Here it is almost Christmas again. Who ever knew that what I started several years ago to protect my health, is now a standard for almost everyone.
Cleaning everything regularly. Not sharing pens. Standing apart from others. Avoid touching others. Cleaning grocery cart handles. Wearing masks to stay safe. (I was wearing one only when pollution count was high, now all the time outside and sometimes inside.) Taking care of yourself. Watching your mental attitude. Getting help for mental problems. Taking vitamins and eating healthy. Stop going to everything to see everyone. Have a pet. Etc.
So, since there isn’t really anything happening this Christmas with me and my family. The best present I have is that all my closest relatives and friends are alive and well. So, there won’t be a big dinner, fancy Christmas tree, lots of presents. Who cares. I am content and have joy in my heart.
I saw a relative go through the Covid 19 layoffs. Came out later with the same job at a better place. I have assisted with refitting a non-profit company. Still working on that. Several friends gained weight due to being at home. I personally lost weight because I was not stress eating.
I learned to turn off social media and news. Disconnecting from negative information is important. Don’t be ignorant about what is going on, but limit your exposure to a specific time amount each day.
I received wonderful news from my team of doctors that I am stable and visits and tests can be cut back to every six months. Again, I followed doctor directions and pursued complimentary therapies.
I have also learned that each day is unique. I have to be flexible with understanding what my body needs to get through each day.
Exercising is personal. I was doing yoga everyday. My strict schedule to pursue this wonderful exercise ended up causing more problems. Be willing to change.
Since I was unable to clean my house by the end of the day, I swapped out yoga for cleaning the house. Yep, that means doing a little bit each day. Gone are the days of having an hour or two to clean everything. It is 10 minutes here, vacuum only this room there, sweep one day, maybe mop half a room another day, etc. By the end of the week, the apartment has been cleaned. It isn’t quite the same as the feeling after you do a blitz on your apartment to make it sparkle. This is what I can do since I can’t afford someone to help. Adjustments made to meet my physical and home needs.
As I have gotten older, so has my fur baby. Had a scare after a spring vaccination. So, vaccinations spread apart a little further with a steriod shot prior to the vaccine. Her eyes are getting a greyer. She startles easier. She still loves her morning walks, but doesn’t care that we can’t walk outside the community anymore. Her food has had to be adjusted to meet her new needs. I am so grateful she has been with me all these years.
I understand the need to make ends meet. Remember to take care of yourself. Be open to receiving help. Work is great, but going to work sick is not.
Take time to know God. He knows you. Read a little bit of the Bible every morning. Pray for those you love and know. Pray for those you don’t know.
This year was a good year even with all the ugly things happening. Next year will be good also, no matter what happens.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May God keep you healthy and safe.