Preparedness Not Panic
By now we have all heard about the coronavirus or Covid-19. What started as a novel illness spreading like wildfire in localized clusters has now become a global pandemic. I recall my first introduction to the virus. My family had just run out of hand sanitizer and was looking to repurchase when I noticed the supply dwindling and prices hiked online. It was around that time, we began hearing reports about a mysterious illness in China and I connected the dots.
It is now a few months later and Covid-19 is the hot topic of conversation. My country has taken greater measures to slow down the spread to “flatten the curve” of this virus. From sports teams suspending their seasons, to our Prime Minister and his wife currently in quarantine, schools closing, churches cancelling services, my husband’s engineering firm scrambling to set up remote access, to barren supermarket shelves, we are all feeling the ripple effects of this outbreak.
Yesterday when the news broke about PM Justin Trudeau’s wife, Sophie and learning my son’s school was shutting down, I felt unsettled and uneasy. I felt like I was eerily cast in a creepy movie with plot twists, only there was no script and I couldn’t predict the ending. It was a surreal feeling I have never experienced before. If I had to hashtag my emotions yesterday, it would be #apocalypticvibes✌🏻. As I was processing this, I whispered under my breath, “preparedness- not panic.”
The purpose of my pep-talk was to give myself a jolt; a reminder to not to give in to pandemonium, but to take proactive measures. An internal command not to panic, but confidentally take reasonable precautions.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Practical Preparedness
As I observe how other countries are tackling this issue such as Italy’s lockdown, my family has stocked up on some non-perishable pantry items and refilled our medical prescriptions. I think we all should have some sort of emergency kit anyways, so I feel less stressed knowing we will be fed in case of a mandatory quarantine/ food shortage. There are a couple of camps in terms of response: those who act invincible and mock the situation and those who hoard all the toilet paper. Neither are helpful as common sense needs to prevail.
I’m also preparing to homeschool Dylan for the three week quarantine period. I’m trying my best to fill in the gaps to his education. I believe continuing our day with purpose and structure will be beneficial to my children.
Mental Preparedness
With 24/7 news coverage, it has never been so easy to become fixated on current events. We should all be engaged and informed, but that doesn’t mean we can’t live life in-between the headlines. I think of my grandparents’ generation who relied on the daily newspaper or my parents who would watch the 11 PM news. They were certainly aware of current affairs, but couldn’t obsess with round-the-clock “breaking news” like we do. Unplugging from the world’s problems periodically is needed at times for our own sanity. Perhaps mute those notifications, get some fresh air and clear your head.
Let’s also be mindful of little ears. Kids will feel unsafe if they hear constant talk of the crisis from us and the news blaring on TV. I saw a reminder on Facebook that said, '‘Most young kids will remember how their family felt during the coronavirus panic, more than anything specific about the virus itself.” Let’s empower our children with the necessary information and the importance of everyone doing their part to help, but not fear monger. Let’s make our homes a sanctuary from the strange times we live in and not an incubator for anxiety. [As someone who struggles with anxiety at the best of times, this has been a major focus in my parenting].
Finally, this pandemic does not negate God’s promises of peace or His sovereignty. God is still God. While there are many variables outside our control, we can choose our response as we trust Him.
Lay Low
This one isn’t a fun one, but so important. My family and I while not in a state of self-isolation [unless told otherwise], are opting to lay-low more than usual. Examples being avoiding restaurants, large public gatherings as much as possible, public spaces, swapping the gym for home workouts... etc.
This isn't for our personal risk of Covid-19 at the core. Thankfully we are in a low-risk group for serious complications, but others are not so fortunate particularly the elderly and those with health conditions. However; us laying low reduces our risk of catching ANY illness that would cause us to require medical help in a system that is at 120% capacity on a good day- not to mention a pandemic. We also don’t want to spread the illness to others in case we are affected, but asymptotic or assuming it’s a run of the mill cold or flu if we do feel unwell. I keep hearing the phrases “abundance of caution” and “social distancing” and those principles are two ways to love and put others first at a time like this.
Consider laying low even if not for you, for the greater societal good, the medical professionals who are on the front lines and for those who are most vulnerable.
Make The Best Of A Crummy Circumstance
While I vehemently dislike how this virus has turned our world upside down, we can choose to make the best of these three weeks at home. Have baking days with the kids or board game nights! Do a craft, dance in the living room, have the kids journal about their at-home adventures, make blanket forts…etc! Three weeks may sound like an eternity, but it’s not [although I realize for many parents the stress of last minute childcare is problematic and I empathize with you deeply]. On a positive note, I am very much looking forward to delving into podcasts and books during this low-key month. It’s time to get our hygge game strong!
Select Your Sources Wisely
Social media can be a bless and curse. I am streamlining who I listen too at this time. My own loved one was imploring me to acquire two months of supplies as opposed to two weeks. Their intentions were good, but their advice was misguided as it goes against expert advice. While the idea of a bunker bursting at the seams with supplies sounds comforting right about now, I recognize if I have months of food, that leads to severe shortages where some will have none. We have two to three weeks of non-perishable food and more in the rice, beans, whatever I can make with flour category. It’s boring yet sustainable when in survival mode.
For those in Canada who want to learn more about Covid-19 or are concerned of your exposure/symptoms, this official government website will give you useful first steps.
Take A Deep Breath
Yes, we are navigating uncharted waters, yet try to avoid going down the rabbit hole. Take a deep breath, brew a cup of tea and enjoy a good book. We don’t have to have all the answers to allow some calm in our lives. This too shall pass.
“Most young kids will remember how their family felt during the coronavirus panic more than anything specific about the virus.
Our kids are watching us and learning how to respond to stress and uncertainty.
Let’s wire our kids for resilience, not panic.”
In these unprecedented times, it is imperative that we assess the situation, act accordingly and also lean into the good over the fear. I hope this helps you and I will be praying you and your family will remain healthy and strong… and that your toilet paper needs will be met. 😜
