Spring Solace by @SatinRussell #RomanceGems

Hello, dear readers. How are you holding up through this global pandemic? First, before I get started on this post, a quick update. If you’ll remember, my last post was about whether I should “Push My Luck” and fly across country to give a presentation in San Francisco. Well, I decided last minute not to go. I just couldn’t justify putting myself and my mom (who is immuno-compromised and lives with us) at risk.

I’m SO glad I did! My presentation was on a Saturday and by that Monday San Francisco went under a stay-at-home order. Which happened the day I would have been flying out.

Just another reminder to always listen to your gut.

Now, ordinarily Spring is one of my favorite seasons because my birthday is April 3^rd. However, I think it’s safe to say this year, the season has felt a bit…strained.

Yes, I’m a writer and I’m used to working from home. However, all the news has been distressing. There is so much fear and sorrow and uncertainty in the world right now and I think many of us are picking up on it. It has made it very hard to concentrate and I have to admit, my writing has suffered.

So, what have I been doing, instead? I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading and taking walks on a rarely-used track through the woods near my house. One of those walks got me to thinking about a few things to keep in mind during these unsettling times.

1. Don't forget to look up!
Yes, metaphorically, but also physically. I know a lot of us have been looking at our phones quite a bit, whether we're reading articles, keeping track of news, staying in touch with friends via social media, etc. That can put a lot of strain on our necks and upper back. Take a break, go for a walk, do some laundry, try a new recipe, whatever you have to do to look up for a bit.

2. This, too, shall pass.
Hope and new beginnings are all around us. Remember, we will get through this.

3. Life finds a way.
It may not be how it was before. Some things will change, and that's okay. With change comes opportunity. It forces us to find new - often better - solutions to old problems.

4. Find beauty in imperfection.
Our cracks, our scars, our past challenges make us unique and even stronger.

5. A little rain helps us grow.
If all our days were sunny, we wouldn't be able to flower into our full potential.

I hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and happy. I hope that you are treating yourself with patience and kindness. You don’t have to learn a new skill, clean all your closets, or make some great masterpiece.

During a global pandemic, your number one priority is to survive and not make it harder for others to survive. That’s it! Everything else is icing on the cake.

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