As we were watching the news the other night, a report came on about how people are experiencing mental health issues right now without realizing. Due to the unfamiliarity of this pandemic, we feel unsafe and uncertain about everyday things. This has put some people into the grieving process. We are grieving for what we have lost, either everyday common things or more devastating things like the loss of a job or the loss of a loved one to this pandemic. For me that was a big “ahh haa” moment. It opened my eyes as to why I was feeling so blue.

When my father passed away, I went through a period of deep grief. After several months and grief counseling, I started to feel more functional but still had this underlying sadness. This is how I am feeling right now! I am grieving. I have been grieving my lost sense of community, extended family closeness, friendship closeness, personal safety and even my sense of freedom.

So now, I am digging back into my psyche toolbox to retrieve those tools that worked to help me to deal with grief before. An added tool that I have gained is my larger faith in God. Faith that this will pass. Life may not be exactly like it was before the pandemic, but once the high-risk has passed, we will get into a new normal.

We have a scripture verse written on the chalk board in our kitchen. Our daughter put it up there years ago. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your god will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9  I have made this my mantra over the past few days.  Finding positive, happy things around me, taking a walk, and taking extra prayer time every day, I can feel the feeling of grief beginning to subside.

Please know that you are not alone.  God, your loved ones and your Grace Community are with you.

Blessings and love,

Marie Kolar