Courage Through the Covid-19 Storm: Expectations

Tips for THRIVING

Tip # 7 Realistic Expectations
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Have you ever thought about how childbirth and Covid-19 are similar? As I was thinking about how I was feeling about this Covid-19 craziness, it reminded me of being in labor.

When you are in the midst of this you do not know how long it is going to last.

You have moments of intensity (contraction/trying to get groceries) followed by moments of almost normal feeling.

You know that at the end, you are going to have great joy, but also adjustment to a new lifestyle.

You really just want it to be over with NOW.

Your experience may be similar, but not exactly the same as anyone else's experience.

You just do not know what lies ahead in the immediate future.

Everything can go south very rapidly. But there are medical professionals around with expertise and equipment to help.


A couple of helpful hints I learned for labor, may be helpful in Covid-19 craziness:

1. Slow deep breathing is always good. Breath in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, breath slowly out through pursed lips. Repeat.

2. Just focus on getting through this moment.

3. Realistic expectations.

With each of my four boys, my pregnancies and labors were different. Sometimes my expectations, based on previous experiences, caused frustration. Since #1 and #2 sons arrived early- about 3 weeks early-I expected each of my babies to arrive three weeks early. You can imagine the frustration I felt as the days ticked past that 37 week mark for my next babies. Was this baby ever going to be born? In October, when #3 son was due, my pregnant brain began to seriously think I was going to still be pregnant at Christmas. As I put on a maternity dress on October 25, about 3 days before he was born, I thought to myself, "This red dress will be perfect for my Christmas dress!"

I am working on realistic expectations while living in Covid-19 craziness. Here is my current plan.

At the end of each day I ask myself if I have

-Food?

-Clothes?

-Shelter?

-Loved ones? (even if they are not with me...maybe connecting by phone or praying for me)

-Chocolate?

-God?

If I can answer YES to all those, I consider it a GREAT day!

This will pass. It may be hard, but someday we will be "clothed with joy".

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent, Lord my God I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)

Covid-19 Challenge: Set a timer for 60 minutes and when it rings, gather everyone in your household to take a one minute walk outside and around a tree or two, each person sharing something for which s/he is thankful now. REPEAT. 

(If you are alone, do the same, but text someone what you are thankful for when you come back inside.)

Wash your hands. Wear a mask and do NOT touch your face-especially when you are out of your home (like going to the grocery store). Try to stay 6 feet apart from those not living in your household. 

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