (with the parent) than adults at times. My wife retired just before this went pandemic, and so glad she did with her compromised immune system. Realize, for many of these diseases, COVID-19 is not a direct threat, it is the disease modifying therapies which can affect your immune system which then can help lead to greater complications. My wife has Arthritis and Parkinson’s, I have diabetes, above 60 yrs young and Multiple Sclerosis and more. Hence prime risk, especially factor in the medication I take which has been determined to make matters much worse if I contract COVID-19 or any SARS/Corona type viruses. We could wallow in self pity and worry, but why … there is enough stress as it is. So, you are 1000% (thousand) correct! It is like driving a car, forward focus on the now, occasionally checking the rear view mirror to avoid being rear ended (lessons learned) and a bit look ahead. Avoid pot holes, idiot drivers, and such (wash hands for 60 seconds, wipe/soak for a bit surfaces others may have touched with 60 or 70% IPA (higher concentrations evaporate too fast to be effective), watch for signs the CDC tells us to, stay home or if you go out 6′ (2 meters) circumference distances).

Forget about governments watching over us, at least in the US it is obvious their care is about them being re-elected and how to turn this to better themselves …. look at the Senators who sold their stocks since they had info about this before the nation and felt their opportunity to profit was a higher priority than informing their constituents). What I know is in the US our figure head failed us, regardless of what he spins daily (please this do not turn this into a political piece the way our republicans’ have been doing). As the human race, we are one people and we must and will survive. My wife is a baker, and we have stocked up (not horded) with flour and have local suppliers lined up. She is starting to bake and donate goods to those who cannot afford such luxuries. We figure I am still working (remote) and although we are not financially rich, we can afford to help others who are not so lucky, especially due to this Global pandemic. She is making birthday cakes for some, especially this is either hard to get or folks just cannot afford now that they may be out of work and some places are charging double what they did a few weeks ago. I share this to reach out globally and challenge all others who have capabilities to help those in need to reach out and extend what you can. My wife and I are strong advocates of paying forward. We never think of what is in for us, outside of the hope we helped others. At this time (and hopefully forever) as members of the Human Race, we need a paradigm shift in this direction! Enough rambling, a wish for great health and stay safe!

I am especially at another difficult time of ‘waiting’ with my first baby on the way (I’m currently past my due date) so I am already naturally at a pause with much anticipation. Now this whole hub-bub of the virus slowly escalating, I can’t help but fill my time with news and etc (as I must stay up to date regarding the health care system for my imminent visit). But I fear it does more harm than good– I’m trying to stay positive and enjoy the quiet before new parenthood but the temptation to freak out a bit is there. But I am okay. And deep down inside, I know I will be okay alongside my baby as well. So fast forwarding to that peace and speaking from it is key right now. It’s about balance, yes, but ultimately making choices to react with confidence and peace. Maybe I’ll go paint something now …. 🙂

I don’t have kids so no need to distract/amuse/homeschool & work from home anyway. I have a strong relationship with my husband. We have a house with a garden & strong WiFi! I keep thinking about a friend from Wuhan, who travelled with her husband and 2 small kids to visit the in-laws over Chinese New Year and they ended up stuck there until last week. 6 of them in a 50m2 small flat, not allowed to set foot out of the door or even go onto the balcony. Things could be much worse…

Thanks for your note Ruth. That’s a great reminder from your mom, “This too shall pass.” I appreciate it.

Thanks Susie! I appreciate it!

Hi Angie – Just take it one moment at a time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It’s all going to be ok.