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You are Stronger Than You Think: Emotional Strength During a Pandemic

April 2, 2020 By Stephanie Leave a Comment

2 Apr

I went to Sam’s Club yesterday. It was the first time I’ve been outside of my neighborhood in two weeks because of this pandemic. I was excited to be able to get out and see something, even though it’s only 5 minutes from my house. But I was also nervous to be out with others because there were still a lot of people out and about.

As I got out of my car and started walking to the entrance, I could see people with masks and gloves on. There was a worker standing at the carts, spraying and wiping each one down before letting a shopper touch it. These are crazy times we’re living in.

As I walked through the store, there were reminders everywhere I looked of what was going on with this COVID-19 pandemic. Not only are the toilet paper shelves still bare but plenty of other aisles are as well. There’s hardly any laundry detergent. I haven’t been able to buy ground beef for weeks. And, most of the aisles have minimal options to choose from.

It’s scary really—to think we’re living through a worldwide pandemic. There’s no way we can comprehend what’s still to come both with the pandemic and the economical situation that will follow. I started to get overwhelmed as I pushed my cart up and down the aisles, trying to stay 6 feet away from everyone else.

We moved to Florida 7 months ago.

It’s been rough. We’ve struggled to connect with anyone. For months and months we found comfort in heading to Disney Springs (Disney is one of our favorite places) or watching the sunset on the beach. I work from home. My girls are homeschooled. We didn’t make quick connections.

It was really hard. I’ve struggled with mild bouts of depression since after the holidays. But, we had a few things we enjoyed. Things we found comfort in and that distracted us from the loneliness.

Then, things started to look more positive. We found a homeschool group that had tons of activities. In January, the girls started art class, guitar lessons, and gymnastics. We finally found a church that we wanted to attend.

I thought things were finally going to turn around for the better. And, then the world shut down. Literally. Disney closed. The beaches closed. The kids activities closed. Church closed.

And, here we are. Back where we started.

But then it hit me—we’re so much stronger than we think.

All of us—you included.

Pushing that grocery cart up and down the aisles yesterday was overwhelming. I felt so many emotions. Sadness. Anger. Disbelief.

We could have never imagined living through a time so unpredictable as this. But, we are.

See, when it comes down to it, we will get through this because we don’t have a choice. That’s how life goes.

We can say things like, “I’d never be able to ________.” But if you’re faced with that situation and your only choice is to get through it, you do.

We learn to adjust. We figure out how to video chat with friends or hold virutal meetings with coworkers. We learn to homeschool our kids because the schools are shut down. And, we start to cook dinner and eat together every night because there’s no other option.

We see what true courage looks like and realize that “heroes” aren’t sports figures or famous people. They’re the doctors, nurses, soldiers and first responders. We see that sports figures, actors, singers, and those with loads of money are in much the same position as we are because they can’t buy their way out of it.

And we relearn the importance of the people filling positions we often overlooked like warehouse workers, cashiers, and truck drivers.

We learn to place value on people instead of position and ranking.

When the pandemic strips it all away, we find what really matters. And, it’s not in Disney, shopping, sports, grades, or finances. It’s the people that matter. And, it’s faith that gets us through.

And that’s why you’re stronger than you think

You’re still here. Your value isn’t in your bank account, your job, your kids popularity at school, or any of the other silly things that we’ve focused on for far too long.

And, we don’t need all of the comforts and habits of life to live.

If you change your mindset and what you focus on throughout this whole pandemic, you can find your strength. It comes from within and it’s something that can’t be taken from you.

The history lessons the girls have been following this year are just starting to take us into the Great Depression. The economic climate was far worse than it is right now. I’m not saying or promising that we won’t reach that level, but even if we do, we’ll make it.

People living through the Great Depression survived, not because it was easy, but because they had no choice. People have survived hiding out during WWII, other pandemics, and different difficult situations. It’s not that anyone would choose to go through those situations, just like we wouldn’t choose to go through this. But, when you’re put in the place that it’s not a choice, the only choice you’re left with is to give up or toughen up.

Life’s not going to be as easy for awhile, as it was a few months ago. There are so many unknowns, but what I do know, is we’re here. We can and will get through this. We’re stronger than we used to believe. We’re already starting to see it and will continue to.

Change your focus

If you’re struggling to see this, look around at your circumstances. Look for the positive things that you can find right now. What do you have that you’re grateful for? What news stories can you find of people rising to the challenge of this time and helping others? Where are the good stories? They’re out there if you look for them.

Don’t focus on the bare shelves at the store. Focus on the people working hard to make the products, drive them to the store and stock them on the shelves. Don’t focus on the death counts. Foucs on the number of people recovering and the healthcare staff that’s working hard to make that happen. Don’t focus on what you don’t like about the government right now. Focus on the fact that they’re doing the best they know how to try to protect the people. Don’t focus on how hard it is to stay at home all day. Focus on being thankful for those first repsonders that are continuing to go out each day to protect and serve you.

There’s no denying that we’ve lost a lot in the past month. But, you’re still here. You’re making the adjustments that you need to. It might not feel good, but with each one, you have the opportunity to learn that you’re stronger than you think.  And, if you’re still not feeling it, send me a message. No one needs to feel alone right now just becuase we can’t be together.

Filed Under: Personal Growth

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I'm a huge sucker for the sky. I love beautiful su
I'm a huge sucker for the sky. I love beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I love big white puffy clouds. I love the stars that pop out one by one at night and then just fill the entire dark canvas. 
 
I think it's that it reminds me of how small I am and how big God is. It's SO, SO easy for me to get caught up in the busyness or troubles of my daily life. I've been realizing more and more lately how much I focus on myself without really realizing it. And when I remember to shift my perspective back on God, it really opens my eyes up to all that is happening that is bigger than me and bigger than what's going on around me. 
 
The events of the past year have been a rollercoaster. And I listen to some of the people in my life who are so consumed by it all. The politics. The virus. The division. Sometimes I want to get all caught up in it too. 
 
But lately, my focus has shifted. God is so much bigger than the events of our day, our year, our lifetime. History has been filled with so many traumatic events. And unfortunately, we know the future will be as well. But as a Christian, I know that this is not what it's all about. There is something greater yet to come. And no matter how bad things get, God still wins in the end. 
 
I'm not sure how people get through difficult times if they don't know Jesus. I've seen the difference in my life from when I make God my focus vs focusing on the issues around me. The difference is astounding. 
 
If you're struggling today with all that's happening around you, or has in the past, I encourage you to shift your eyes toward Jesus. Look up at the heavens and know there is a God so much bigger than all of your challenges that loves you regardless of anything that you've done for Him. 
 
#godisgood #anxietyrelief #findingjoy #findingpeace #floridasunset

This past week I got back to having a morning rout
This past week I got back to having a morning routine. I woke up at 5:30 each day and I restructured how I spent the first 90 minutes of my day. 
 
I got into reading the Bible and praying. I exercised and drank water, and spent 30 minutes on doing something for my blog. 
 
It has been amazing. 
 
The stories of the Bible have come alive as I read them. I've felt better knowing I'm taking the step  to get in better shape. And I've wanted to spend time on my blog for so long but haven't made the time. 
 
My business as a content writer for mental health professionals, helping professionals and coaches has been slammed lately. It's a great blessing but it also makes time management crucial. 
 
To be honest, I've been burnt out and overwhelmed. My goal for this year was to focus on being intentional but I was failing at doing it. The changes I made this week are helping me get back to where I need to be. 
 
Self-care is so important. I write about it all the time for my clients. But here's the thing - it only helps if you do it. Knowing something and doing something are two different things. 
 
What are you doing for self-care right now? 
 
#selfcare #femaleentrepreneur #christianwomen #morningroutine #burnout #overwhelmed #intentionalliving

I find so much to be true about this quote. When w
I find so much to be true about this quote. When we allow fear to stop us from moving forward, the world seems just a little smaller. We watch what others are doing and wonder what they have that we don't. We wonder why them and not us. 
 
And when we allow fear to stop us from following that dream that God put in our hearts, we live with this feeling that there is untapped potential inside of us. We just know that there is more that we should be doing. And in waves, this feeling will come back again from time to time until we push it down and try to ignore it again. 
 
But what you didn't ignore it this time? What if you mustered up enough courage to do the thing that you've always dreamed of doing? What if you trusted God and took just that first little step? 
 
You'll never know what doors will open or how your world will expand until you try. 
 
#courage #dontletfearstopyou #trustingodsplan #womenoffaith

I believe it’s important to reflect on and learn
I believe it’s important to reflect on and learn from each year that we face. I also believe it’s important to set goals (I’ll talk more about that in a later post). But more than anything, I believe it’s important to be aware of the mindset that you have as you work through those processes.  
  
When you reflect from a place of fear and anxiety, you will remember and focus on the negative things that happened. It becomes difficult to see the good.  
  
When you only reflect on the good things, you miss important lessons that you should be learning about yourself and those around you.  
  
So, I challenge you, as you work through reflecting on 2020 and planning for 2021, make sure you’re in the right mindset. Don’t get stuck focusing on the bad, even if you have to work extra hard to find the good. I promise you that you’ll find it if you look hard enough.  
  
What were your defining moments of the year? Feel free to share in the comments. If you want to hear a little of my reflection and the difference on focusing on the good vs the bad, check out my latest blog post.  
  
#planningfor2021 #reflection #goalsetting #blogger

It hit me this afternoon. That feeling of being un
It hit me this afternoon. That feeling of being unstoppable. Let me transparent: My house is a mess, the dishes are piled up, I'm a little behind on some of my work, I'm wearing the same yoga pants that I had on yesterday and I'm not really sure what the future looks like. But I can feel it anyway—empowerment.  
  
Let me be clear on what I'm NOT talking about. I'm not talking about the abundance mindset. I'm not talking about believing my dreams into reality. To be honest, I don't buy into all that mumble jumble.  
  
What I do buy into is hard work. And confidence. And taking chances. I buy into and believe in the power of action.  
  
Somedays, like today, I get this super empowered feeling. I feel confidence sweep over me until it feels like my chest is just going to burst with excitement. That's something I probably wouldn't share with you on some days because I'd be too self-conscious to admit it to the world.  
  
But on days like today, where my confidence is rocking, I don't mind saying it. Because on days like today, I'm not worried about what everyone else will think as they read it.  
  
What I'm more concerned about is the fact that there are millions of women that don't allow themselves to experience this feeling. I'm worried about the fact that there are women who feel day in and day out like they aren't enough. Or that they can't make a difference in their own life. Or that all of the good things out there are for someone else and not for them.  
  
That's what I'm worried about today. Because I want you to have this feeling of intense determination that you can live the life you want to live. That you can be bold and confident, even if it's in a quiet and behind-the-scenes type of way.  
  
The world is a crazy mess right now. But you don't have to be. You don't have to buy into all that stress and drama. You don't have to live the way the media makes you think you do. You are powerful. You are capable. And you can be unstoppable.  
  
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7  
 
#motivationforwomen #womeninspiringwomen #unstoppable #youcandoit #womenempowerment

Some days there's this mean girl that says all kin
Some days there's this mean girl that says all kinds of bad things about me. She works hard to tell me that I can't accomplish the things that I want to do. She reminds me of all my mistakes and how I don't measure up. She calls me names and points out all my imperfections. 
 
She's simply awful. 
 
She is my worst enemy on a lot of days. 
 
She's also me. It's my voice doing the talking. 
 
Self-talk is so important in life. You can have the best situation, be the most talented person, and have such a passion to do things but then that voice in your head jumps in and shuts it all down. 
 
Years ago, I started to really pay attention to the way that I thought. It was ridiculous. It didn't take long to realize that my poor thought life was taking me down a road that I didn't want to travel. But by not keeping my self-talk in check, I was going that direction any way. 
 
Your thoughts matter. What you allow yourself to think will be part of shaping how you feel and what you believe is possible. If you're always thinking bad things about yourself, or telling yourself that you "can't", then you won't. 
 
Your thoughts matter. Take control of your thoughts and you can take control of your life. 
 
That sounds simple enough, but controlling your thoughts is incredibly difficult, especially when you're just getting started. You'll spend the entire day engaged in a battle in your mind that others can't see. You'll collapse into bed at night because you are mentally exhausted from the battle for your mind. It's tiring work, but it's important. And just like with any change, if you stick with it, it will start to get easier over time. You'll have to fight less. 
 
One thing you can do to make it easier is to have a few positive things to shift your attention to when you catch yourself thinking negatively. I like to use Bible verses that remind me of who God says I am and what He says I'm capable of. 
 
Do you struggle with negative self talk? 
 
 
#motivationforwomen #selftalk #selftalkmatters #changeyourthoughtschangeyourlife #encouragementforwomen #encouragementformoms


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I'm a huge sucker for the sky. I love beautiful su I'm a huge sucker for the sky. I love beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I love big white puffy clouds. I love the stars that pop out one by one at night and then just fill the entire dark canvas. 
 
I think it's that it reminds me of how small I am and how big God is. It's SO, SO easy for me to get caught up in the busyness or troubles of my daily life. I've been realizing more and more lately how much I focus on myself without really realizing it. And when I remember to shift my perspective back on God, it really opens my eyes up to all that is happening that is bigger than me and bigger than what's going on around me. 
 
The events of the past year have been a rollercoaster. And I listen to some of the people in my life who are so consumed by it all. The politics. The virus. The division. Sometimes I want to get all caught up in it too. 
 
But lately, my focus has shifted. God is so much bigger than the events of our day, our year, our lifetime. History has been filled with so many traumatic events. And unfortunately, we know the future will be as well. But as a Christian, I know that this is not what it's all about. There is something greater yet to come. And no matter how bad things get, God still wins in the end. 
 
I'm not sure how people get through difficult times if they don't know Jesus. I've seen the difference in my life from when I make God my focus vs focusing on the issues around me. The difference is astounding. 
 
If you're struggling today with all that's happening around you, or has in the past, I encourage you to shift your eyes toward Jesus. Look up at the heavens and know there is a God so much bigger than all of your challenges that loves you regardless of anything that you've done for Him. 
 
#godisgood #anxietyrelief #findingjoy #findingpeace #floridasunset
This past week I got back to having a morning rout This past week I got back to having a morning routine. I woke up at 5:30 each day and I restructured how I spent the first 90 minutes of my day. 
 
I got into reading the Bible and praying. I exercised and drank water, and spent 30 minutes on doing something for my blog. 
 
It has been amazing. 
 
The stories of the Bible have come alive as I read them. I've felt better knowing I'm taking the step  to get in better shape. And I've wanted to spend time on my blog for so long but haven't made the time. 
 
My business as a content writer for mental health professionals, helping professionals and coaches has been slammed lately. It's a great blessing but it also makes time management crucial. 
 
To be honest, I've been burnt out and overwhelmed. My goal for this year was to focus on being intentional but I was failing at doing it. The changes I made this week are helping me get back to where I need to be. 
 
Self-care is so important. I write about it all the time for my clients. But here's the thing - it only helps if you do it. Knowing something and doing something are two different things. 
 
What are you doing for self-care right now? 
 
#selfcare #femaleentrepreneur #christianwomen #morningroutine #burnout #overwhelmed #intentionalliving
I find so much to be true about this quote. When w I find so much to be true about this quote. When we allow fear to stop us from moving forward, the world seems just a little smaller. We watch what others are doing and wonder what they have that we don't. We wonder why them and not us. 
 
And when we allow fear to stop us from following that dream that God put in our hearts, we live with this feeling that there is untapped potential inside of us. We just know that there is more that we should be doing. And in waves, this feeling will come back again from time to time until we push it down and try to ignore it again. 
 
But what you didn't ignore it this time? What if you mustered up enough courage to do the thing that you've always dreamed of doing? What if you trusted God and took just that first little step? 
 
You'll never know what doors will open or how your world will expand until you try. 
 
#courage #dontletfearstopyou #trustingodsplan #womenoffaith
I believe it’s important to reflect on and learn I believe it’s important to reflect on and learn from each year that we face. I also believe it’s important to set goals (I’ll talk more about that in a later post). But more than anything, I believe it’s important to be aware of the mindset that you have as you work through those processes.  
  
When you reflect from a place of fear and anxiety, you will remember and focus on the negative things that happened. It becomes difficult to see the good.  
  
When you only reflect on the good things, you miss important lessons that you should be learning about yourself and those around you.  
  
So, I challenge you, as you work through reflecting on 2020 and planning for 2021, make sure you’re in the right mindset. Don’t get stuck focusing on the bad, even if you have to work extra hard to find the good. I promise you that you’ll find it if you look hard enough.  
  
What were your defining moments of the year? Feel free to share in the comments. If you want to hear a little of my reflection and the difference on focusing on the good vs the bad, check out my latest blog post.  
  
#planningfor2021 #reflection #goalsetting #blogger
It hit me this afternoon. That feeling of being un It hit me this afternoon. That feeling of being unstoppable. Let me transparent: My house is a mess, the dishes are piled up, I'm a little behind on some of my work, I'm wearing the same yoga pants that I had on yesterday and I'm not really sure what the future looks like. But I can feel it anyway—empowerment.  
  
Let me be clear on what I'm NOT talking about. I'm not talking about the abundance mindset. I'm not talking about believing my dreams into reality. To be honest, I don't buy into all that mumble jumble.  
  
What I do buy into is hard work. And confidence. And taking chances. I buy into and believe in the power of action.  
  
Somedays, like today, I get this super empowered feeling. I feel confidence sweep over me until it feels like my chest is just going to burst with excitement. That's something I probably wouldn't share with you on some days because I'd be too self-conscious to admit it to the world.  
  
But on days like today, where my confidence is rocking, I don't mind saying it. Because on days like today, I'm not worried about what everyone else will think as they read it.  
  
What I'm more concerned about is the fact that there are millions of women that don't allow themselves to experience this feeling. I'm worried about the fact that there are women who feel day in and day out like they aren't enough. Or that they can't make a difference in their own life. Or that all of the good things out there are for someone else and not for them.  
  
That's what I'm worried about today. Because I want you to have this feeling of intense determination that you can live the life you want to live. That you can be bold and confident, even if it's in a quiet and behind-the-scenes type of way.  
  
The world is a crazy mess right now. But you don't have to be. You don't have to buy into all that stress and drama. You don't have to live the way the media makes you think you do. You are powerful. You are capable. And you can be unstoppable.  
  
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7  
 
#motivationforwomen #womeninspiringwomen #unstoppable #youcandoit #womenempowerment
Some days there's this mean girl that says all kin Some days there's this mean girl that says all kinds of bad things about me. She works hard to tell me that I can't accomplish the things that I want to do. She reminds me of all my mistakes and how I don't measure up. She calls me names and points out all my imperfections. 
 
She's simply awful. 
 
She is my worst enemy on a lot of days. 
 
She's also me. It's my voice doing the talking. 
 
Self-talk is so important in life. You can have the best situation, be the most talented person, and have such a passion to do things but then that voice in your head jumps in and shuts it all down. 
 
Years ago, I started to really pay attention to the way that I thought. It was ridiculous. It didn't take long to realize that my poor thought life was taking me down a road that I didn't want to travel. But by not keeping my self-talk in check, I was going that direction any way. 
 
Your thoughts matter. What you allow yourself to think will be part of shaping how you feel and what you believe is possible. If you're always thinking bad things about yourself, or telling yourself that you "can't", then you won't. 
 
Your thoughts matter. Take control of your thoughts and you can take control of your life. 
 
That sounds simple enough, but controlling your thoughts is incredibly difficult, especially when you're just getting started. You'll spend the entire day engaged in a battle in your mind that others can't see. You'll collapse into bed at night because you are mentally exhausted from the battle for your mind. It's tiring work, but it's important. And just like with any change, if you stick with it, it will start to get easier over time. You'll have to fight less. 
 
One thing you can do to make it easier is to have a few positive things to shift your attention to when you catch yourself thinking negatively. I like to use Bible verses that remind me of who God says I am and what He says I'm capable of. 
 
Do you struggle with negative self talk? 
 
 
#motivationforwomen #selftalk #selftalkmatters #changeyourthoughtschangeyourlife #encouragementforwomen #encouragementformoms
Fall has always been my favorite season. I love th Fall has always been my favorite season. I love the colors on the trees, trips to the apple cider for homemade doughnuts, and the crisp air in the morning. 
 
Beautiful, sunny, fall days are some of my favorite days. 
 
But when October hits, it can steal some of my enjoyment of the season. You see, October brings about the beginning of the 4th quarter of the year. It's a time to reflect on what I've accomplished—or didn't accomplish— during the first 3 quarters. 
 
And it's a time to force myself to get realistic about what I can actually accomplish before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. Most years, I'm not where I want to be for hitting the final quarter of the year. 
 
But this year, I'm excited for the final sprint of the year. I'm excited to see what I can accomplish in a year that was full of so many challenges and difficult times. 
 
And it's not that I've done anything amazing this year compared to other years. It's just that I'm changing my focus and perspective. 
 
What areas of your life do you need to change your focus on in order to reclaim some of the joy in your life? 
 
#choosehappiness #changeyourperspective #4thquarter #October #femaleentrepreneur #finishstrong
Are you stressed? Do you have days where you feel Are you stressed? Do you have days where you feel like this year is too much to handle? Are you trying to figure out what's wrong with you and why you just can't focus on what you need to? 
 
It's not just you. 
 
I'm hearing this from friends and family. I'm seeing it with my clients and picking up on it from social media posts. 
 
Don't feel like you're alone. It doesn't mean there is something wrong with you. It just means you are a human living through what's likely one of the most challenging years that you've had. 
 
2020 just seems to pile it on and many of us were already stressed in 2019 and before. 
 
Take a deep breath.  Cry if you need to. Then spend a few minutes doing something you enjoy that recharges you. Pray. Laugh.  Rest. 
 
It will be OK, even if it doesn't feel like it right now. 
 
 

#encouragementfortheday #stress #encouragementforwomen #selfcare #

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