In times of crisis or difficulty there is always an opportunity to reflect on our mindset, on our behavior, and our choices. In the midst of fear and panic we can make a choice to rise above and find strength in choosing to remain joyful, in finding power in our ability to reframe our mindset into one of steady calm and the pursuit of gratitude. 

In a world where we see fighting over toilet paper and hand sanitizer, we can make the choice to step back, take a breath, and ask how we want to show up in this world. What we want to remember about how we walked through the intense moments of our lives, about how we set an example for our kids in dealing with crisis and fear. 

We can choose love and compassion. We can look at this global crisis as an opportunity to think of how to benefit the WHOLE of humanity instead of just protecting ourselves. 

Remember in every dark place there is always light, and together we can change that light into a sun. ❤️ 

How can we reframe in a time of fear and social distancing:

1.  Use this time at home to set up healthy habits in your personal life—daily prayer, meditation, self-reflection, goal setting for personal growth, and remembering to move your body and exercise (even more important if you are confined to home).

2.  Use this opportunity when activities and events are being cancelled to have quality family time, to enjoy your kids, play board games together, read books, say prayers together. Enjoy togetherness with the most important people in your lives.

3.  Reflect on how you can serve in this space and time—are there family and friends that could benefit from a video call because they are struggling with isolation? Could you offer online tutoring for children you know who are not able to go to school right now? Could you send letters or emails to folks that could use a little brightness in their day? Could you plan virtual devotionals or study groups with friends and family to help raise spiritual and emotional happiness in your community?

4.  Use this time to enrich your life by reading good books or working on a project you have been wanting to do, but never had the time for.

5.  Protect yourself by being aware of what you are consuming online—make sure to follow only reliable sources of information such as WHO (World Health Organization) and not media outlets that are seeking to sensationalize or incite fear in an effort to boost their ratings.