Courage Through the Covid-19 Storm: Expectations

Tips for THRIVING

Tip # 7 Realistic Expectations
Listen to this blogpost on Anchor https://anchor.fm/karen-sue-murdy/episodes/Courage-Through-the-Covid-19-Storm-Expectations-ed3jhv
or on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1szHYfveK8E3x4PlEpidj1


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. 

Please "follow me" so you will be notified of when the next blog post is available. 
UP NEXT TIME: Humor

THANKFULNESS...Exercise ON Challenge

"Count your blessings," Mom always proclaimed! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as you exercise and count your blessing with thankfulness. 

This blog post written by Karen Sue Murdy first appeared on Concordia Publishing House blog. When Christmas shopping, check out Concordia Publishing House for excellent gifts!  Two of my many favorites include  Living a Chocolate Life by Deb Burma https://www.cph.org/p-27469-living-a-chocolate-life.aspx and House of Living Stones by Katie Schuermann https://www.cph.org/p-26189-house-of-living-stones.aspx

http://blog.cph.org/everyday-faith/thankfulness-with-the-exercise-on-challenge/ on Nov.22, 2016

Exercise is a privilege not a punishment! Appreciate the fact that you are healthy enough to move your body. During November when we turn our eyes to Thanksgiving, start a thankfulness journal, and as you exercise each day think of five things for which you are thankful that you can write down. Thank God for healthy bodies, strong legs, feet, and toes; for comfortable shoes, hats, and warm jackets; for colorful autumn leaves, rich harvest, and gorgeous sunsets; for exercise bikes, sidewalks, YMCAs, shopping malls, and other places to exercise; for a spouse, children, and friends with whom to exercise; for God’s love, grace, and peace.

When thinking of exercise barriers, often “not enough time” comes up, but by combining it with other priorities and making exercise enjoyable and a time of thanksgiving, overcoming the “not enough time” barrier becomes easier.

Make your exercise time fun and relaxing.

• Give THANKS!
• Turn your thoughts to creative ideas or problem solving.
• Recall sweet memories.
• Walk with family or friends.
• Listen to the Bible on your iPod or iPhone.
• Download and listen to a CPH Bible study or book.
• Exercise functionally: walk to the library, school, work, or other places you need to go.
• Memorize Bible verses or other information. (In college after many laps around the track, I memorized the periodic table. My children often memorize spelling words, English or Spanish vocabulary, etc. Memorizing while exercising is great for cognitive recall.)

Memory challenge

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

Remember, to more easily memorize a verse write the Bible verse on an index card. Read it before and during exercise. Keep it with you and read it throughout the day.

Have you joined me for the Exercise ON Challenge for the months of October and November? It’s never too late to exercise! In November, take the challenge and exercise at least 150 minutes per week or 675 minutes total for substantial health benefits! That averages to about 22 minutes per day. Keep track of your exercise minutes on a calendar, app, or some sort of log sheet. Rally your family, co-workers, or church members to take the challenge with you. Hold one another accountable.

At the end of the month, I will post  a follow up about our Exercise ON Challenge.  Please feel free to send me stories of your Exercise ON challenge...the successes, pitfalls and the benefits!