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Changes and Control

March 25, 2020 3 min read 17 Comments

Countries are going on lockdown, everyday entertainment is becoming less and less of a norm, schools are closing until further notice, businesses are having employees work remotely, if at all, and people all over the world are seeing just how serious the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is. 

We’ve all heard about the novel coronavirus for weeks, but now we’ve come face to face with the reality of how it affects us directly and indirectly. With all of this change and uncertainty, you start to realize just how much it’s something we don’t really have control over…and you know what?  That’s okay!

One of my favorite quotes about change is from David Levithan’s The Lover’s Dictionary where he describes change as “flux”:

Our moods change. Our lives change. Our feelings for each other change. Our bearings change. The song changes. The air changes. The temperature of the shower changes.

Accept this. We must accept this.

David Levithan

But for some reason, we don’t accept it. Why? Why can’t we accept that things are ever-changing?

While we wait or cocoon from the next chapter, it creeps up slowly but steadily, arriving absolutely on time. Our new normal? Social-distancing, limiting exposure in crowds, working remotely, self-quarantining as needed, and (hopefully) sharing resources.

Yet, as we’ve seen on the news, resources are being gobbled up, companies are price gouging on necessities that can help those in need.  Worse yet, people are fighting in stores over items like toilet paper – no less. The worst of humanity is being shown at times when we need to come together, as our own actions directly affect others. More importantly, our very humanity, morality, and faith are calling for it.

In our ways, we like to have control, especially over our routines and what we deem as our regular or the norm, i.e caregiving, going to work, and going to school.

When we’re in control, we feel certain. Our worries and concerns fall to the back of our minds because we basically think everything is going just perfectly. But the reality is that life has its ups and downs, its highs and lows, its comings and goings, and that’s the beauty in the uncertainty of it all. 

Often, we’re so consumed by what we can’t control, that we tend to not stop and reflect on why the heck life threw us a curveball in the first place? 

Disruptions to our norm coupled with the intensity of COVID-19 changing day by day can, unfortunately, heighten our fears. But where in the darkness there is light, and I’ve seen many glimmers. Sheer acts of kindness, I mean pure goodness in humanity that are true beacons for what is possible. They remind us that we are all in this together and together is the only way we’ll get through. Even if that means adapting to change or relinquishing control.

And if you’re a little overwhelmed, try reading my 10 Uplifting and Positive Quotes to Grow Your Soul post and grab some inspiration and positivity.

How are you dealing with change?

17 Comments

  • Thoughts and Unrest | Anna Elle Liz January 6, 2023 at 12:32 am

    […] Changes and Control […]

  • This is a great perspective. This is unlike anything I have ever experienced, trying to find things to be grateful for each day right now!!!

    • annaelleliz March 26, 2020 at 10:49 pm

      I know! Finding things to be grateful for is keeping me going these days!

    • annaelleliz April 9, 2020 at 3:00 am

      Thank you! I agree with you 100% percent! I don’t really know how to put into words this new situation but finding things to be grateful for is so important!

  • Marina Macii March 26, 2020 at 10:53 am

    Here in Italy quarantine started at the beginning of March. My life hasn’t changed so much but I have more time for my family and extra time for me…not a bad thing after all!

    • annaelleliz March 26, 2020 at 10:48 pm

      Praying for Italy, as well as you and your family! I think we’re definitely trying to adjust over here in the U.S. but spending time with family is a plus.

    • annaelleliz April 9, 2020 at 2:52 am

      I totally agree! Quarantine really started getting serious in NYC the beginning of March, but I found things really haven’t changed for me either on the home front!

  • Jessica Collazo March 25, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    Well my anxiety of this covid 19 comes and goes.I’m just trying to stay-at-home stay safe and stay healthy.

    • annaelleliz March 26, 2020 at 1:50 am

      I feel ya! All we can really do is that! Praying for you and your family 🙏🏽

  • TheSuperMomLife March 25, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    I love the different perspective on this situation. I was handling everything just fine until a couple of days ago. My anxiety caught up to me.

    • annaelleliz March 26, 2020 at 1:34 am

      I can totally understand. This is such a different and anxious time! I think my brain is defaulting to positive so my anxiety is hitting the backburner but I’m sure it’ll happen to me soon too!

      I hope you and your family are staying safe and that you’ll be able to get some comfort so you won’t be too anxious ?

  • Lou March 25, 2020 at 5:25 pm

    I honestly think this lockdown is a good idea. Indeed, we don’t have any control on this but if people were looking beyond the tip of their nose, they would understand that’s not a bad thing, it’s for us. It’s to help us. Your article was really great x

    • annaelleliz March 26, 2020 at 1:30 am

      100% agree! Yeah it’s a little bit of change but I’m so willing to stay in if it means protecting the most vulnerable!

      Aww, thank you! Hope you’re staying safe and sane ?

  • Devin March 25, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    This was a great read!

    • annaelleliz March 26, 2020 at 1:27 am

      Thanks much! Hope you’re staying safe ?

  • mriveraediblesense March 25, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    This quarantine isn’t really affecting our normal schedule with the exceptions of being able to go out to restaurants and our homeschool field trips. I’m relishing the extra time I’m having with my children.

    • annaelleliz March 26, 2020 at 1:27 am

      I agree with you there! I was already working from home blogging so not much change over here! Just adjusting to not going out as well either, especially living in the city! Stay safe ?

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