Back in the Spring at our Virtual Achievers Club Meeting, Toastmaster Christina Keener presented a speech that could prove to be very helpful.
She gave us five tips for remaining positive and productive during the global pandemic. I really felt like she made some great talking points and I want to share them with you once again in my blog.
The first point she shared was that we need to get outside at least once a day. Of course, we still need to practice social distancing. A great example here involves taking a walk.
One day I took advantage of the beautiful late April sunshine and drove up to Ligonier. I sat in the diamond and had a Sheetz picnic before taking a walk around the town I call my little Stars Hollow. After my little stroll and some time to read, I took a ride up 711 through Oak Grove, towards New Florence, and into Seward before turning left onto 56 and heading back home.
The second point is we should call at least one friend or relative per day. I prefer texting (I’m not really a phone person) but I am turning into an old pro with Zoom meetings. I post these blogs and share the link on Facebook so that everyone can see them.
I text my old teacher and good friend Kevin Clougherty every day just to make sure he’s doing all right. My cousin Katie posts a quiz on Facebook once a week and I participate in them. One of these days I will place in the top five. We also read each other’s blogs.
The third point she talked about was that we need to give ourselves something to look forward to. I have plenty of things that I can look forward to even in these difficult times.
I attended virtual Toastmasters meetings during the layoff and took part in Financial Peace University. I just finished Gilmore Girls on Netflix and watched the revival this weekend. I have plenty of books that I’m reading as well. Right now they’re covering social issues such as race. I also find tunes to listen to when I am driving or walking at Twin Lakes. I listen to a mix of Contemporary Christian, Worship, and Country music. Depends on where I am and what my current mood is.
The fourth point that Christina highlighted in her speech was that we need to acknowledge our feelings. Let’s face it. Most of us are frustrated, we’re expressing disappointment, sadness, as well as anger. It’s ok for those of us who need to get it out to feel this way. But don’t just focus on the negative aspect of things.
Express feelings of gratitude. Count your blessings and pray. Write down in a journal what you are thankful for. Show appreciation to those people, places, or things whom you took for granted but would give anything to have them back right now. Personally, I’m someone who likes to be virtuous. Not only am I wanting to express feelings of gratitude, but also humility. I like to show compassion towards people and live a life of integrity. Those are just a few of the virtues I like to display. I want to practice living a “good vibes only” lifestyle.
The fifth and final point that she talked about was something a lot of us aren’t doing right now. Especially if we’re living our lives at home. We need to shower first thing in the morning and put on clean clothes. I’m someone who lives by good personal hygiene and I will admit I did get lazy during my time off. I spent the day in sweatpants or pajamas because it was convenient and it was in my comfort zone.
When you practice this number one tip, you’ll feel better in spite of everything going on in the world. Have a nice outfit ready to go and rock it even when no one is watching. I just updated my wardrobe the last couple of days shopping at JCPenney and Old Navy. I bought some nice shirts on clearance as well as some new jeans. Overall I think I made out pretty good.
As I close off the blog, remember to live your best life and be your best you. ROCK out because you are worth it. Coming up tomorrow, I will go over my vacation and how I’m decluttering my life by letting go of my past. Have a great night and enjoy your Monday.
Bye everyone. ❤️ you.
Stylish 🍒 