Keep calm and carry on . . .

 

It seems we are living in a strange new world at the moment.  A great deal has changed for most of us.  We have seen people acting in uncharacteristically bad ways, but we are also seeing many, many people acting in beautiful ways.  I found this quote from Laura Ingalls Wilder and it seemed to be so very appropriate for what I wanted to say today. 

Yes, lots has changed.  But plenty of things have not, and some things may have even changed for the better.  This new world is an opportunity for all of us to do things, learn things, become things we simply did not have time for before, or never thought of before. 

Yes, we have seen immense greed, but this thought occurred to me yesterday . . . . yes . . .  it is bad and most disappointing that people would be so greedy, but at the end of the day they are only people who are afraid and who are wanting to feed their families, to make sure their family is cared for. Wrong or right, that is the motivation behind much of it.  They may be going about it the wrong way,  but  . . . we would be wise not to dwell on that. It is what it is. 

 

In the meantime, I  am seeing great outpourings of love and kindness going on all around me.  I see people trying to lift others in whatever ways that they can.  From celebrities putting positive messages online and connecting with the people, uplifting them in whatever way possible, to simple ordinary people going about their every day business in brave new ways.  

My next door neighbour is going about picking up things at the shops for people who can't get out and about.  She is delivering to them, leaving their goods on their doorsteps and she asks for nothing in return.  Yesterday she got us some fresh milk and picked up Mitzie's tablets for us at the Vet. She would take no money for any of it, but I did get her to take half an Irish Tea Brack, which was something.  And she had even included some extra special chocolate. 

 

There are many on the front lines doing whatever they can to make us safe, to heal us, etc. at great risk to themselves.  Newscasters to keep us informed.  Nurses, Doctors to help to care for the sick at a time when they could and would probably rather be at home with their own loved ones.  They are flying in the face of fear, coming out of retirement . . .  just to love and to care for others.  The Military, the police, all are stepping up to the mark and doing whatever is needed. Selflessly.  Our Government here in the UK is making sure that everyone has a wage to live on.  Banks are cutting interest rates, waiving payments, soe landlords are excusing rent for the time being, etc.  These are no small things. 

 People are reaching to others as never before.  Making phone calls, writing notes, contacting others to make sure that they are safe and okay, checking if they need anything, simply caring  . . . Angels are walking amongst us.  In small and simple ways, many are making a difference. 

 

Yes, much has changed, but much has not and we can take comfort in that.  The sun still rises in the morning and sets every night.  The sky is still filled with stars.  Birds still sing.  God is still in His heaven, and if we are willing to  reach out to Him, and allow ourselves to hear His voice, He still speaks.

Flowers are blooming.  Trees are bursting into bud.  A reminder to us that after the Winter always comes the Spring.   The sun always shines brightest after the storm. 

This is our opportunity to show the world how good we can be.  How caring.  How industrious. How giving.  It is an opportunity to draw closer to family we may be quarantined with,  and to reconnect in ways we may have been neglecting in recent years.  Its an opportunity to do things around the house we have been putting off.  Taking up new skills we never had the time to  learn before.

There is a wealth of information online to help us with learning new skills. Videos, tutorials, etc.  We can learn to be a little less wasteful, to make do or do without.  A skill that will stand us all in good stead in the long run.

This is an opportunity for each of us to stretch beyond what we thought we were capable of, to grow and to become in ways we never thought possible.  To share skills with others who are willing and wanting to learn. To be lights for good.  To leave the earth a little bit better off when this is all finished, than it was when this all started.   A kinder, sweeter and gentler place.  

This is not forever.

 

Some of us will make it and some of us won't.  We will all have our weak moments and our wanting to quit moments.  Moments when we feel fearful and anxious, but we can rise above them and become more.  Most importantly.  We. Will. Get. Through. This.  In one way or another.  Standing still is not an option.  Giving in to despair is not an option. Negativity never did make any situation a better one. 

So read those books you have always wanted to read. Love those you love with all your heart, and try to develop a loving heart towards those you have had a hard time loving.  Be appreciative of what you have.  Learn a new skill. Share what you can.  Help those in need in whatever way that you can. Pick up the phone and communicate with others.  Email. Be a little braver. Listen to the advice being given by the health authorities, the government, etc.  Do your bit but don't be stupid.  Do not despair or give up. Our grandparents and great grandparents didn't fight and survive through two great world wars just for us to give up now.  Be brave. Be smart. Be strong. We are all in this together, and together we can get through to the other side. 

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *Believe in miracles.

I have seen so many of them come

when every other indication 

would say that hope is lost.

Hope is never lost.

~Jeffrey R Holland•。★★ 。* 。

 

 

In the English Kitchen today a delicious Chicken & Ham Pie that I made from the leftovers from our roast chicken the other day and some deli ham in the fridge. Its fabulously tasty and the crust is a-maz-ing! 

Have a great Saturday, no matter what you get up to.  I think I am going to paint.  Something I haven't done for a while.  Don't forget along the way of your day  . . . 

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And I do too!