Jimbo's Jots

It is recommended to get an annual physical. The medical staff want to make sure you’re doing well. Your health insurance, should you have it, wants to make sure you are doing well. Your family, should you have one, wants to make sure you’re in good health.

It’s been a couple of months of craziness for my family personally. Between mom’s passing, traveling to Nashville for a wedding, my teacher wife “heading back” to school, a case of COVID in my family, my sister finding out recently that she has a treatable form of cancer, traveling to St. Louis for mom’s service. It’s time to assess how we’re all doing.

Parents staying home with students while they’re in school virtually, how are you doing? Do you need the “peace that passes understanding”?

Students, virtually at home or to the ones that are back face to face or hybrids, how are you doing? Are you learning productive coping strategies while understanding the latest math assignment or english essay?

Family and friends, the latest news reports regarding this pandemic is a second wave is coming around or maybe even here. Does that mean the panic that ensued early will come back around? No toilet paper? Grocery store shelves bare in some aisles. Are you in panic mode yet?

Oh and on top of this, we’re a week away from a presidential election.

Take a moment and just breath. As you wake each morning and as you go through your day:

1. take several deep breaths – a deep breath is counting to 4 or 5 slowly as you breath in and counting to 5 or 6 as you breath out. What this does is slows your heart rate. It refocuses your mind on your breathing and not what is causing the panic.
2. take an assessment of where you are. Notice the sights, smells, touches, sounds, and tastes you are experiencing. It’s called living in the moment. Again, what this does is it refocuses you and slows your brain activity down for a moment.
3. give your day to the Lord. I’ve said this before to several clients – as you wake, say this simple prayer, “God, today is yours! Use me as you wish!” And see how God will work in your life for that day!

It’s time for a check up! How are you doing? If you need me, my door is open, my phone is not unlisted and I will text back if you write.

Be blessed and be a blessing!