Lost Your Perspective? Here’s How to Get It Back
When life sideswipes you—job loss, financial setbacks, or just the general chaos of the world—it’s easy to lose perspective. I’ve been there. But even in the messiest moments, there’s a way to reset your view and find your footing again. With a little intention and a shift in focus, you can reclaim clarity and move forward with hope. Let’s talk about how to get your perspective back.
Key Points
- Losing perspective during a crisis is common, but regaining it starts with truth, intention, and a shift in focus.
- Your emotions are valid, but they aren’t always factual. Writing down the truth helps break the spiral and restore clarity.
- Gratitude, reflection, and small steps forward can transform even the darkest season into a stepping stone toward healing and hope.
These days, it’s easy to sink into the muck of worry, stress, and defeat. A sudden financial hit, a layoff, or even just the constant drumbeat of bad news can wreck your perspective and before you know it, you’re spiraling into that dark pit of despair.
And here’s the kicker: You’re not imagining it. According to the Federal Reserve, more than half of people in the U.S. say they’re just getting by. No savings cushion, no margin for error—just treading water. And when you zoom out further, data from the National True Cost of Living Coalition shows that 52% of Americans don’t have the resources they need to truly thrive, even if they’re managing to cover the basics.
So if you’ve been feeling stuck or like you’re falling behind, you’re not alone and you’re not broken. You’re living in a system that isn’t working for a lot of people. But here’s what’s important: your perspective still matters, because it’s the one thing you can control when everything else feels uncertain.
Why Your Perspective Matters More Than You Think
It’s not about pretending everything’s fine or ignoring real problems. Denial isn’t helpful. But neither is despair. When we pause, take a breath, and reframe our situation, even just a little, we create space to respond with purpose instead of panic.
By choosing to see the bigger picture and telling ourselves the truth (not just what our emotions are screaming in the moment), we begin to climb out of the fog. That’s the first step toward clarity. Perspective doesn’t change your circumstances overnight, but it does change how you move through them. And that can change everything.
Don’t Let Your Feelings Run the Show
Feelings are real, but they’re not always true. Emotions can flare up, misfire, or spiral before we’ve had our coffee. They’re reactive, often temporary, and not the most reliable guide when life gets bumpy. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re convinced everything is falling apart… and yet nothing has actually changed.
Instead of letting those emotional waves toss you around, grab a pen. Write it down. Not a novel—just clear, simple sentences: What’s really happening? What do I know to be true? When we name the facts without judgment or drama, things start to settle.
It is what it is—no better, but no worse, either. That little dose of truth can interrupt the spiral and help you get your footing back.
Process the Pain—But Keep Going
The loss is real. Don’t deny it. Whether it’s the loss of a job, a dream, a relationship, or a sense of security, it hurts. So let yourself feel it. Sit with the pain, cry if you need to, journal, pray, talk to someone you trust. That emotional weight won’t lift if you just shove it aside.
But don’t stop there. Keep moving through it, even if it’s one small step at a time. And please, don’t beat yourself up if you need help along the way. Grief wears many disguises, and a qualified counselor can offer steady support when the road feels too foggy to navigate alone.
You’re not weak for hurting. You’re human. The goal isn’t to avoid the pain. It’s to walk through it and come out stronger on the other side.
The Bright Future You May Not See (Yet)
We’ve all hit bumps in the road, some more like giant potholes that knock the wind out of us. Life has a way of throwing curveballs we never saw coming, and it’s easy to feel like everything’s come undone.
But here’s the truth: even if it feels like you’ve lost everything, this might just be a heartbreaking interruption, not the end of your story. Your journey isn’t over. What looks like a detour right now could be a setup for something new, something better.
The fog will lift. The clouds will break. You may not see it yet, but there is still a bright future ahead and it’s worth sticking around to meet it.
The Shortcut to a Better Outlook
Gratitude changes everything, not because it fixes the problem, but because it shifts how we see it. When we start noticing what we do have instead of dwelling on what’s missing, the whole picture looks a little less bleak and a little more hopeful.
The truth? Compared to most of the world, you’re already living in abundance. No, you may not have everything you want, but chances are, you have what you need. A roof, clean water, food on the table. That’s not nothing.
You’ve had setbacks. We all have. But failure isn’t the end, unless you decide to quit. One bad season doesn’t get to define your story. Gratitude helps remind you of that. It keeps you grounded, focused, and resilient. And it’s a habit worth practicing, especially on the hard days.
The One Thing You Must Never Do
No matter how tough it gets, don’t give up. You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Quitters never prosper.” It’s true. When you keep moving forward, even when it feels impossible, you’re already ahead of the game.
Put one foot in front of the other, no matter how small the step. Lift your head up high, even if it’s just to take a breath. What feels like darkness right now is nothing more than a passing cloud. Beyond it, the sun is still shining, ready to warm you again. Keep going. You’ve got this.
Question: What’s one small thing you do to reset your perspective when life feels heavy? Share in the comments below. You never know who you might need to hear it.
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Mary, Mary, I want to thank you for EC also. I am 84 and alone now, and your words mean the world to me. You are our angel in disguise. God bless you for caring so much for us and being here every day!
❤️
Hi Mary,
I have a sister named Mary too, but probably millions of others out there do , too! LOL
I enjoyed reading your article about ways to change thoughts to ‘pawsitive’ when you live alone, or when facing a big challenge(s), or have a long list of to do’s but don’t feel like doing them, and you don’t have a person or a pet to talk to. I especially liked reading in your article the sentence, “what looks like darkness right now is just a cloud.” And it’s so true, it’s temporary, the cloud is hiding the sun (or maybe a rainbow) behind it, and though the battles rage on, If we are believers we know Jesus has already overcome, and we can overcome through Him!
Thank you so much for EC, and all I’ve learned from it, and you are a very wise lady, indeed!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Frances. That means the world to me. You can think of me as The Other Mary 🙂
Dear Mary,
As a teacher I have been busy but found my self to be depressed and sad. I have cried more tears the last few weeks (especially when I am in contact with my “kids”). I was hanging out in PJ’s, not combing my hair, etc. I just decided that I had to get my act together. I get up, get dressed, and make goals to accomplish every day. I love your column and have read it for many, many years. Thanks for all the good advice!
Barb Evans
As always, Mary, Thanks 🙂
Thank you for your daily words of encouragement. Our pastor shared a post with our text group today that included many comforting scriptures to help us deal with these fearful times. Knowing God is in control, one suggestion I would love to pass along was the suggestion to replace the words “what if” with “even if.” Those words are both powerful and calming. I encourage everyone to try it out. Praying for all!
Well, It seems that being Frugal in training will now be used even more now. Staying at home saves money,Gas and shopping for things that shouldn’t be bought,New cooking adventures with many recipes online very easy to bake something new and feel accomplished , Being safe at Home is a Good Feeling.
Thanks, Mary for sharing the beautiful inspiring emails sharing our Faith in God. I am praying& spending more time in Bible Study. Reading a lot & walking my neighbor’s dog 3 times a day, as she has broken wrist. God helps us always. Praying for His mercy for all of us. Praying for all who continue to serve us, even as they are at risk while serving us.
Thank you, Mary, for your thoughtful and encouraging post which broken down into its component parts offers compassion, understanding and hope. It will get better.
On another note, I love that you have connected with a cousin through the comment section. How fun is that!
Hello Mary, Thank you for this beautiful peaceful article. I really needed this today. a small town west of us has two people who have this horrid disease.a husband and brought it home to his wife from his work. She has had to be quartented and he Is at home. Its about 20 miles from me. it affected me this morning,and then I opened my email and there you were.Thank you again. nancy
Thank you for your constant encouragement. I find that when life gets hard, if I focus on others instead of myself it isn’t so hard at all. In December, when I was planning to bake cookies for gifts, I had stocked up on baking supplies. However, on December 15th my husband was diagnosed with cancer and our plans took a different route. After surgery in January my husband is cancer free. He didn’t need any further treatment. Well, now we find ourselves in another difficult situation and I still have a lot of baking supplies. I have spent the past few days baking large batches of cookies and quick breads that I plan to share with my neighbors. I’m going to put them in small gift bags and I’ll attach an encouraging note and scripture verse to each bag. We have a 44 year old daughter who will always be our “5 year old”. Since she isn’t able to attend her day program, we are trying to find things for her to do so she will help me fix up the bags. We take her new dog out for a walk any day that the weather is favorable and she will get great pleasure helping to deliver our treats.
God is good all the time and no matter what! Make it a good day!
Pat
Mary, what an excellent article! I always have loved your upbeat perspective even in difficult times.
I, too, am missing my grandchildren – I long to hold them next to me!
I find much comfort in the Bible, especially those verses spoken by Jesus in the New Testament. My favorite verse right now during this world-wide crisis is from John 16:33 where Jesus said, “I have said all these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble: but take heart! I have overcome the world.”
What a comfort and encouragement from our Savior who knows what we’re going through right now and is always available to call upon during times of great stress. The peace He provides is like none other!
If anyone reading this wants to know more about how God can help them right now during this crisis, I would urge them to go to this website: peacewithgod.net. There’s excellent articles there, but also a link where you can chat with someone or send a email with questions. The website is owned by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, so it can be trusted with giving solid, Biblical advice.
Keep up your good work! It’s making a huge difference.
Thanks, Mary, for all you do. I look forward to each post (email) and have found out so much from you. I send it on to my husband and daughter. You are an inspiration to all of us, but we do need to hear from you. Barbara
Thank you Mary for this uplifting post. I am praying for all of us too. Especially I am thinking of those who are alone and our essential workers. God bless you all!
We just got a coop and baby chicks. Just planted the veggie garden and so looking after them and watching the monarch caterpillars eat up the milkweed is filling my day. Thank you again.
Thank you all for inspiring words-in the midst of today’s trials my husband of nearly 60 years received a serious cancer diagnosis. I am thankful we are near so many good medical personnel. God is always with us.
Hey Mary
One word: ZOOM Online video! I used to detest it but it has been a lifeline to my friends and my support/recovery groups. We even have a dinner date coming up where we all set it up and “share” a meal together! Not sure about that one though:) Thanks for all the great inspiration.
Thank you, Mary, for helping us through the years and for these encouraging words. You are a blessing to many!
God’s blessings to you and yours.
We are definitely all getting used to a new “normal.” Change is hard, but you have given us some great tools with which to work. We are all blessed, but when you don’t feel blessed, the best thing is to be a blessing to someone else. Thank you Mary, for being a blessing to me today! Romans 5:3 tells us that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. If our hope is in Christ, we have nothing to fear.
This is an inconvenience, but I refuse to panic. I have enough food, paper goods (yes, even toilet paper), a roof over my head and friends that call us (I am 81 and my husband is 85) to make sure we don’t need anything and I appreciate all that so much. Even though that knowledge helps me stay calm, what really easies my heart and mind is knowing that our Heavenly Father is watching over us….always has, always will. One of my Mother’s favorite sayings was, “If you worry, why pray….If you pray, why worry. —In God I trust; I will not be afraid.—Psalm 56:11
Heartfelt, honest and full of wisdom! Thanks for sharing YOUR gifts with us, Mary!! That’s why we are SO loyal as EC fans. Take care of YOUR heart! I agree that it is our little ones who may be the most shaken during these days. Perhaps that will be another post…..how we can nurture our little ones when they are at a distance. ???
Thank you, Mary, for helping to put this in perspective. And thanks to all who pray for first responders and medical personnel and others in essential positions. My son-in-law works in a grocery store; my granddaughter and her husband are pharmacists, one in a drugstore, the other in a hospital. I worry not for myself, but for them.
Good stuff Mary. I’m blessed to live next door to my daughters family but they are feeling isolated too. I telephone myself older friends and those who live alone. My daughter and I have started sending cards to sick shut-Ins and people alone. Trying to comfort others makes me feel better too.
Wonderful idea. We all enjoy getting personal mail, especially in times of stress.
Well thank goodness spring is on the way and we can try to look forward to colorful flowers and chirping birds. I’m lucky to have my gardens and I sunbathed the other day letting myself get lost in the sunshine. Video chats with my grandchild will have to do, but there is nothing like a real hug – and I pray I’ll get one in the future. Keeping in touch with friends and family also helps. God Bless the nurses, doctors, all hospital workers, truckers, grocers, restaurant workers and deliverers – all those who are still working to help the quarantined! God Bless, keep healthy and six feet away!
Hi Mary
Glad to hear you are well, Praise be to God, I live alone, considered highly subsectiple because I’m Dietbectic and 76. But I know who’s in control my Heavenly Father, Yesterday I got a call from my daughter that an 80ft pine tree fell in their back yard and missed the house which everyone was inside. See God is in control.
Hello, Mary:
Thank you for being the uplifting and wise voice of reason all these years! Oh, how I wish I would have listened to you all those years ago and had become debt free! Well, I did listen, got out of debt, but then forgot and one “justified” slip has ballooned into $11,951.62.
The GOOD news is:
1. I am in real estate which is considered an essential service, so I still have a job.
2. We are all working part-time, but are still being paid for full time. (HUGE BLESSING!!)
3. I’ve wanted to work part-time for years, but could never afford it.
4. Giving me time to actually re-prioritize (God first?!) and start with a quiet time again, for the first time in years!!
5. Giving me time to give away/sell/put away items; and
6. Make my dog, who struggles with separation anxiety, the happiest dog on the planet!
Thanks again, Mary, you’re definitely a bright light for God.
6. Getting my focus back on paying off my debts asap, so I can again know that FREEDOM!!
Thank you Mary for the wonderful posts and tips you have on your webpage. I enjoy them so much, and especially today’s it is so uplifting and encouraging. We live in Canada and we are in isolation as well. What We’ve been doing is spring cleaning and also baking buns and bringing our lonely neighbours some. We live in a condo and their are many who need encouragement. So I phone and check up with them and bring them some home cooking and baking!
Thanks, Mary, for your encouraging words. I keep positive thoughts while working in my yard and gardening. My husband had planned a 3-month trip to Alaska which of course won’t happen, so I’m putting in spring flowers. My yard looks the best it’s looked in years and it brightens my days. I read and walk the dog and work on inside projects I’ve been putting off. Tomorrow I might tackle my file cabinet
I received your emails for many years and love the ideas and advice. These days are a bit easier for me because I’m a retired RN and don’t have to go to the hospital. My husband and I are doing what we can to find a new schedule–walking outside every day, waving at neighbors, cleaning and organizing in our home, and finding purpose in doing things like sewing masks for friends who work in local care centers. Daily devotions via FB from our church help immensely. Choose joy!
Joy has not been cancelled! Listening to Singing News radio online also helps as we work.
Reading this letter from you almost made me want to cry, because I miss my grandchildren as well and hearing you feel the same makes me aware I am not the only one, but they are well and lets hope and pray that we all stay well and look forward to an ending to these terrible times.
I’m a widow too. Staying home, hunkered down. Other then a case of cabin fever, can’t complain. My daughters and their families are well too. Missing my daughters and my grandchildren. Thankful for being able to text and Zoom. It amazes me how God, in a short time, can get the attention of the world! I pray for this to result in another great awakening! Our lives will be forever changed because of this virus. When I feel myself begin to get anxious, I am so glad I can take a breath and rest in the God who made me and has control! At the beginning of 2020, my pastor shared a word God gave him for our church for this year—“Trust God Together.” This is a time for all of us to lean on God and trust him together. He is Emmanuel! He is God with us—yesterday, and today, and forever. 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind.”
I too, am a widow. Currently one of my sons (51) is living with me due to a disability. We try to give each other as much ‘personal’ space as possible. Obviously, locking him in a closet is frowned on, so occasionally we butt heads; but it doesn’t last long. In addition to my dog, I’ve found working outside in the yard very beneficial for me and the yard. Love reading, crossword puzzles, knitting and scrabble online with my daughter-in-law. Yes, it is annoying and an inconvenience, but it will not last forever. Many prayers for those who have lost jobs and/or businesses.
Mary,
I was somewhat surprised that you made no mention of God in all of this.
For many of us as indicated by the previous posts, our faith is the reason that we can carry on with out worry through this crises as well as other tough times.
Frank
How our whole world has changed in a month! I remind myself to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. HE is our hope in times of trouble and HE never leaves us. At times like this, may we (the church) rise up and let our light shine. We do this by helping others any way we can.
Praise the Holy name of Jesus. If we keep the Lord first in these trouble times we have nothing to fear remember FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU, many of us will fall in pot holes, sink holes, and etc but if we keep our focus on the Lord our God we will make it through, just remember to keep on the straight and narrow and count our blessings not our problems. He is in control and don’t ever ever forget that. relax and enjoy each day he has given us. He is an amazing God.
Mary, do you know what I did to help me feel more “normal” ? I read your emails! They make me feel that all is still well with our world and that the wholeness of homemaking is still a valuable tradition in this upside down world we find ourselves living in. Thank you and God bless you xox
Mary, you are indeed a star. I am 70 , live in the UK, look forward to your email every day – massive achievement – and hope that you and yours stay safe. I am an agnostic so I won’t bring any God into this, but every other good wish from this side if the Atlantic.
What a great article. I’ve felt off balance the last few weeks and was down with what I think was snow mold allergies so as a nurse I stayed home, not wanting to frighten anyone with my coughing. I am not in the front lines but have friends who are. I am finding classes to do on line, liking a cooking class, another on dealing with emotions during the pandemic and have another one tomorrow, going to deal with organizing paper-ugh! Luckily though I have a husband, we made some goodies and took to our elderly neighbors along with some of our chickens eggs. Today it’s a sunny day in northern MN so shoveled the recent snow off our boardwalk and put chairs out in case neighbors walk by and want to talk. Otherwise I am writing to my dad’s old assisted living place, a VA nursing home and a young sick woman who has been living in the hospital for two years waiting for a heart transplant. I am finally finding my purpose in this time with looking out for others. May we all find our purpose and place at this time! God bless you all!
Thank you for your kind words. It is hard not seeing the grand kids. I know God will do what is best for us all. I love reading your articles. Keep it up. My hubby and I are in our 80’s so We only go to the store. With the other seniors.
We are so blessed! Yes, we are told to stay at home, but I love my home. The beginning of March we acquired a 8 week old black pug puppy and we have been entertained through all of this. I miss my friends, family and neighbors. But, I know when this is over we will have a greater appreciation of those relationships that often we took for granted. Our church has been preparing us for this crisis for years and in January 2019 introduced a home – baed scripture study and eliminated one hour of church. We have always been encouraged to “Be prepared” and we have not had to buy one package of toilet tissue! We all need to HANG IN THERE! I, too, miss my grandkids and great granddaughters! Thank goodness for Echo and Skype! May your family be blessed and kept safe from this awful virus.
Spending a lot of time with my husband who has metastatic prostate bone cancer. Very fortunate to have my daughter close by to shop, bring us what we need and to go to doctor visits. We have a God Who knows, Who cares and will not leave us. I find comfort in the Scripture, watch various ministers, connect with family and friends. In all things, God is good!
Thank you Mary, for being there for us all and for your positive post today. As Sky said, “This too shall pass.” I’m grateful -and thank God- that we have water and electricity. The stores may not have what we want, but they have what we need. I’ve never gotten so many emails and texts asking how we are! (I’m 72 and under treatment for cancer.) I keep remembering what my mom and aunts told me about food rationing during WWII, and thinking, “How blessed we are not to be in that place now.” And remember, as Belle said, God is in control, and He loves us. Stay healthy!
Hi Mary, good advice here. This stay-at-home order has forced me to get ‘techie”. I’ve learned how to FaceTime and video call my grandkids! Even tho we are not too far from eachother, being older and susceptible has put a crimp in our ability to get together with them. Along with praying for our world and this outbreak, reading, crochet, and spring cleaning are keeping my busy. I’m praying for everyone ceaselessly. Thanks for your column!
I really like the thoughts about prayer. God will hear us. He cares very much about each one of us. Also this has given me some quiet time to reflect on life and what’s most important. Keep praying
Hello from Ontario Canada. I’m so lucky that my adult daughter moved in with me a few years ago after my husband died so I am not alone (and neither is she). My daughter can work from home through this so life is pretty simple for us. We’re isolating although there have not been any cases in our small city and only a few in the surrounding counties so far. I’m not sure but it looks as if, learning from everyone else, Canada may have got the social distancing down early enough to not get overwhelmed or maybe it just hasn’t hit us yet. Italy reported today that there were fewer new cases today and almost as many recoveries as new cases. No matter how hard it hits, THERE IS AN END TO THIS. Just keep your hearts open and your minds closed to bad news. We can get through this.
Thank you Mary for your encouragement, which means so much to so many. How about starting a movement to refer to “physical distancing ” while maintaining social nearness through phone calls, social media, etc. While physical distance is so important right now, social connection is crucial for our mental and emotional health.
I am a senior female who lost my husband in November, 2019. I am a strong, independent,capable and optimistic person who was acclimating to my “new normal” until today. I had an appointment today to get routine cortisone injections in my shoulders, but last Wednesday my orthopedist cancelled all appointments except for emergencies. Normally, delaying the shots wouldn’t have been too big of a deal, but I have been in a lot of pain because I believe the PA missed the joint in my left shoulder (and possibly the right) three months ago. I am depressed and teary-eyed today, mostly because the pain continues to increase and there is much uncertainty about when I may get relief. I have two dogs, three cats and three horses to care for. I feel like I have been abandoned by the health-care system.
Hello Linda – so sorry to hear about your shoulder pain and the loss of your husband. Mine died 10 years ago but I remember how hard adjusting to what you call the ‘new normal’ was. My heart goes out to you. I’m not a medical person at all but I have dealt with a lot of joint pain (after breaking my back in 3 places) over the years. I have found that heat and just resting the sore places is the best thing I can do for myself and then gently moving around after a rest. Heat is way better for me than cold as cold seems to make it worse (my chiro said it’s because the metal in my back -it gets colder than my body). Don’t know what might work for you but I do wish you well. You haven’t so much been abandoned by the health care system as de-prioritized. THIS TOO WILL END.
Hi Mary!
I too am related to you. My husbands sister is married to Scott Hunt. Been with you for years now and sure enjoy your daily emails, tips etc. I agree with you on perspective and positive
attitude. Just taking a few moments daily to do a gratitude journal. Writing down each day
a few things that I am grateful for helps to to keep things in perspective for me. We are truly blessed and this too shall pass. If God doesn’t take us out of the situation then we must go thru it and he is there every step of the way. So grateful to have that personal relationship with Him as I can do ALL things thru Christ who strengthens me. Praying for you and yours.
Wow … a little extended-family reunion here! How fun. Now … trying to figure your branch on the family tree 🙂 … and I’m pretty sure I’ve located it. Your sister-in-law is Joanie who is my neice-in-law! We are a prolific family. And for cousins “listening in” here, Joanie’s husband Scott’s father is George and Gwen’s eldest son, Lloyd! There, now everyone is confused. Hehe.
Mary, thanks so much for this inspiring post. Just scrolling through it without the benefit of reading all it made such sense to me. Just got an email from a friend this morning who seems to have drifted off the path of where we should try and stay just now. I have forwarded it to her and hopefully she too will read and re-think about what is going on. LOVE your daily posts – have tried some of your cleaning ‘recipes’ and they are golden. Keep up the great work, and my prayers for you and yours, as well as all those who tune in too.
Mary: I have followed you for decades and you always give us what we need. Thank you for including allow yourself time to mourn. 3 friends have lost their husbands this year. I try to appreciate how tough it would be to suddenly alone during this time. I try to support them now with phone calls and notes. Loneliness is the hardest now. I lost someone I had known for nearly 50 years yesterday and we all need time to recognize our hearts are broken but we can help someone else get through this. Even from home, we can call, write notes send something to be delivered to support the person who is having a much harder time. God Bless You Mary Hunt.
Linda
Thank you Mary for reminding us that we always have hope. So we should all hang in there because this too shall pass.
I see a lot of posts about how the Coronavirus has effected us negatively, so I wanted to tell you what I have noticed. I see more people walking….and smiling. I see more people outside in nature…again smiling. I see more parents spending time with their children….and the children are so happy….most of the parents, too. I see more people exercising. I see more people reaching out to help their neighbors or just checking in on them. I see more LOVE. The canals in Venice are almost clear again….so what does that say? Think about that. This Coronavirus has brought the world much tragedy, but it has brought us more gratitude for what we have, more appreciation for the simple things…like birds singing the new dawn of a new day…the blooming of our spring plants….the promise of a different tomorrow…maybe a better one. I know there is fear and, yes, death, but if you let that fill your thoughts, you will “go to the dark side” in your head. Don’t give in. See the beauty that surrounds us and be grateful. Maybe this is nature’s way of resetting the earth and just maybe, we should listen.
Thank you for the encouragement. We do need each other especially during these difficult times. I look forward to your email each day. Hang in there everyone, we are all in this together!
Mary I am 77 and have arthritis and an immune disease. I also have chronic pain. What this has taught me is Gods in control. I do not need to worry or be stressed. This has not impacted me too much, because I know I am not in charge. I do my best I stay home as much as possible only every two week trips to Dams and grocery store. I coat my nose with ointment before I go my Dr. recommended this as it helps you nose not to absorb fine particles. I carry my Sniper wipes. I am so blessed too blessed to be stressed over this. I pray that this will be over soon. But I think it is a lesson to all of us. I hope we learn. May God bless you and your family protect and guide you.
Sorry I’m my that was Sams not Dams I missed the mistake thank you
I am a widow and live alone. I find connection by e-mailing and texting friends and family, joining in online church and Bible study. And you can always call another person who is shut in. I’m also reading, spring cleaning, and watching some shows I haven’t had a chance to watch before.
Thank you for this uplifting, inspirational, informative and calming message today! We must all stay positive!
Thanks Mary for all the years that you’ve been helping people. Of course I’m not happy being so confined. You know how much you want something when you can’t have it. So it’s a mind game. I’m taking this opportunity to get projects done around the house that I never seem to find the time to do. That and my faith in God is what’s going to get me through this. Read Psalm 91. It’s very comforting. Soon we’ll be looking back at this and saying, remember when.
God bless us all.
Arlene, I love Psalm 91! I, too, find much comfort in the Bible, especially those verses spoken by Jesus in the New Testament. My favorite verse right now during this world-wide crisis is from John 16:33 where Jesus said, “I have said all these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In this world you have trouble: but take heart! I have overcome the world.”
What a comfort and encouragement from our Savior who knows what we’re going through right now and is always available to call upon during times of great stress.
If anyone reading this wants to know more about how God can help them right now during this crisis, I would urge them to go to this website: peacewithgod.net. There’s excellent articles there, but also a link where you can chat with someone or send a email with questions.
It is hard to keep a prospective on a day to day basis, especially as the isolation continues. We are some of the lucky ones, we have a yard, to be out in, and work in. My heart and prayers are for those in cities, in apartments (especially with kids ). Each person has unique challenges, so there should be no short tempers, no criticism. Your suggestions are excellent, thank you.
I’m essential personnel so I still interact with people almost daily. My concern is keeping enough distance and doing everything possible to stay healthy.
Thank you, Mary. For those of us who are OK at this time, I encourage you to think of how you can help someone else.
It seems that those of us who are widows and widowers are being put out to sea on an ice floe. We do not have other humans with which to interact. I have resorted to going to the grocery for a few items at a time just so I have someone to speak with. I guess this will pass in time but it seems like forever to me.
Hi Richard,
Yes, I keep hearing one of the “upsides” to this is you get to spend more time with your family. But like you, I am also living alone, so that doesnt really help us, does it?
Do you have any pets? I know they cant talk to you, but I have two dogs and they are a great comfort to me..I am hanging in there, doing embroidery and binge reading all the way through my Sidney Sheldon shelf, lol
Hang in there, indeed “This too shall pass.”
Hi Mary. Thanks for the uplifting message, Here in Canada we are in the same situation, maybe not as advanced, yet.
I am Harold’s cousin and in effect, yours. I was wondering what my parents, Edith and Don and George and Gwen would think about all this but they did go through wartimes.
We need to continue praying for our countries, health care workers and family and neighbours through all of this.
Thanks for your daily inspirational emails
Janet Roberts
Well … Hello Janet! We’re all family here, so I’ll just ask you straight out, because Harold will want to know, too: Which Hunt do you belong to? How amazing to meet up here. I am so blessed to have you in both my families—EC and Hunts, too. You’ve just made my day!
Hi Mary
I am from the Edith branch, my parents Don and Edith Mackenzie who had the family farm in Mt. Vernon after Grandpa Hunt. I remember Uncle George and Aunt Gwen and the kids coming and we played on the veranda. It was always exciting. My Mother highly regarded George and Gwen, Mom was the 4th of the 9 Hunt kids. I am the youngest of the 4 daughters.
Mary, You are such a blessing. I just prayed for you and yours.
Thank you so much, Kathleen! Means the world to me.
Such a timely post. Even though I knew this, I REALLY needed to hear it. Thank you for helping me stay grounded.
Lori