We may have a lot of anixieties during the pandemic for various reasons, such as our job instability in economic downturn, the need to go home when travelling seems impossible, our social isolation and the lack of community support, the complaints of bored children of our employers, and, above all, our flu symptoms which make us worry if we are infected by the virus. Even Masses are suspended, depriving us of the big source of spiritual strength.
We have to learn to arrange these sources of anxieties. Some only show stress and that we have overreacted. Some of these problems can be fixed if we do something, while others cannot be controlled or prevented. Think of a way to prioritise what to do first, and put the uncontrollable problems aside after calming down ourselves with prayers.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own,” Matthew 6:34. Jesus warned us that worries can reduce our strength in handling the matters before us. We have to focus on what we can do at present.
A peaceful heart enables us to plan ahead. Our brain works better when we are happy and calm. Ask ourselves a simple question that can cheer us up and drag us to the present, such as, “Is it time for a cup of coffee?”
Gloria Ruiz
