The Good Shepherd

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” –Deuteronomy 31:6-8

When the Pandemic hit in 2020, like most of the world, I experienced anxiety, fear, and doubt on a level that I had never experienced before. During the first year of the pandemic, I worked remotely from home, and though it brought me and my girls even closer, it affected me so that even years later I still would find myself recovering from the emotional impact that it caused.

As someone who is an extrovert and thrives off other people, I found myself not wanting to be around a lot of people and liked it better when we were limited to coming out. Not only was I having to deal with my own emotions but trying to deal with my girl's emotions and making sure they made it through the school year. I also worried about my oldest daughter who was on the other side of the country in Los Angeles.

I have gone through some dark days in my life, but I believe the pandemic brought about so many emotions that I didn’t realize were there. You had no choice but to deal with yourself. And everything was magnified even more.

But no matter how dark my day or what I may have been feeling at the time, I know that God was always with me. As long as I kept trusting Him to lead and guide me, He was always covering me and my family, providing, and making a way out of no way. It was my faith in Him that caused me to keep going even in times when I felt like giving up.

Eventually, I was able to get back to that place of solitude through gardening, cooking, writing, and exercising. I was invited to go to Hotworks, a place where you could do individualized exercises in a Hot Sauna, which was different for me but willing to give it a try.

One day, after my exercise, I came in and sat in one of the empty rooms in solitude for about 30 minutes. I sat there and allowed my mind, body, and soul to just sit there in quietness. What I began to realize is that sitting in a place of solitude allowed me to reset, recharge, unwind, release, and refocus without any expectations from myself or others.

The more time you spend with yourself, the more you will discover who you truly are. It doesn’t mean you are alone or lonely; you are dedicating time to yourself. It was worth the investment. It also allowed me to reset and draw even closer to God.

Better Days

Rainy days are a reminder that the sun will shine again

Nights are a reminder that morning is around the corner

Bad days are a reminder that better days are coming

May you always have a reason to smile