I decided to write this particular blog tonight just because I am starting to see more and more stress around the school and thought maybe there is something I could say that might help us all out. You would think that with our first quarter behind us and already into the second week of the second quarter, and all face to face learning, that we would be excited and relieved. Well I think all of us are pleased that we are able to keep meeting everyday at the school and not have to do online schooling, except for the few that are quarantined. But the fact remains that we have had a few positive cases and several students that had to quarantine. It seems like all of us are in fear that positive cases may increase and we will have to shutdown. I know that lingers over a lot of us. I know that the entire Covid crisis is creating stress on all of us. We are not living life the way we are used to. We don't go out to restaurants and sit down to eat. We are not going to sporting events and watching the students play soccer, football or other sports. Many of us are concerned about our elderly parents and loved ones. The dark mornings and colder weather don't help the situation either.
Now with all that being said, I do have some things for you to think about as we struggle with these situations and thoughts. First of all, I can't promise that we will not shutdown in some way in the future. We are all doing a great job wearing the mask and social distancing at lunch, but we are not immune. Let all of us continue doing our absolute best as we attend each day, wearing mask properly, washing hands and social distancing. The fact is, we can only control certain things and I believe that is where a lot of the fear and worrying comes from. When we try to control things that are out of our control, that produces anxiety and worry. I have heard so many students say "what if this happens" or "what if that happens". I just want all of you to know that our administration is doing everything in their power to keep all of us safe and keep us attending regularly.
One of the big things to controlling our anxiety is by not allowing our thoughts to scare us or take over our lives. There is a game that anxiety plays and there are four rules to the game. These four rules will ensure that anxiety wins. If you believe these four rules, anxiety wins.
If any fearful thought pops up, take it seriously.
Once you are scared or worried, try to get rid of these feelings
Assume you don’t have what it takes to solve this problem, so back away.
Anytime you feel anxiety, assume that there is danger.
The way to defeat each of these statements is by using the following remedies:
If any fearful thought pops up, take it seriously.
A thought is a thought
Once you are scared or worried, try to get rid of these feelings.
Observe anxiety
Assume you don’t have what it takes to solve this problem, so back away.
Combat avoidance - it maintains the fear structure
Anytime you feel anxiety, assume that there is danger
Push through anxiety - don’t trust it.
Say to yourself, "okay I'm anxious, no big deal - I will survive it. I really hope all of you will look at all the wonderful things that you do have in your life. Realize that you were able to wake up today and have breakfast, ride to school, be with friends. Think about your loved ones that you can still have conversations with, spend time with. For the staff, think about the blessings in your life and maybe write those down. You will be surprised how long the list is. How many can hug their grandchildren and feel that intense love. For the students; why don't you make a list of all the good things going on in your life right now. Again, you will be amazed at the length of the list. I just want to tell you, we will be back to normal. We will enjoy gatherings with friends and family. We will once again have big weddings and parties. I don't have an answer to when this will be, but we are closer than when we first began this crisis. In the mean time, count your blessings and laugh with others, stay off the news and don't play the Anxiety game. If you need to talk, you know I will always be there for you. Peace!
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